schengen travel — schengen travel — Cyprus will not implement the European Union’s new electronic entry/exit system (EES) due to its current status outside the Schengen zone. This system is set to come into effect in April for the majority of the Schengen member states, which include popular travel destinations like France and Spain.
Schengen travel: Impact of Schengen EES on Cyprus
As Cyprus remains outside the Schengen area, the anticipated long queues at border controls, which have been reported in British media, are not expected to affect the island. With the EES designed to streamline entry procedures, it aims to replace traditional passport stamps with biometric checks for most foreign tourists arriving in Schengen countries.
Details on the New Entry System
The EES was first introduced in October of the previous year and will be fully operational by April 10, covering all 29 Schengen member states. Under this system, non-EU citizens arriving in the Schengen zone will have their photographs taken and fingerprints recorded at border points.
Since Cyprus is not part of this system, residents and citizens of Cyprus can enter the Schengen zone by presenting their passport along with a residence permit. However, British nationals who are permanent residents in Cyprus and possess the “yellow slip” registration certificate will face restrictions if they have not updated their documentation.
Who Needs to Comply with EES?
For third country nationals residing in Cyprus, the EES will not apply. This group can enter the Schengen zone without additional biometric checks, provided they can present valid identification and proof of residency. Nevertheless, British nationals who have not replaced their “yellow slips” with biometric residence cards will be subject to the EES checks at borders.
Proposed Changes for British Nationals
The “yellow slip” is a significant document for British nationals who moved to Cyprus before the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020. While it remains valid for residency, British nationals without the new biometric card will face stricter entry requirements when travelling to other Schengen countries.
As of now, the EU is implementing the EES and plans to introduce a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) later this year. Under ETIAS, citizens from Annex II countries, including the UK, will need to fill out an online form and pay a fee of €20 to gain access to the Schengen zone.
Future Prospects for Cyprus Joining the Schengen Zone
Efforts are ongoing for Cyprus to join the Schengen zone, which would change the current dynamics for third country nationals visiting the island. European Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner recently indicated that Cyprus could take significant steps toward accession as early as this spring.
Brunner noted that the European Commission is expected to complete its special evaluation report regarding Cyprus’s Schengen membership by the end of February. Once this report is finalised, the decision to join will be left to the Council of the European Union, which must reach a unanimous agreement among its member states.
Government Goals for Schengen Accession
President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed a strong commitment to Cyprus joining the Schengen zone within this year, aiming for a more comprehensive integration into the EU’s border management system by 2026. As the Cypriot government pushes for this accession, the possibility of facing EES biometric checks will loom for third country nationals if and when the island joins.
Current Travel Regulations and Requirements
For the time being, the current passport stamping process will continue for travellers from third countries entering Cyprus. The government is actively working to fulfil the necessary criteria for Schengen membership, but until then, visitors will not be subject to the new EES checks.
As Cyprus navigates its path toward potential Schengen membership, the situation remains dynamic. The ongoing changes and planned implementations of EES and ETIAS systems will likely influence travel patterns and regulations for many nationalities.
