Cyprus’ deputy ministry of research and innovation has defended its decision to award—without an open tender—a €1.5 million contract to Greece’s ministry of digital governance for developing the island’s new “Digital Citizen” mobile wallet. The Audit Office warned the no-bid process could set a risky precedent for public procurement.
Mobility relevance: The Digital Citizen app already stores electronic versions of the national ID card and driving licence and is expected to integrate EU-level digital travel credentials once standards are finalised. For expatriates and frequent flyers, the wallet could eventually replace physical documents at airports, car-rental desks and hotel check-in.
Travellers looking to stay ahead of Cyprus’s evolving border and ID rules can turn to VisaHQ for practical help. The company’s portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) provides real-time visa requirements, facilitates online applications, and advises businesses on document acceptance—services that will remain valuable as the Digital Citizen wallet begins to complement or replace paper credentials.
![Digital Citizen app controversy raises questions about future travel ID in Cyprus]()
Key findings of the audit: • Work allegedly started months before the bilateral agreement was signed. • No independent cost estimate was prepared. • The Greek government subcontracted the build to a private firm that had developed Greece’s Gov.gr Wallet, prompting concerns about value for money.
Implications for businesses: • Airlines and airport operators should track whether Cyprus will certify the app for use at e-gates, potentially speeding domestic departures. • HR teams may soon need to recognise the digital ID when onboarding local hires. • Tech vendors see an opportunity if future upgrades are opened to competitive tender.
Next steps: Parliament’s watchdog committee has called ministry officials to testify in March. A delay could push back planned Phase 2 functions, including residence-permit uploads for third-country nationals.
Mobility relevance: The Digital Citizen app already stores electronic versions of the national ID card and driving licence and is expected to integrate EU-level digital travel credentials once standards are finalised. For expatriates and frequent flyers, the wallet could eventually replace physical documents at airports, car-rental desks and hotel check-in.
Travellers looking to stay ahead of Cyprus’s evolving border and ID rules can turn to VisaHQ for practical help. The company’s portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) provides real-time visa requirements, facilitates online applications, and advises businesses on document acceptance—services that will remain valuable as the Digital Citizen wallet begins to complement or replace paper credentials.
Key findings of the audit: • Work allegedly started months before the bilateral agreement was signed. • No independent cost estimate was prepared. • The Greek government subcontracted the build to a private firm that had developed Greece’s Gov.gr Wallet, prompting concerns about value for money.
Implications for businesses: • Airlines and airport operators should track whether Cyprus will certify the app for use at e-gates, potentially speeding domestic departures. • HR teams may soon need to recognise the digital ID when onboarding local hires. • Tech vendors see an opportunity if future upgrades are opened to competitive tender.
Next steps: Parliament’s watchdog committee has called ministry officials to testify in March. A delay could push back planned Phase 2 functions, including residence-permit uploads for third-country nationals.
