Cyprus’ US visa waiver programme bid remains on hold

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ bid to join the United States Visa Waiver Programme remains on hold as Washington reassesses the scheme and continues to withhold new admissions. American authorities have confirmed Cyprus’ technical progress towards meeting the requirements for inclusion.

US reassessment

According to competent sources cited by the Cyprus News Agency, the US government is reviewing the programme as a whole and has not added any new countries.

The update follows a visit to Cyprus last month by US Department of Homeland Security Undersecretary for Strategy Rob Law. During the visit, it was reaffirmed that Cyprus had completed the required technical criteria.

A statement issued after Law’s meeting with Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki said further consideration of Cyprus’ application would proceed in accordance with internal US procedures.

Programme requirements

The programme allows eligible travellers to enter the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.

To join, Cyprus would need to maintain a non-immigrant visa refusal rate below 3%, use secure travel documents and cooperate closely with US law enforcement and immigration authorities.

Steps towards inclusion

Cyprus’ efforts towards membership gathered pace last year, when a US delegation conducted a technical assessment of the country’s security systems. President Nikos Christodoulides described the visit as “absolutely constructive.”

Officials had indicated that Cyprus could become the 43rd country admitted to the scheme. Twenty-four of the European Union’s 27 member states already participate.

The process has included legislative and diplomatic measures, including parliament’s ratification of an intergovernmental agreement allowing Cyprus and the United States to exchange information on people suspected of, or under investigation for, serious crimes.