“East is a delicate matter,” says a well-known aphorism. And since the island of Cyprus is located in close proximity to the Turkish coast, this statement applies in many respects to it. In particular, the question of whether Cyprus needs a visa for Russians is not a definite answer.
Here you need to understand the mass of subtleties and nuances. What will we do now.
A problem lingering since 1974
To assess all the difficulties and risks that can overshadow your vacation in Cyprus, you need to make a short excursion into history. In 1974, Turkey captured the northern part of the island. In order to avoid accusations of annexation of foreign territories, an independent republic was declared on them. But to this day, apart from Turkey, only one (the same self-proclaimed) Abkhazia recognized it. The "green line" is guarded by the UN armed forces. Why is this information for ordinary tourists? In order to know - passions have not subsided over the past years. The question "Do I need a visa to Cyprus" needs to be clarified which part of it you want to go to. In the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" she is not needed. You can fly to this part of the island from Istanbul. But with the stamp of a self-proclaimed republic, you will not be allowed into the Republic of Cyprus.
Do I need a Schengen visa?
Not. Despite the fact that the southern part of the island is inhabited by Greeks, and the whole country is preparing to join the Eurozone, so far you can relax in Cyprus without a “Schengen”. But still, in order to land in Larnaca or Paphos without problems - that is, on the territory of an officially recognized state, Russians need a visa. But especially for them, its receipt was greatly simplified. If your vacation is able to fit in 90 days and you do not think to leave the southern part to visit the northern, you can open the so-called PRO-visa in a day. To do this, you just need to go to the website of the Cyprus Embassy in Moscow and fill out an online application form. The very next day you will receive an email with a unique number. And this pleasure will not cost you a dime! If your stay on the island goes beyond 90 days or if you plan to leave and re-enter the country, then the answer to the question “Do you need a visa to Cyprus for Russians” will be “yes”.
What documents are needed and where to apply for a visa?
This sticker is issued at the Consulate of Cyprus in Moscow, and for residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region at the local consulate in the city on the Neva. It is foolish to ask whether you need a visa to Cyprus if you intend to travel to the country many times over three years and spend up to 90 days on its territory every six months. Of course yes! But she, too, will not cost you anything. What documents must be submitted in order to receive this treasured insert? A valid passport, a copy of a Russian passport, two photos, hotel booking confirmation, a certificate of employment and a bank statement. Very similar to the requirements for a Schengen visa, is not it? By the way, the lucky owners of this brand do not need additional permission to enter Cyprus. There is only one condition: the holder of the "Schengen" must first at least once visit the country that issued this visa. They say that Cyprus is hoping to enter this zone soon. Do I need a visa? 2013 left everything unchanged.