The European Travel Area and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
Freedom of movement is one of the four pillars of the European Union and allows for the free movement of EU citizens across 26 countries within the EEA / EU. This is known as the Schengen Area. The countries that make up this Free travel area include; Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. There are another 6 Countries that allow freedom of movement that are members of the EEA/EU, but are not members of the Schengen Area, these include; Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Iceland, Ireland and Romania.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
From May 2023 all non-EEA/EU citizens who wish to travel within the EEA/EU will be required to apply for an ETIAS travel document. The ETIAS system is anticipated to become fully operation in November 2023. The ETIAS travel document is valid for up to 3 years and will cost €7.00 for adults and is free for children under the age of 18 years. The document, which is not a visa, is a visa waiver security system, designed to track travellers in Europe.
Travel in the EEA / EU
UK nationals living in Cyprus who wish to travel within the EEA / EU are now 3rd Country Nationals when passing through border control. They will be required to comply with ETIAS by obtaining an ETIAS travel document or by obtaining an MUKW1, 2 or 3. When arriving at EEA/EU border control, UK nationals’ passports will be stamped with an entry visa and upon leaving an exit visa.
I am a UK National resident in Cyprus.
UK Nationals who are legally resident in Cyprus can travel to other EEA/EU countries for stays which total a maximum of 90 days in any 180 day period. This 90 day allowance is a total for all days spent within EEA/EU countries. To travel into the EEA/EU, UK Nationals resident in Cyprus will need to provide at the border the following documents
Option 1
- Valid UK Passport. Issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
- ETIAS document
- MEU1, MEU2 or MEU3
Your MEU1, MEU2 or MEU3 document is to notify the countries border control that you are legally resident in Cyprus and entitled to return to Cyprus (rather than the UK).
Option 2
- Valid UK Passport. Issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
- Cyprus MUKW , MUKW 2 or MUKW3 biometric residence card.
The MUKW biometric card replaces the need for an ETIAS document and is to notify the countries border control that you are legally resident in Cyprus and entitled to return to Cyprus (rather than the UK).
How do I get a MUKW1 or MUKW 3
To apply for your MUKW or MUKW3 biometric card you must have been legally resident in Cyprus before 31st December 2020. You must apply to Cyprus immigration by completing the relevant application form and attending an appointment at the local immigration office. The fee for the MUKW biometric card is €30.00.
How do I get a ETIAS travel document
You can apply for a ETIAS travel document online
https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-form-application
For more information on ETIAS visit
https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-requirements/uk-citizens