Cyprus visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Cyprus

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Cypriot Visa.

  • Correctly completed visa application form with valid contact details. The application form should be signed where necessary.
  • South African passport which does not expire for another 3 months after departure from the country. The passport should have 3 blank pages.
  • Two copies of passport-sized photographs taken with a white background. The passport should not be older than 3 months.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Applicants must possess a valid travel insurance which should cover at least €30,000 for medical insurance.
  • A copy of applicant’s bank statement should be provided. This should cover 3 months prior to the period of visa application.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay in the country should be provided. This may be in the form of booked hotel accommodation or valid address of your host in Cyprus.
  • Booked flight tickets with entry and exit date from Cyprus.   

Cyprus Visa for South Africans

Facts about Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus is known for its beaches, mountains, ski resorts and national parks. Activities like hiking and mountain biking are the most popular activities tourists engage in while in the country. The country is also known for its wine cultivation which has been done since the Bronze age. You can try out a variety of wines while in the country.
 
Tourism in Cyprus plays a vital role in the country’s economy. About 4 million foreign tourists visit Cyprus yearly which makes it the 40th most visited country in the world.

Foreigners in Cyprus should beware of taking photographs in sensitive places like military buildings and also some government buildings.

Avoid gambling establishments, criminals often target these establishments to scam foreigners. There is a zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related crimes, avoid the possession, use, and trafficking of drugs.

Types of Cyprus Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5 working days 1 year
Business visa 5 working days 1 year
Transit visa 5 working days 24 hours

General Requirements for Cyprus Visa

  • Correctly completed visa application form with valid contact details. The application form should be signed where necessary.
  • South African passport which does not expire for another 3 months after departure from the country. The passport should have 3 blank pages.
  • Two copies of passport-sized photographs taken with a white background. The passport should not be older than 3 months.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Applicants must possess a valid travel insurance which should cover at least €30,000 for medical insurance.
  • A copy of applicant’s bank statement should be provided. This should cover 3 months prior to the period of visa application.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay in the country should be provided. This may be in the form of booked hotel accommodation or valid address of your host in Cyprus.
  • Booked flight tickets with entry and exit date from Cyprus.   
Cyprus Tourist visa Cyprus Business visa Cyprus Transit visa

Cyprus Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • 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.

Cyprus Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • 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.

Cyprus Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • 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.

Cyprus Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

Cyprus Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

Corner Stanza Bopape (Church) and Hill Street, Arcadia 0083, Pretoria.

https://www.mfa.gov.cy/highcompretoria

pretoriahighcommision@mfa.gov.cy

+27 12 342 5270

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Cyprus visa??

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

Do you need vaccination for Cyprus??

No vaccinations are required for Cyprus but you are advised to have vaccinations for tetanus and Hepatitis A.

Can I visit another EU country with a Cyprus student visa??
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.
Is there a different tourist visa for the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus??
If you are a Cypriot there is no problem, you can pass the borders. It you are not, it is very complicated.
What should everyone know about Cyprus??
Cyprus is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the safest and most pleasant places to visit.
please can you send me application forms for a visa for Cyprus?
Could you please advise how you can apply for a Cyprus tourist visa from Cape Town - thanks?