Cyprus Brits Impacted by New EU Travel Changes
Many British citizens living in Cyprus are facing significant changes with the upcoming EU travel rules. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is expected to roll out next year, and it will change how British nationals travel across most of Europe. Unfortunately, many Cyprus Brits holding “yellow slips” will not be exempt from the new regulations.
This means that, unless they upgrade their yellow slips to an Etias-recognized biometric card, they will have to pay a fee and apply online to travel to most European countries under the new system.
What Is Etias?
Etias is a new system designed to enhance security in the Schengen Zone. It will require travelers from countries on the Schengen area’s “Annex II” list, including the United Kingdom, to apply for a travel authorization before entering Europe. Currently, travelers from these countries can visit Europe for up to 90 days without a visa, but Etias will change this by requiring pre-approval.
This system will affect a total of 30 countries, including 26 EU member states and four European Economic Area countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). The Republic of Ireland is not included, as it has a special agreement with the UK.
Why Are Cyprus Brits Affected?
Before Brexit, British citizens living in Cyprus had the right to freedom of movement within the EU, and they were issued yellow slips to confirm their residency in Cyprus. However, after the UK officially left the European Union on December 31, 2020, this changed. Now, British nationals living in Cyprus no longer have the automatic right to travel freely across Europe without restrictions.
The European Commission recently confirmed that the yellow slip will not exempt British citizens from the new EU travel changes under Etias. This is because the yellow slip is not considered a valid residence permit under current EU regulations. As a result, many British nationals in Cyprus will have to apply for Etias authorization before traveling to Europe.
The Importance of Upgrading to a Biometric Card
To avoid the upcoming Etias fees and application process, British nationals living in Cyprus need to upgrade their yellow slips to an Etias-recognized biometric residence card. This type of card complies with EU regulations and exempts the holder from having to apply for Etias authorization when traveling to most European countries.
The biometric card meets the EU’s standards for residence permits, which have been in place since 2002. While many EU countries already issued these cards to their British residents after Brexit, Cyprus did not. Instead, the yellow slip, which was originally used to prove freedom of movement rights, was treated as a de facto residence permit for British nationals.
Changes to Travel for British Nationals in Cyprus
Under the new EU travel changes, British citizens living in Cyprus with yellow slips will face the same travel restrictions as other third-country nationals, like Australians or Canadians, who need to apply for Etias. This is a significant shift from the previous system, where a quick glance at their yellow slip was enough to travel to Europe.
The Etias system is expected to be implemented in 2024, likely in the spring. From that point on, British nationals living in Cyprus who have not upgraded their yellow slips will have to apply for Etias and pay a fee to visit European countries. They will also need to complete the online application before traveling, which could add additional time and effort to their travel plans.
Who Is Exempt from Etias?
While many Cyprus Brits will be affected by the EU travel changes, some travelers will be exempt from Etias requirements. These include:
- Citizens of microstates like Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino
- Holders of valid visas such as student, work, or residence permits in European countries that comply with the EU’s biometric standards
- Citizens of countries that have separate agreements with the EU, like the Republic of Ireland
However, for British nationals in Cyprus, the only way to avoid the Etias system is to upgrade their yellow slip to a biometric residence card that meets EU standards.
What the Cyprus Government Is Doing
The Cypriot government is aware of the situation and has quietly introduced an optional biometric card for British nationals covered by the withdrawal agreement. This card will allow them to avoid the upcoming Etias fees and travel restrictions. However, upgrading to this card is not mandatory, so many British nationals may still be holding onto their yellow slips, unaware of the upcoming changes.
If British citizens living in Cyprus want to continue traveling freely across Europe without dealing with Etias, they should consider upgrading their yellow slips to the new biometric card as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The upcoming EU travel changes under Etias will have a major impact on British nationals living in Cyprus, especially those who still hold yellow slips. To avoid the hassle of applying for Etias and paying fees to travel to most European countries, upgrading to a biometric residence card is essential. As the rollout of Etias approaches, it’s important for Cyprus Brits to stay informed and take the necessary steps to ensure smooth travel across Europe.
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