With the United Kingdom about to face new fingerprint and photo requirements when the EU’s EES goes live, Cyprus stands out as an easy-entry option for millions of British holiday-makers. A Travel & Tour World report highlights that UK nationals—along with all other non-EU travellers—will continue to enter Cyprus using the traditional stamp-only procedure.
Business context: Britain remains Cyprus’ single largest tourism market, accounting for roughly one-third of annual arrivals. Hoteliers fear that new biometric lines at airports such as Málaga and Nice could deter travellers who value speed and simplicity. By remaining outside Schengen for now, Cyprus can position itself as a stress-free alternative, potentially capturing share from Mediterranean rivals.
Operational details:
• No EES kiosks or preregistration: airlines flying from the UK to Larnaca or Paphos do not have to integrate with EU-LISA systems that feed EES.
• No ETIAS fee in 2026: the €7–€20 travel authorisation that will soon apply to Britons visiting Schengen countries will not be required for trips to Cyprus.
• Existing 90-day-in-180 rule: standard Cypriot immigration limits for visa-free stays remain unchanged.
![UK tourists keep fast-track access as Cyprus resists Schengen biometric checks]()
For travellers or corporate planners who want an extra layer of certainty, VisaHQ’s Cyprus hub (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) provides real-time entry guidance, personalised alerts and hands-on assistance with any documents that may become necessary if the island eventually adopts Schengen rules.
Strategic outlook: The exemption is temporary. The European Commission says Cyprus could “take decisive steps” toward Schengen accession as early as spring 2026. Travel firms should therefore plan two scenarios—continued exemption or full alignment—when drafting 2027 brochures and GDS fare notes.
Advice for corporate mobility managers:
• Update destination-specific guidance so that employees know no biometric enrolment is needed for Cyprus trips.
• Remind long-term UK assignees resident in Cyprus to upgrade to the new biometric residence permit if they expect to transit Schengen airports frequently.
Business context: Britain remains Cyprus’ single largest tourism market, accounting for roughly one-third of annual arrivals. Hoteliers fear that new biometric lines at airports such as Málaga and Nice could deter travellers who value speed and simplicity. By remaining outside Schengen for now, Cyprus can position itself as a stress-free alternative, potentially capturing share from Mediterranean rivals.
Operational details:
• No EES kiosks or preregistration: airlines flying from the UK to Larnaca or Paphos do not have to integrate with EU-LISA systems that feed EES.
• No ETIAS fee in 2026: the €7–€20 travel authorisation that will soon apply to Britons visiting Schengen countries will not be required for trips to Cyprus.
• Existing 90-day-in-180 rule: standard Cypriot immigration limits for visa-free stays remain unchanged.
For travellers or corporate planners who want an extra layer of certainty, VisaHQ’s Cyprus hub (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) provides real-time entry guidance, personalised alerts and hands-on assistance with any documents that may become necessary if the island eventually adopts Schengen rules.
Strategic outlook: The exemption is temporary. The European Commission says Cyprus could “take decisive steps” toward Schengen accession as early as spring 2026. Travel firms should therefore plan two scenarios—continued exemption or full alignment—when drafting 2027 brochures and GDS fare notes.
Advice for corporate mobility managers:
• Update destination-specific guidance so that employees know no biometric enrolment is needed for Cyprus trips.
• Remind long-term UK assignees resident in Cyprus to upgrade to the new biometric residence permit if they expect to transit Schengen airports frequently.
