The conviction that Cyprus would join the Schengen Zone in 2026, expressed President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, on Sunday, noting the “massive effort” underway to complete by the end of 2025 everything that needs to be done from a technical point of view.
Asked by a journalist, upon his arrival at an event in Nicosia, whether Cyprus could join the Schengen Zone and whether any preparations are being made for this, the President said that “we will join the Schengen Zone in 2026.”
He noted that “massive effort” was underway to complete by the end of 2025 everything Cyprus needs to do from a technical point of view, with the aim to join the Schengen Zone in 2026, adding that this would be “a strategic decision, a development, both for the Republic of Cyprus and for the EU”.
President Christodoulides said that the contribution of the European Parliament was needed and expressed satisfaction with what he heard from the President of the European Parliament, who was in Cyprus on Saturday on the occasion of Europe Day.
He also said that this was one of the main issues they raise in all the contacts the government holds especially ahead of Cyprus’ EU Presidency, noting that he would visit all the Member States, “and I am pleased with the response I see”.
But first we must complete our work, President Christodoulides also said, assuring that by the end of 2025 “we will complete all the technicalities that we need to do so that our country will be in the Schengen Zone in 2026.”
Schengen is the world’s largest area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers. It guarantees free movement to more than 450 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes (anyone legally present in the EU).
Over the years, the Schengen area was expanded nine times, with Bulgaria and Romania being the last countries to fully join on 1 January 2025.
The Schengen area without internal frontiers is composed of 29 countries: 25 EU Member States and 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). These countries engage in closer cooperation allowing them to achieve greater benefits that would be impossible to attain individually, considering that checks at internal frontiers between them have been abolished.
Cyprus is a Schengen State, which means that the country participates in Schengen cooperation. Nevertheless, internal borders controls have not yet been abolished by the Council. The integration process is currently underway.
Benefits of Schengen
Schengen is more than just a geographical area – it is a fundamental part of the European identity. By removing internal border controls, it has transformed the way people live, work, and travel.
Every day, over 3.5 million people cross internal borders for work, study, or to visit family and friends, without any additional paperwork and, in the vast majority of cases, without additional waiting times. This is not just about saving time at the border – it also reduces costs, fosters talent mobility, and brings Europeans closer together.
The benefits of Schengen extend beyond EU citizens. Third-country nationals can also experience its advantages through a Schengen visa, which allows them to travel to the Schengen area and move freely within for up to three months within a six-month period – whether for tourism, business, or work.
Schengen is also a major driver of competitiveness for 32 million European businesses, contributing significantly to the Single Market. By eliminating internal border controls, it reduces administrative costs and streamlines supply chains. At the same time, it facilitates the free movement of workers, goods and services enabling companies to operate efficiently, benefiting from larger markets and smoother processes. Through Schengen, the EU broadens access to a wider talent pool, making it easier for companies to recruit skilled workers from across Europe.
Travelling to and within the Schengen area
EU citizens have the right to enter and exit the Schengen area through any Schengen country. To ensure the security of external borders, they undergo a limited number of checks upon entry and exit, which are carried out efficiently with the help of automated border gates.
Also read: Full Schengen membership a top political priority for Cyprus, FM Kombos says
Source: CNA/European Commission
