Cyprus is a beautiful destination, but its visa process is stricter than you think. The High Commission checks every hotel booking and every bank statement. If they suspect you are coming to work illegally, you will be refused.

Here is the 2026 guide to the two main Short-Stay options: Pure Tourism vs. Visiting Family.

1. Option A: Pure Tourism (Hotel Stay)

This is for applicants who have no sponsor in Cyprus and are paying for everything themselves.

• Documents:

  • Confirmed Hotel Booking: Must be verifiable. If the Embassy calls the hotel and they say “cancelled,” your visa is rejected.

  • Bank Statements: You must show enough funds to cover €50 – €70 per day.

  • Itinerary: A day-by-day plan of where you will go (e.g., “Day 1: Larnaca Salt Lake,” “Day 2: Ayia Napa”).

2. Option B: Visiting Family/Friends (Sponsorship)

This is the most common route for Indians visiting students or relatives.

• The “Golden” Document: Your host must fill out the Assumption of Responsibility for Hosting form.

• What it does: It legally binds your host. If you overstay, they get fined.

• Bank Guarantee: In some cases (depending on the host’s nationality), the Migration Department may ask the host to deposit a Bank Guarantee (approx. €500-€850) to ensure you leave the country.

3. The “Dummy Ticket” Scam

Many agents sell you “Dummy Flight Tickets” for ₹500 to attach to your file.

• The Risk: The Cyprus High Commission has tools to check PNR status in real-time. If your PNR is invalid or expired at the time of processing, it is an automatic Refusal for Deception.

• The Solution: Use a “Block Your Seat” feature on airline websites or book a fully refundable ticket. Never submit a fake document.

• “My friend in Nicosia sent me an email invitation. Is that enough?” No. If you are staying with a friend or relative, a simple letter or email is useless. You need the official Assumption of Responsibility for Hosting form, signed by your host and certified by a notary in Cyprus. Without this, your “Family Visit” visa will be rejected immediately.

4. The “North Cyprus” Trap (Illegal Entry)

We cannot stress this enough.

• Do NOT fly into Ercan Airport (ECN). This is in the Turkish-occupied north.

• The Republic of Cyprus considers entry via Ercan as Illegal Entry. You will be blocked from crossing the border to the south, fined, and potentially blacklisted from the EU.

• Always book flights to Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO).

5. Financial Requirements 2026

• Cash on Arrival: Even if your visa is approved, Immigration at Larnaca often asks you to show cash. Carry at least €500 in hard cash.

• Bank Balance: For a 1-week trip, aim to show a closing balance of at least ₹1.5 – ₹2 Lakhs in your Indian account to be safe.

External Resources (Official Links)

• MFA Cyprus – Assumption Form: Download the official Assumption of Responsibility form here.

• Hermes Airports (Official Entry Points): Use this to check flight connections to Larnaca and Paphos.