--- title: Cyprus visa for citizens of South Africa description: "Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Cyprus and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €80 + €30 service fee. Processing: 10–15 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/cyprus/south-africa lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Cyprus visa for citizens of South Africa Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Cyprus and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Official application site: https://www.mfa.gov.cy/visas ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Short-stay visa (C category) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Visa validity:** 90 days - **Entries:** Single entry - **Processing time:** 10–15 days - **Government fee:** €80 + €30 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient balance ## How to apply 1. **Gather required documents** — Prepare all documents listed; ensure passport has 6 months validity. 2. **Complete online application form** — Fill the visa application form on the official Cyprus visa portal. 3. **Book an appointment at the visa centre** — Schedule a biometrics appointment at the nearest Cyprus Embassy or accredited VAC. 4. **Pay visa fees** — Pay the €80 visa fee plus any additional service fee (approx €30). 5. **Submit application and documents in person** — Attend the appointment with all original documents and copies; provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). 6. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 10–15 calendar days; may be longer during peak periods. 7. **Collect visa or receive by courier** — Either collect your passport at the centre or arrange for courier delivery. 8. **Travel to Cyprus** — Present the visa and supporting documents at border control; stay up to 90 days. ## Documents checklist - **Valid South African passport (with two blank pages)** (Identity): Must have at least 6 months validity from travel date. - **Completed visa application form** (Supporting): Fill online at the official portal and print. - **Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45 mm)** (Identity): White background, not older than 6 months. - **Flight itinerary (round-trip reservation)** (Travel): Confirmed return or onward ticket. - **Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)** (Travel): Valid throughout Schengen area and Cyprus. - **Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)** (Travel): Covering entire stay in Cyprus. - **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Show sufficient funds for the trip. - **Employment letter (if employed) or payslips** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and approved leave. - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): May be required for family applications. - **Travel history (copies of previous visas, stamps)** (Supporting, optional): If available, attach recent visas. - **Visa application fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Pay at the visa centre or embassy. - **Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): From host in Cyprus with copy of host's ID/passport. - **Self-addressed return courier envelope (if using courier service)** (Supporting, optional): Only if applying via VFS/by mail. - **Passport copy (data page)** (Identity): Copy of the main page with photo and details. ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Approximately €50 per day of stay - Bank statements (3 months) - Credit card statements Bank statements must show regular income and not just a single deposit. ## Good to know - Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision lies with border police. - Overstaying may result in fines and future visa refusals. - Biometrics are required every 5 years for Schengen/Cyprus visa applications. - Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may enter Cyprus without a separate visa for stays up to 90 days. ## Common refusal reasons - **Incomplete or fraudulent documents** — Provide only authentic and complete paperwork; double-check all requirements. - **Insufficient travel funds** — Show evidence of sufficient funds through bank statements and proof of income. - **Lack of travel insurance** — Purchase insurance valid for the entire stay with minimum €30,000 coverage. - **Criminal record or previous visa violations** — Disclose any relevant history; be honest in the application. - **Unclear travel itinerary** — Provide a detailed itinerary including flight and accommodation bookings. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Cyprus? Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Cyprus and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Short-stay visa (C category). ### How long can citizens of South Africa stay in Cyprus? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the Cyprus visa cost for citizens of South Africa? Government fee: €80 + €30 service fee. ### How long does Cyprus visa processing take? Typically 10–15 days. ### What documents do citizens of South Africa need for Cyprus? Valid South African passport (with two blank pages); Completed visa application form; Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45 mm); Flight itinerary (round-trip reservation); Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter); and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for Cyprus? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://www.mfa.gov.cy/visas ## Sources - [mfa.gov.cy](https://www.mfa.gov.cy/visas) ## More - [Cyprus visa for every passport](/visa/cyprus) - [Every destination for South Africa passport holders](/visa/passport/south-africa)