Cyprus intends to join the Schengen area

Cyprus intends to complete preparations for joining the Schengen free movement zone by the end of 2025. The republic is currently analysing the potential benefits of this step, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told Politico in an interview.

“We have concluded discussions on all political issues concerning the ceasefire line and are now at the stage of finalising technical details,” Christodoulides noted.

Speaking about the advantages Cyprus will gain from membership in the Schengen area, he emphasised that this would open new opportunities for tourism and investment. This process is overseen by a special group within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The President also stated that the republic is close to abolishing visa requirements for Cypriot citizens travelling to the US. A US delegation will visit Cyprus in the near future to discuss this matter, after which official statements will follow.

Politico reminded that Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004, and although its citizens have the right to free movement within the EU, the island itself is not yet part of the Schengen area, which also includes countries that are not members of the bloc.

Cyprus is unique in that the island has been divided since 1974 into a southern part controlled by the Republic of Cyprus and a northern part occupied by Turkey. 

Experts warn that if Cyprus becomes part of the Schengen area without resolving the division issue, the Green Line, which currently serves as a buffer zone, will turn into a strictly guarded external EU border.

This will require the introduction of passport control at checkpoints, which could affect the status of these territories and increase tensions. EU representatives warn that full accession to Schengen will require amendments to the Green Line Regulation governing movement across the divided island.