How to get a Cyprus visa from South Africa

• This visa is meant for foreigners who aim to visit the country for the purpose of sightseeing, recreation and relaxation.
• Travelers who want to visit their relative and friends can also apply for this visa type.
• Holders of this visa are not allowed to take up work while in the country.
• You are not allowed to request for public funds in Cyprus.
• For applicants visiting someone in Cyprus, you are required to have a letter of invitation from your host. The letter should have the home address, contact details and a valid means of identification.
• If you are a minor, an original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
• For non-South Africans, you will be required to provide a copy of you stay permit in South Africa.
• If you have traveled to Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Somalia, Iraq, Syria or Pakistan, you will be required to provide an international certificate of vaccination.
• If you are travelling with your spouse, a copy of valid marriage certificate is required.

• This visa is for foreigners visiting the country for business activities.
• Businessmen and businesswomen can meet up with their business partners to discuss about their business and also to sign contracts.
• You can also attend conferences, trade fairs and business lectures.
• An official letter of invitation on a letterhead from the company in Cyprus is required. The address of the company and duration and purpose of business visit should be stated in detail.
• If the company you are meeting up with is covering the financial aspect of your visit in the country, it should be stated in the letter from the company.
• A letter from your current employer stating that he is aware of your business leave is required.
• If you have traveled to Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Somalia, Iraq, Syria or Pakistan, you will be required to provide an international certificate of vaccination.
• You cannot be paid for any of the services you render while in the country.
• If you are traveling with a minor, an affidavit signed by both parents of the minor should be provided.
• The visa takes 5 working days to be processed.

• With a transit visa, you can make short stops in Cyprus.
• This visa allows you to transit through Cyprus to your final destination.
• You can join a connecting flight from Cyprus to your destination country.
• The visa and flight ticket to your destination country is required during the visa application process.
• Holders of this visa cannot visit friends and relatives or even go sightseeing.
• Minors should ensure they are in possession of their original birth certificate.
• You cannot take up paid or unpaid employment in the country.
• You are expected to leave the country at the expiry of the visa.

The visa processing time takes 5 working days. This might increase to 10 days in some situations.

Cyprus is not in the Schengen Area; therefore, you cannot visit another Schengen country with a Cyprus visa. However, you can visit Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania with your Cyprus visa.

If you are a Cypriot there is no problem, you can pass the borders. It you are not, it is very complicated.

Cyprus is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the safest and most pleasant places to visit.