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U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS
Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Cyprus Intercountry Adoption Information

Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Cyprus Intercountry Adoption Information

Cyprus

Cyprus
Republic of Cyprus
Exercise normal precautions in Cyprus. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits

Exercise normal precautions in Cyprus. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Country Summary: Do not attempt to enter the United Nations buffer zone at any place other than a designated crossing point. Police and UN peacekeeping forces strictly enforce this restriction.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Cyprus.

If you decide to travel to Cyprus:

Turkish Cypriot-Administered Area – Exercise increased caution

  • The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in this area.
  • Human rights reports show that central prison and police detention facilities in this area do not meet international standards.

Since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Cyprus. The northern part of Cyprus, administered by Turkish Cypriots, proclaimed itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) in 1983. The United States does not recognize the “TRNC,” nor does any country other than Türkiye. A buffer zone, patrolled by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, separates the two sides. For U.S. citizen travelers:

  • Enter and exit the island of Cyprus ONLY at Larnaca and Paphos airports or at the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry via Ercan Airport or by a seaport in the north to be a legal entrance or departure to Cyprus. U.S. citizens who depart the island from Ercan could have difficulty returning to the Republic of Cyprus in the future.
  • You cannot receive a residency permit from the Republic of Cyprus to reside in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots.
  • The Republic of Cyprus does not recognize residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriots. If you arrive to the island at a north seaport or Ercan airport or stay in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area for over 90 days, you might be subsequently denied entry into the Republic of Cyprus.
  • The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in need of assistance in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots as the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not control the area. Travelers should factor this consideration into their activities in this area.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
Yes
ALL / ALL /

Hague Convention Information

Cyprus is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations; as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Cyprus.

There are very few children available for adoption in Cyprus. Cypriot families who wish to adopt have generally looked to other countries for adoption possibilities. The last immigrant visa for a Cypriot orphan was issued in FY 2000. 

U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents interested in adopting children from Cyprus should contact the Central Authority of Cyprus to inquire about applicable laws and procedures. U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Cyprus who would like to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should also contact Cyprus’ Central Authority. See contact information below.

Please visit the Department’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Cyprus, and visit U.S. Embassy Nicosia’s website for information on consular services.

The Consular Officer will send a letter (referred to as an “Article 5 Letter”) to Cyprus’ Central Authority in any intercountry adoption involving U.S. citizen parents and a child from Cyprus where all Convention requirements are met and the consular officer determines that the child appears eligible to immigrate to the United States. This letter will inform Cyprus’ Central Authority that the parents are eligible and suited to adopt, that all indications are that the child may enter and reside permanently in the United States, and that the U.S. Central Authority agrees that the adoption may proceed.

WARNING: Do not attempt to adopt or obtain custody of a child in Cyprus before a U.S. consular officer issues the Article 5 Letter in any adoption case.

Remember: The Consular Officer will make a final decision about a child’s eligibility for an immigrant visa later in the adoption process.

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Cyprus, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.

Contact Information

Cyprus’ Adoption Authority
Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare (Social Welfare Services)
63 Prodromou Street 
1468 Nicosia - Cyprus 
Tel: 357-22-406650/406655 
Fax:  357-22-667907 
E-mail: central.sws@sws.dmsw.gov.cy 
Website:  http//www.mlsi.gov.cy/sws

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about filing a Form I-800A application or a Form I-800 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC):
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-913-275-5480 (local); Fax: 1- 913-214-5808
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov

For general questions about immigration procedures:
USCIS Contact Center
Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet: uscis.gov

Last Updated: August 25, 2022

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Nicosia
Metochiou & Ploutarchou Street
2407, Engomi
Nicosia, Cyprus
Telephone
+(357) 22-393939
Emergency
+(357) 22-393939; wait for the recorded message then dial 0
Fax
+(357) 22-266640
Email
ACSNicosia@state.gov
Website
https://cy.usembassy.gov/

Cyprus Map

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Adoption Statistics

Adoptions from Cyprus to U.S. by Year:
SEE ALL STATISTICS
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