Cyprus tightens visa requirements for Russians: new rules for 2024

Cyprus has updated its requirements for obtaining a visa for Russian citizens. Applicants must now provide a more extensive package of documents, similar to that required for a Schengen visa. This was reported by the Cyprus consulate.

The key change involves new requirements for financial and social security documents. Applicants must now attach:

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• A statement from the Pension Fund and Social Insurance Fund covering the last 10 years, certified with a digital signature. This statement can be obtained via the Gosuslugi government services portal or by visiting the nearest office of the Russian Pension Fund. Obtaining the statement through the portal involves logging into the system, submitting a request, and waiting for the electronic version of the document.
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• A bank statement showing account activity for the last three months;
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• Copies of all completed pages of the applicant's Russian internal passport;
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• Salary information for the last six months (previously, only one month's information was required).
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Applicants planning a sponsored trip must provide a sponsorship letter. The document must state the destination, the dates of the visit, and a full breakdown of the expenses the sponsor is covering.

The processing time for applications has also changed. Processing documents now takes up to 15 working days, compared with just 3–4 days previously. This is due to a rise in the number of applications, which has added to the workload of consular services, as well as stricter requirements for verifying submitted documents. This is linked to the increased number of applications and the need for more thorough document verification.

Besides these new requirements, the standard documents remain mandatory:

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• A completed application form, in the prescribed format;
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• A valid international passport and a copy of its main page;
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• Two current colour photographs, 3.5×4.5 cm;
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• Health insurance valid for the entire period of stay;
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• Proof of hotel or other accommodation booking;
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Previously, Russians could apply for a Pro-visa to travel to Cyprus online, but this option is no longer available due to the lack of direct flights between the Republic of Cyprus and the Russian Federation. Nevertheless, entry to the island remains possible with a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa.

These changes to the visa application process require applicants to prepare their documents in advance and account for the new processing times, to avoid delays to their trip.