On July 25, Cyprus will join the Schengen Information System (SIS). SIS is an information exchange system for security and border control. It contains more than 90 million files on wanted persons, missing persons or illegal migrants.
In September, the final check of the country for compliance with the criteria necessary for joining the Schengen area should begin.
Why is it important?
One of the positive aspects is that after joining the Schengen area, holders of a residence permit in Cyprus (including holders of “golden visas”) will be entitled to visa-free travel to 27 European countries.
Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004, and at the same time assumed obligations to join the Schengen area.
In 2014, the Republic allowed holders of a Schengen visa of category C to enter the island, but even neighboring European countries cannot provide a visa-free regime, since Cyprus is still a candidate, not a member.
In order for a country to be accepted into the Schengen area, it must meet the following criteria:
- Protection of personal information
- The interaction of the Cypriot police with the police departments of the Schengen countries
- Joining the Schengen Information System (SIS)
- Border control of external Schengen borders
- Solving consular issues (issuing Schengen visas)