We answer the "subtle" question: "Do you need a visa to Cyprus?"

"The East is a delicate matter," says a well-known aphorism. And since the island of Cyprus is located in close proximity to the Turkish coast, this statement largely applies to it. In particular, there is no unambiguous answer to the question of whether there is a visa for Russians in Cyprus . Here you need to understand the mass of subtleties and nuances. What are we going to do with you now.

The problem, stretching from 1974

To assess all the complexities and risks that can cloud your holiday in Cyprus, you need to make a short digression into the history. In 1974, Turkey captured the northern part of the island. To avoid accusations of annexation of foreign territories, an independent republic was declared on them. But to this day it has been recognized only by Turkey (the same self-proclaimed) Abkhazia. The "green line" is guarded by the UN armed forces. Why this information to a simple tourist? In order to know - the passions for the prescription of the years have not subsided. In the question "do I need a visa to Cyprus" you need to specify what part of it you want to get. In the "Turkish Republic of North Cyprus" it is not needed. You can fly to this part of the island from Istanbul. But with the stamp of the self-proclaimed republic you will not be allowed into the Republic of Cyprus.

Do I need a Schengen visa?

No. Despite the fact that the southern part of the island is inhabited by the Greeks, and the whole country is preparing to join the "Eurozone", so far you can relax in Cyprus without "Schengen". But still, to easily land in Larnaka or Paphos - that is, in the territory of an officially recognized state, Russians need a visa. But especially for them, its receipt was simplified utterly. If your vacation can fit in 90 days and you do not think to leave the southern part to visit the northern one, you can open the so-called PRO-visa for a day. To do this, just need to go to the website of the Embassy of Cyprus in Moscow and fill out an online questionnaire. The very next day you will receive an e-mail with a unique number. And this pleasure will not cost you a penny! If your stay on the island goes beyond 90 days or if you plan to leave and re-enter the country, the answer is "yes" to the question "is it necessary for Cyprus to have a visa for Russians?"

What documents are needed and where to apply for a visa?

This insert is issued in the Consulate of Cyprus in Moscow, and for residents of St. Petersburg and Leningrad region - at the local consulate in the city on the Neva. It is foolish to ask whether a visa is needed in Cyprus, if you are going to repeatedly enter the country for three years and spend up to 90 days on its territory every six months. Of course yes! But it, too, will not cost you anything. What documents must be submitted in order to receive this treasured insert? A valid passport, a copy of the Russian passport, two photos, a hotel booking confirmation, a certificate from the place of work and a bank statement from the account. Very similar to the requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa, is not it? By the way, lucky owners of this brand are not required to have an additional permit to enter Cyprus. There is only one condition: the owner of the Schengen must first at least once visit the country that issued this visa. They say that Cyprus will soon enter this zone. Do I need a visa? 2013 has left everything unchanged.