When will Cyprus join Schengen?

bigfer

Does anyone know when Cyprus will become a member of the Schengen countries?

I am planning a 17 day holiday to Cyprus in March 2022 to avoid eating into my 90/180 days travel to other parts of europe. TIA

Alan_Bowen

Cyprus has made a formal application to join, I believe the application started in 2019 and the matter is now in the hands of the EU Commission. There is concern about the problem of the divided island, and whether that needs resolving first but they may find a way around it. One of the other non-Schengen countries is of course the Republic of Ireland who also face the issue of a divided island..

R3dders

Great question.  I'm in the same boat as I will be up to my 90 days mid November.  I actually went into a well known travel agents the other day looking for a holiday without long haul out of the Schengen area.  The agent had never heard of 'Schengen areas' and the best they could offer was Cape Verde.  I'll be interested in any further updates.  Thanks. 

CKhalvashi

bigfer said:

Does anyone know when Cyprus will become a member of the Schengen countries?

I am planning a 17 day holiday to Cyprus in March 2022 to avoid eating into my 90/180 days travel to other parts of europe. TIA

The EU Commission have not announced a date at this stage, but it's unlikely to be before March 2022 at this time, even if I can't guarantee it.

R3dders said:

Great question.  I'm in the same boat as I will be up to my 90 days mid November.  I actually went into a well known travel agents the other day looking for a holiday without long haul out of the Schengen area.  The agent had never heard of 'Schengen areas' and the best they could offer was Cape Verde.  I'll be interested in any further updates.  Thanks. 

Depending on where you are, Georgia (stamped is good for 360 days), Moldova or Ukraine (also 90/180) may help you outside the EU. It may also be worth looking at Albania, Serbia, Montenegro or North Macedonia. which I believe are all 90/180.

Within the EU, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria aren't yet members, and Ireland has no obligation to join with unlimited residency rights for UK Citizens.