Cyprus says it is on track to join Schengen Area in 2026, ministry sources say

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Cyprus government says it remains on course to join the Schengen Area, though it no longer says this will happen this year and instead frames it as a time-based goal.

Government timeline and statements

On February 5, President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus was “finalising” technical preparations for full integration into the Schengen zone in 2026.

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“We continue our efforts to complete technical requirements, always in cooperation with the European Commission, with the aim of full integration of our country into the Schengen zone, further strengthening our security,” he said at the time.

Schengen and Cyprus’ status

The Schengen Area is a system of open borders encompassing 29 European countries that have officially abolished border controls at their common borders, functioning largely as a single jurisdiction under a common visa policy for international travel.

Of the 27 EU member states, only Cyprus and Ireland are not members of the Schengen Area. Cyprus is committed by treaty to join and aims to do so in 2026, though its participation is hampered by Turkey’s occupation of the north. Ireland maintains an opt-out to preserve the Common Travel Area with the non-EU United Kingdom and operates its own visa policy.

Foreign ministry sources on readiness and evaluation

After being contacted for an update, foreign ministry sources said Cyprus’ “goal for technical readiness by the end of 2025 has been achieved.”

They added: “We’ve ticked all the boxes.”

The Cyprus Mail was told that evaluation of Cyprus’ compliance with technical requirements is an “ongoing, dynamic process”.

What do you think is the most important factor affecting Cyprus’ timeline for joining the Schengen Area?