The European Commission on 30 October 2025 proposed raising the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) fee from €7 to €20. Once ETIAS launches in late 2026, visa-exempt nationals—including visitors from the US, UK, Canada and Australia—will need to secure the electronic authorisation before travelling to Cyprus.
Although Cyprus is not yet in the Schengen Area, it has opted into both the ETIAS and the linked Entry/Exit System. That means every short-stay, visa-waiver passenger flying into Larnaca, Paphos or crossing the Green Line from the north will eventually require an approved ETIAS.
The Commission argues the price hike will raise roughly €300 million a year in “own-resources” revenue for the EU budget. Travel industry groups, however, warn it risks dampening demand for short Mediterranean city breaks. Based on 2019 arrival numbers, Cyprus could see travellers pay an additional €9–10 million a year in aggregate fees.
Corporate mobility teams should anticipate the higher cost when budgeting assignment-related travel from 2026 onward. Employers who routinely rotate staff on 90-day business visits may also need to shoulder the fee for each traveller, though the authorisation remains valid for three years.
EU ministers will debate the measure in November; adoption requires a qualified majority in Council and does not need unanimous approval. Cypriot officials have not indicated opposition but have asked Brussels for marketing support to offset any potential demand shock for island tourism.
Although Cyprus is not yet in the Schengen Area, it has opted into both the ETIAS and the linked Entry/Exit System. That means every short-stay, visa-waiver passenger flying into Larnaca, Paphos or crossing the Green Line from the north will eventually require an approved ETIAS.
The Commission argues the price hike will raise roughly €300 million a year in “own-resources” revenue for the EU budget. Travel industry groups, however, warn it risks dampening demand for short Mediterranean city breaks. Based on 2019 arrival numbers, Cyprus could see travellers pay an additional €9–10 million a year in aggregate fees.
Corporate mobility teams should anticipate the higher cost when budgeting assignment-related travel from 2026 onward. Employers who routinely rotate staff on 90-day business visits may also need to shoulder the fee for each traveller, though the authorisation remains valid for three years.
EU ministers will debate the measure in November; adoption requires a qualified majority in Council and does not need unanimous approval. Cypriot officials have not indicated opposition but have asked Brussels for marketing support to offset any potential demand shock for island tourism.
Fonte: In-Cyprus / Euronews
