Update
January 10, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Cyprus

Cyprus
Republic of Cyprus

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
 
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 24 Months
A-2 None Multiple 24 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 12 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1 None Multiple 48 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 48 Months
C-2 None Multiple 12 Months
C-3 None Multiple 12 Months
C-W-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
C-W-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 48 Months
E-1 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2C 12 None Multiple 24 Months
F-1 $140.00 Multiple 48 Months
F-2 $140.00 Multiple 48 Months
G-1 None Multiple 24 Months
G-2 None Multiple 24 Months
G-3 None Multiple 24 Months
G-4 None Multiple 24 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 12 Months
H-1B None Multiple 48 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 48 Months 3
H-2A None N/A N/A3
H-2B None N/A N/A3
H-2R None Multiple 48 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 48 Months 3
H-4 None Multiple 48 Months 3
I None Multiple 12 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 48 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 48 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 None Multiple 48 Months
L-2 None Multiple 48 Months
M-1 None Multiple 48 Months
M-2 None Multiple 48 Months
N-8 None Multiple 24 Months
N-9 None Multiple 24 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 None Multiple 48 Months 3
O-2 None Multiple 48 Months 3
O-3 None Multiple 48 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 48 Months 3
P-2 None Multiple 48 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 48 Months 3
P-4 None Multiple 48 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 12 Months 3
R-1 None Multiple 12 Months
R-2 None Multiple 12 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
T-D 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8

Country Specific Footnotes

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

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Visa Category Footnotes

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

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General Documents

The following describes documents issued in and maintained by the Republic of Cyprus. Notes at the end of this section include information about documents relating to the area administered by Turkish Cypriots.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth
 

Available: Yes. A birth certificate is mandatory for children born in Cyprus, regardless of the parents' immigration status in Cyprus.

Document Name: Birth Certificate / Πιστοποιητικό Γέννησης / Dogum Sahadetnamesi

Fees: €5 - provided that the birth has been registered within the time period determined by the Law.

In the case of records of births after the expiry of three months from birth, the fee becomes €150, as defined by law, require the following: 


* Affidavit in the prescribed form 
* Birth registration form filled

Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Interior (MOI)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Light blue in Greek, Turkish and English version. Sealed by the District Administration Officer

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: District Administration Officer of the district in which the birth occurred.

Registration Criteria: In order to register a newborn child in the Birth Register, the application form should be completed and signed by the doctor who delivered the child. A copy is kept at the hospital's/clinic's records, another copy is sent to the Competent District Administration Office by the hospital/clinic, and a third copy is given to the child's parents, in order for them to submit it to the District Administration Office.

Procedure for Obtaining: The applicant must request birth certificates from the District Administration Office or the Civil Registry & Migration Department.

Certified Copies Available: Yes, present the original document in any District Administration Office

District Administration Offices in the Republic of Cyprus:

 

Death/Burial
 

Available: Yes. Applications for the registration of death of a Cypriot citizen who died abroad are submitted to the Registry Office in the local District Administration Office.

Document Name: Death Certificate / Πιστοποιητικό Θανάτου / Olum Sahadetnamesi

Fees: €5

Late registrations of deaths: In cases of death records after the expiration of their period of one year as specified by law, require the following: 

  • Sworn Statement 
  • Registration Form completed death
  • Death Certificate from a doctor or priest
  • Pay a fee for late registration of death over 12 months: 30 EUR

Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Interior (MOI)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Light blue in Greek, Turkish, and English version. Seal by the District Administration Officer.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The District Administration Officer of the district in which the death occurred.

Registration Criteria: Cause of death indicated by the doctor or priest and submitted to the District Administration Office for the issuance of the death certificate.

Procedure for Obtaining: Copies obtainable from the District Administration Office.

Certified Copies Available: Yes, present the original document in any District Administration Office.

Note:  For more information refer to Civil Registry Section

 

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage

Available: Yes

Fees: €34.17

Document Name: Marriage Certificate / Πιστοποιητικό Γάμου / Evlenme Cüzdani

Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Interior

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The Civil Marriage Certificate.  Seal by the Marriage Officer of the municipality.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  The Director of the Municipality

Registration Criteria:  Present a certificate of non-impediment of marriage, an ID, and two witnesses.

Procedure for Obtaining:

Please refer to Civil Registry Section to obtain a detailed explanation on the procedure to apply.

Certified Copies Available:  Yes

Exceptions: After 2003, marriages celebrated in any religion are legally competent only if they are registered with Cypriot authorities within 45 days from marriage.

Same-Sex Marriage:

Same-sex marriage is not recognized. However, The Civil Union Law of 2015 (184(I)/2015), recognizing the partnership of two individuals, has entered into force and is practiced in Cyprus as of 09 December 2015.

For more information refer to Civil Registry Section


Divorce
 

Available: Yes

Fees: Varies

Document Name: Divorce Certificate / Πιστοποιητικό Διαζυγίου / Bosanma Belgesi

Issuing Government Authority: Supreme Court of Cyprus

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal by the Court's Judge

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Family or District Court Judge

Registration Criteria:

  • Obtainable from the Family Court or District Court, which terminated the marriage.
  • For termination of a marriage in the Greek Orthodox rite, certificates are obtainable from the appropriate Bishopric, as are marriage certificates.

Procedure for Obtaining: A divorce decree copy is obtainable from the Family or District Court, which terminated the marriage.

Certified Copies Available: Yes

 

 

Adoption Certificates

Available: Yes

Document Name: Adoption Decree / Διάταγμα Υιοθεσία / Evlat Edinme Karari

Registration Criteria: Apply at the Social Welfare Services with ID.  The Cypriot Court will issue the adoption decree at the finalization of the adoption.

Procedure for Obtaining: Contact Ministry of Justice and Public Order to apply for a certified copy:

Ministry of Justice and Public Order
125 Athalassas Avenue
Strovolos
1461 Nicosia, Cyprus

Telephone: +357 (22) 805 928
Email: registry@mjpo.gov.cy

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White paper signed by the Court Office. Ink seal by the Family Court of the District in which the adoption is concluded.  Prior versions bore an impression seal.

Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Social Welfare Services Director

Note: For more information regarding adoptions visit:
Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance and Travel.State.gov  

 

Identity Card

Document Name: Cyprus National ID Cards / Δελτίο Ταυτότητας / Kibris Ulusal Kimlik Kartlari

Fees:

  • For adults - €20 (Valid for ten years).
  • First time loss or theft - €40.
  • Second time (or more) loss or theft - €80.
  • Under 18 years old - €15 (Valid for 5 years).

Issuing Government Authority:  Ministry of Interior (Civil Registry and Migration Department)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: No seal, color light blue and grey with micro-chip.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Director of Civil Registry and Migration Department

Registration Criteria: Fill out the Application Form and submit an original birth certificate and one recent photo to the District Administration Office to apply for persons born and present in Cyprus.

Comments: To replace a lost identity card, present with a police certificate explaining the loss of theft ID card and follow the procedure with the District Administration Office or the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

 

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Records
 

Document Name: Certificate of Clear Criminal Record /Πιστοποιητικό Λευκού Ποινικού Εγγραφή / Adli Sicil Belgesi

Fees: €20

Issuing Government Authority: Police Headquarters in Cyprus/ Criminal Records Office

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of Police of the Republic of Cyprus

Registration Criteria: Apply in person or by mail. Each request must include an official receipt for payment and:

  • For Cypriots: identity card and passport.
  • For non-Cypriots: copy of alien book, pink slip or yellow slip and passport.


Procedure for Obtaining:
Requester will apply in person at the Cyprus Police Headquarters, Criminal Records Office (CRO), Athalassa, Nicosia, or at any major police station.

  • Cypriot citizens residing outside Cyprus can apply through the nearest Cypriot embassy/consulate.
  • Non-Cypriot citizens who previously resided in Cyprus can apply by mail:

    Chief of Police
    Police Headquarters
    PO Box No. 2022
    Nicosia, Cyprus 


Court Records
 

Document Name: Court Records /Δικαστήριο Εγγραφές / Mahkeme Kaydi

Registration Criteria: Apply in the Registry of the Court of the District Court Offices.

Procedure for Obtaining: Copies are available upon request in the Court Registry or Criminal Registry depending on the case.

Fees: €1 per page

Issuing Government Authority: Supreme Court of Cyprus

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of the District Court

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Criminal records are computerized.
 

Prison Records
 

Document Name: Certificate of Clear Criminal Record / Πιστοποιητικό Λευκού Ποινικού Εγγραφή / /////////////////////////

Registration Criteria: Apply in person or by mail. Each request must include an official receipt for payment and:

  • For Cypriots: identity card and passport.
  • For non-Cypriots: copy of alien book, pink slip or yellow slip and passport.

Procedure for Obtaining:
Requester will apply in person at the Cyprus Police Headquarters, Criminal Records Office (CRO), Athalassa, Nicosia, or at any major police station.

  • Cypriot citizens residing outside Cyprus can apply through the nearest Cypriot embassy/consulate.
  • Non-Cypriot citizens who previously resided in Cyprus can apply by mail:

    Chief of Police
    Police Headquarters
    P.O. Box No. 2022
    Nicosia, Cyprus


Fees:
€20

Issuing Government Authority: Police Headquarters in Cyprus/ Criminal Records Office

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of Police of the Republic of Cyprus

Military Records

Document Name: Military record (Certificate of Military Service) / Στρατιωτική θητεία / Askeri Kayit

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White paper. Seal by Director of Ministry of Defense.

Registration Criteria:  Applicant gives date of birth or ID number, so the office can verify records and issue a certificate of military service.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Same process as registration criteria.

Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Defense

Address: 5 Emmanuel Roides Ave., Nicosia, Cyprus

Phone number: +357 22 807542/3

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Commander of the Recruiting Center (Nicosia Enlistment Office) or

The Chief of National Guard General Staff

Address: 5 Zaimi, Strovolos, Nicosia, Cyprus

Phone number: +357 22 515238, +357 22 417130, +357 22 417131

Comments: For exemptions, exit permits and deferments contact the Ministry of Defense.

For information about military recruitment please visit: http://www.army.gov.cy/el/page/home

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Document Name:  Passport / Διαβατήριο / Pasaport

Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Ministry of Interior

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Cypriot Passport is Maroon.  Seal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.

Registration Criteria:  Passport applications must be submitted by the applicant in person, at the Civil Registry and Migration Department with the following documents:

  • Application (Form M.9G/T)
  • Birth Certificate (original)
  • Marriage Certificate (for married women)
  • Cypriot Citizenship Certificate (if the applicant has acquired the Cypriot Citizenship by registration or naturalization)
  • One photo frontal view with white back ground, size 4x5 cm
  • Civil Identity Card


Fees:

Temporary Passport - €20
Passports without biometric data - €50
Biometric passports - €70
Passport for a limited period (for minors) - €45
Diplomatic Passport - €70
Service Passport - €70
Passport to political refugees - €90
Passports with biometric data (fast version) - €120

To replace a lost passport:  Submit the following to the Civil Registry and Migration Department:
Confirmation of the police or consular authority that filed a statement of the claimant for lost passport.
An affidavit for the circumstances of loss of passport.

Other Records

Records originating from the area of Cyprus under Turkish-Cypriot administration

Since July 1974, civil records for the Districts of Kyrenia and Famagusta have been under Turkish-Cypriot administration. The Republic of Cyprus cannot issue birth, death, civil marriage or divorce certificates for these districts unless a new registration is made in the Republic of Cyprus. Republic of Cyprus police certificates are also not available for periods of residence in the Turkish-Cypriot-administered area.

Posts should contact the United States Embassy in Nicosia for assistance in individual cases involving an applicant who has lived in the Turkish-Cypriot-administered areas of Cyprus.

Administrative offices in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots:

Birth Certificates: Contact Administrative District Offices in Nicosia, Kyrenia and Famagusta.

  • Nicosia  Administrative District “Lefkosa Kaymakamlik” - Tel: +90 392 228 29 66
  • Kyrenia Administrative District “Girne Kaymakamlik” - Tel: +90 392 815 21 17
  • Famagusta Administrative District “ Mağusa Kaymakamlik” - Tel: +90 392 366 53 44


Divorce Certificates: 
Contact the family courts in Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, Güzelyurt and Lefke.

Family courts in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots:

  • Nicosia Family Court - Tel: +90 392 227 36 19 
  • Kyrenia Family Court - Tel: +90 392 815  90 95
  • Famagusta Family Court – Tel: +90 392 366 62 14
  • Güzelyurt Family Court – Tel: +90 392 714 21 55
  • Lefke Family Court – Tel: +90 392 728 73 46

 

Death Certificates: Contact Administrative District Offices in Nicosia, Kyrenia and Famagusta.

  • Nicosia  Administrative District “Lefkosa Kaymakamlik” - Tel: +90 392 228 29 66
  • Kyrenia Administrative District “Girne Kaymakamlik” - Tel: +90 392 815 21 17
  • Famagusta Administrative District “ Mağusa Kaymakamlik” - Tel: +90 392 366 53 44
     

Police/Prison Records: Contact the Police Headquarters in Nicosia at

Tel: +90 392 228 34 11

Court Records: Contact the court registrar at Tel: +90 392 228 51 85

Military Records: Contact the Nicosia ASAL SUBE at Tel: +90 392 227 20 07

E-mail: asal@guvkk.net

Passports: The "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" is not considered a "competent authority" that can issue a document deemed valid for passport purposes

Visa Issuing Posts

Nicosia, Cyprus (Embassy)

Address:

Embassy of the United States of America
Metochiou & Ploutarchou Streets,
Engomi, 2407 Nicosia, Cyprus.

In addition to the Embassy in Nicosia, the Mission maintains an office in north Nicosia.

Phone Number: +357 22 39 39 39

Visa Services

Visa Services: Embassy Nicosia provides non-immigrant and immigrant visa services.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.