Cyprus's participation in the Visa Waiver Program is on track, but the process will take time

Cyprus' effort to be part of the USA's Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is on track, something that will eventually enable Cypriot citizens to travel to the United States for business or tourism, for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa.

Cyprus is one of the only three EU countries, together with Romania and Bulgaria, that do not yet participate in the programme, with the Government placing the island's participation high on its list of its priorities, since being part of the programme is anticipated to bring about multi-layered socio-economic as well as political benefits.

Hence, upon taking office last March, the Government of Nikos Christodoulides renewed efforts in this regard in coordination with the competent agencies of the USA, given that the two countries share political will in this direction.

Irene Piki, Deputy Minister to the President, was appointed by the President of the Republic as the coordinator of the entire project, and as the point of contact for the relevant ministries and agencies of the Republic of Cyprus.

Asked by InBusinessNews to state where the effort stands today, Piki said that last June officials paid a visit to Washington, where they met and discussed the matter with the authorities there.

At the same time, the Deputy Minister to the President recently had relevant contact with the US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, precisely to discuss the issue and to review the progress made on the various issues and parameters related to the project.

Without going into more details for obvious reasons, Irene Piki emphasised that the effort is on a very good track.

"We are on a very good path, but you understand that this is a process that must go through several stages," she pointed out.

Asked when tangible, substantial developments should be expected, Piki indicated this would not be in the very immediate future, placing the timeframe - in the best case scenario - within 2024.

It is worth noting that in statements a few weeks ago, the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the issue of Cypriot citizens who choose to travel to the USA for 90 days or less not requiring a visa and the efforts being made in this regard, as being an example of the two countries' good relations, referring to a road map that has been drawn up for the effort's success.

(Source: InBusinessNews)