The “mass refusals” of Russian tourists in visas to Cyprus at the Consulate General of the Republic of Cyprus in St. Petersburg were explained by the tightening of visa rules, as well as the need for a complete package of documents proving the visit for tourism purposes, including the availability of booked air tickets. However, the consulate expressed bewilderment about the “mass character” of refusals. This is how ATOR commented on the situation.
As recalled in the representative office of Cyprus, from December 1, 2022, new consular fees have been introduced for citizens of third countries, including Russia. They have risen in price to 80 euros for a visa for an adult, and 40 euros for children from 6 to 12 years old. However, the process of issuing visas, including for tourists, has not changed fundamentally.
In Cyprus, which, like the entire EU, imposed sanctions against Russia and closed its airspace, nevertheless, they assured that the island “remains one of the few EU countries where Russian tourists are still welcome.” However, there are changes: “Now more documents are required confirming the intention of the Russians to visit Cyprus for tourism purposes. Each application is considered on an individual basis, and a decision to issue a visa is made subject to all relevant conditions. Thus, applicants are asked to provide a booking of air tickets and document the purpose of the trip to Cyprus,” the consulate explained.
According to ATOR experts, there were not so many who wanted to fly through third countries to Cyprus. According to the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus, for 10 months of 2022, a little more than 37 thousand Russian tourists visited Cyprus. This is 10 times less than in the same period of 2021. As a result, Cyprus will miss about 800,000 Russian tourists.
For those who value a healthy lifestyle, we recommend reading: “A nutritionist said that a ginger drink promotes weight loss, reduces pain and blood sugar levels.”