As Cyprus is currently not part of the Schengen Area, the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is expected to be implemented across most Schengen countries in April, will not apply to travellers entering Cyprus directly. Therefore, UK tourists travelling directly to Cyprus will not be subject to the biometric checks or longer waiting times anticipated at entry points within the Schengen zone.
However, UK nationals who reside in Cyprus should be aware of the following important points:
Residents Holding “Yellow Slips” – European Registration Certificate
The registration certificate commonly known as the “yellow slip” was issued to UK nationals who applied before 31 December 2020, prior to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. While the yellow slip continues to be recognised as valid proof of residence in Cyprus, it will not exempt holders from the procedures of the Entry/Exit System (EES) when travelling to Schengen countries. Consequently, UK nationals residing in Cyprus may be required to undergo biometric registration, including fingerprinting and photographing, at Schengen border crossings.
Biometric Residence Card Requirement
Under the EES framework, EU and EFTA citizens, as well as non-EU nationals holding biometric residence permits, are exempt from the EES biometric registration requirements. UK nationals who only possess a yellow slip will not benefit from this exemption. They are therefore advised to replace their yellow slip with the biometric residence card (MUKW1) in order to facilitate smoother travel to Schengen countries.
UK nationals living in Cyprus are encouraged to review their residency documentation and take the appropriate steps to ensure compliance ahead of the EES implementation.
This announcement is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
For more information or assistance, please contact our firm at +(357) 24727313 or via email at [email protected].
