Cyprus Steps Up Returns: 208 Irregular Migrants Sent Home in One Week, 7,014 Departures So Far in 2026
Wizz Air Inaugurates Larnaca–Madrid Service, Boosting Cyprus–Spain Connectivity
Cyprus immigration e-services go offline for 25-hour upgrade
Latest News
Cyprus repatriates 208 irregular migrants in one week under EU-funded return drive
Cyprus removed 208 undocumented migrants last week, lifting 2026 totals past 7,000 under an EU-funded returns push. The faster pace eases pressure on reception centres but signals stricter enforcement that employers must heed.
Interpol red-notice fugitive nabbed at Larnaca Airport passport control
Cypriot authorities arrested a Bosnian national wanted for attempted murder after an Interpol Red Notice triggered during passport control at Larnaca Airport on 26 Sep. The case underscores Cyprus’ enhanced API screening and may temporarily lengthen arrival procedures for all passengers.
Migration Department Warns of 25–26 September CY Login Outage, Urges Early Filing of Online Applications
All online migration services that rely on CY Login are unavailable from 17:00 25 Sept to 18:00 26 Sept for system upgrades. Employers and foreign residents should file time-sensitive applications before the shutdown to avoid penalties; the upgrade introduces stronger security and paves the way for future eID integration.
Cyprus moves to tighten golden-visa rules ahead of 2027 Schengen entry
Cyprus will overhaul its golden-visa scheme before joining the Schengen Area. All 12,000 existing permits will be re-audited, investment criteria will be tightened and an inter-agency IT system will allow continuous monitoring of investors. The reforms aim to ensure EU-level due diligence and reduce real-estate speculation, while digitalisation should speed up routine renewals. Advisors should prepare clients for stricter compliance and longer processing times.
Cyprus moves to tighten Golden Visa programme as Schengen accession nears
Cyprus will raise eligibility thresholds and introduce biometric monitoring for its Golden Visa residence-by-investment scheme, the Deputy Migration Minister told MPs on 24 September. The reforms aim to align the programme with Schengen security standards before Cyprus joins the border-free zone, while an EU-funded IT platform will track permit holders from entry to exit. Companies and investors using the scheme should expect stricter scrutiny and longer processing times.
Wizz Air launches Larnaca–Madrid service, boosting Cyprus–Spain connectivity
Wizz Air has opened a three-times-weekly Larnaca–Madrid route, expanding Cyprus’ links with Spain and supporting business, tourism and cargo flows. The launch underlines growing airline investment in Cyprus ahead of the island’s expected entry into Schengen.
Cyprus braces for EU biometric border regime as EES backlog hits European airports
Europe’s new biometric Entry/Exit System is causing hours-long queues at major airports, revealing teething problems that Cyprus will soon have to face. Although Larnaca and Paphos are still outside the scheme, 40 e-gates have been ordered ahead of the island’s expected Schengen accession in 2027. Travel managers should build in longer connection times and prepare employees for biometric enrolment once Cyprus flips the switch.