Enter Cyprus with Schengen residence permit

Question

I am a Chinese Passport holder, living in China and have a valid Schengen residence permit. Last year, I entered Schengen areas with a valid Schengen visa. During my stay in Schengen areas, I was issued a ~2 years residence permit by one Schengen country. When I left Schengen areas, my Schengen Visa was still valid and I didn’t show the residence permit to the customs officer. Now the Schengen visa has expired.

Can I enter Cyprus with the residence permit/card directly? Or do I have to use the residence permit to enter one Schengen country then go to Cyprus?

Thank you guys.

Answer 1

Yes, you can enter Cyprus with your passport and valid EU common format residence permit issued by a Schengen member state.

Timatic, the database which airlines use to verify passenger travel documents, states in relevant part:

Cyprus (CY)

Passport required.

Document Validity:

• Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the period of intended stay.

Visa Exemptions:

• Passengers with a residence permit issued by Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania or a Schengen Member State for a maximum stay of 90 days. (SEE NOTE 66301)

• This does not apply to nationals of Azerbaijan and Turkey.

  NOTE 66301: The maximum stay is granted within 180 days.