Cyprus remains a popular Mediterranean destination for UAE residents, offering relaxed entry rules for Emirati citizens and accessible visa options for expatriates. However, visa requirements depend on passport nationality, not UAE residency.
This guide explains who needs a Cyprus visa from the UAE, the difference between UAE nationals and expatriate residents, available visa types, required documents, and the correct application routes.
- Why Cyprus is popular with UAE residents
- Key differences: UAE nationals vs. non-UAE nationals
- Who is exempt from a Cyprus visa
- Types of Cyprus visas for UAE residents
- Core requirements for a Cyprus visa from UAE
- How to apply for a Cyprus visa from the UAE
- Processing time, validity & fees
- Practical tips for UAE applicants
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Why Cyprus is popular with UAE residents
Cyprus attracts UAE travellers for its short flight time, mild Mediterranean climate, historical cities, beaches, and growing appeal for education, business meetings, and family visits. It is often combined with wider European travel.
Key differences: UAE nationals vs. non-UAE nationals
Cyprus applies its own national visa rules, not the Schengen rules, although certain Schengen visa holders may be exempt. Entry conditions differ significantly between Emirati passport holders and expatriate UAE residents.
UAE nationals (Emirati passport holders)
Emirati citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Cyprus.
- Visa-free stay: up to 90 days within 180 days
- Permitted purposes: tourism and business visits
- Visa still required for: work, study, or long-term residence
UAE residents (expats with non-UAE passports)
Most expatriate residents must apply for a Cyprus visa in advance, based on their passport nationality.
General requirements include:
- Valid UAE residence visa, usually with at least 3–6 months validity remaining
- Proof of legal residence in the UAE
- Application submitted from the UAE (not on visit visas)
Who is exempt from a Cyprus visa
The following travellers may enter Cyprus without a separate visa for short stays:
- Holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, provided it has already been used to enter a Schengen country. However, this exemption does not apply to Turkish or Azerbaijani passport holders, who must always apply through the standard Cyprus visa process, regardless of any other visas they hold.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders from eligible countries
Stays beyond 90 days or for employment purposes always require national permits.
Types of Cyprus visas for UAE residents
Cyprus issues both short-stay and long-stay visas depending on travel duration and activity.
Short-stay (Category C) visas
- Tourist visa: leisure travel or visiting friends/family
- Business visa: meetings, conferences, trade activities
Allows stays of up to 90 days.
Long-stay & special-purpose visas
- Student visa
- Work visa and employment permits
- Family reunion or joining spouse
These require prior approval from the Cyprus authorities.
Single vs. multiple entry visas
- Single entry: suitable for one-time trips
- Multiple entry: recommended for frequent travel or regional itineraries
Issuance depends on travel history and documentation.
Core requirements for a Cyprus visa from UAE
Most applicants are asked to submit a standard set of documents, with additional papers depending on visa type.
General document checklist
Applicants typically submit:
- Passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages
- Completed the Cyprus visa application form
- Recent passport-size photographs
- UAE residence visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
- Proof of UAE residency duration
- Return flight booking
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, including emergency medical treatment and repatriation
Financial & employment proof
- Bank statements or evidence of sufficient funds
- Employer NOC or sponsor letter
- Employment letter or trade licence (business owners)
Additional documents for specific visas
- Business invitation letters
- University acceptance letters (students)
- Family relationship documents
How to apply for a Cyprus visa from the UAE
UAE residents can apply through official government channels or authorised application centres, depending on passport nationality and visa type.
Most applicants will follow this standard process:
- Identify the correct visa type
- Complete the official Cyprus visa application form
- Book an appointment with VFS Global or the embassy (where applicable)
- Attend in person and submit documents and biometrics
- Pay the applicable visa and service fees
- Track the application and collect the passport
VFS Global – Cyprus Visa Application Centre (Dubai)
Location
It’s located in WAFI Mall, 2nd Floor, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
VFS Global – Cyprus Visa Application Centre (Abu Dhabi)
Location
It’s located in Central Market Project – Khalifa Bin Zayed The First St – Al Danah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information for Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Phone: 971 4 205 5660
- Email: info.cypdxb@vfshelpline.com
Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Abu Dhabi
This route applies to Syrian and Turkish passport holders, as well as to cases requiring direct embassy submission.
Location
It’s located in Villa No.32, Nushash St – behind Villagio Hotel – Al Nahyan – E19 02 – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
- Phone: +971 2 665 4480
- Email: abu-dhabi.embassy@mfa.gov.cy
Processing time, validity & fees
Processing timelines, visa validity, and fees are regulated by Cyprus immigration authorities. Applicants are advised to apply at least 15 working days before travel.
Processing time
Processing duration depends on the submission route, time of year, and completeness of the application file.
- VFS Global applications: approximately 15 working days under normal conditions.
- Minimum processing may be 7–10 working days if the documentation is complete.
- During peak seasons (Eid, summer, Christmas), processing can extend up to 45 days.
Visa validity
Visa validity and permitted stay are determined at the time of assessment and may differ from the requested travel dates.
- Short-stay (Category C) visas are typically valid for up to 180 days
- Permitted stay is up to 90 days within the validity period
- Entry type (single or multiple) is granted at the discretion of the authorities
Fees
Visa fees are set by the Cyprus authorities, with additional service charges applied by the authorised application centre.
- Standard visa fee (single or multiple entry): AED 390
- Reduced fee for children aged 6–12: AED 200
- Children under 6 years: no visa fee
- VFS Global service fee: AED 29 per applicant (paid separately)
- Additional costs may include mandatory travel insurance or document translation
Practical tips for UAE applicants
The following practical points can help reduce delays, avoid rejections, and ensure a smoother visa application and travel experience.
- Apply early, especially during peak travel seasons
- Supporting documents (NOC, salary certificate) must be issued within 1 month of submission
- Provide original stamped bank statements for the last 3 months showing salary credits
- Ensure travel medical insurance covers at least €30,000 and includes repatriation
- Carry printed copies of all submitted documents when travelling
Key takeaways
Emirati citizens enjoy visa-free access to Cyprus for short stays of up to 90 days. Most expatriate UAE residents must apply for a Cyprus visa in advance unless they hold a valid and used multiple-entry Schengen visa. Applications are generally submitted through VFS Global or, for certain nationalities, directly at the Cyprus Embassy. Standard processing takes around 15 working days and can extend significantly during peak periods. Clear documentation, sufficient financial proof, and early application greatly improve the chances of approval.
FAQs
No. Emirati passport holders can enter Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Yes. Expatriate residents can apply from the UAE, provided they hold a valid UAE residence visa and meet embassy requirements.
In many cases, yes. Holders of a valid double or multiple-entry Schengen visa that has already been used may enter Cyprus for short stays, except for Turkish and Azerbaijani nationals.
Standard processing takes around 15 working days, but it can extend up to 45 days during peak travel seasons.
For most expatriate residents of the UAE, yes. Syrian and Turkish nationals must apply directly at the Cyprus Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
