Is Cyprus in the Schengen Area?
Not yet — Cyprus is an EU member that is legally bound to join Schengen, but as of 5 October 2026 the EU has not lifted its internal border checks, so it is not part of the Schengen Area. Days in Cyprus do not count toward your Schengen 90/180.
In the Schengen Area: No
In the EU: Yes
Days count toward 90/180: No
Facts checked 5 October 2026. Entry rules change and differ by passport. Confirm them with the official source linked in each section, or your own government's travel advice, before you travel.
Do days in Cyprus count toward the 90/180 rule?
No. The European Commission says Cyprus takes part in Schengen cooperation but that internal border controls have not yet been abolished by the Council. The UK government states plainly that visits to Cyprus do not count toward the 90-day Schengen limit.
Cyprus runs its own count: British visitors, for example, get up to 90 days in any 180 in Cyprus, separate from Schengen.
Accession needs a unanimous decision by the Schengen members. The Commission rated Cyprus technically ready in 2026, but no joining date had been set when we checked. When Cyprus does join, its days will start counting, so check the status before a long stay.
Sources: European Commission: the Schengen Area; GOV.UK: Cyprus entry requirements
Visiting Cyprus on a visa-free passport
Most passports that are visa-free for Schengen are visa-free for Cyprus too, usually for up to 90 days in 180. Cyprus issues its own visas, so check its rules for your passport.
Enter through the Republic's airports, Larnaca or Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus treats arrival through the north, for example Ercan airport, as illegal entry, which can mean fines or refusal.
How EES applies
Cyprus does not use EES. Your exit is logged when you fly from a Schengen country to Cyprus, and your entry is logged when you fly back.
Sources: GOV.UK: Cyprus entry requirements; EU: EES FAQ
Somewhere to wait while days roll off
Because Cyprus has its own count, it is a popular place in the EU to spend time while old Schengen days leave the window. Recheck before you rely on it: this changes on the day Cyprus joins.
For more places whose days do not count, and how long each lets you stay, see where to go when your Schengen days run out.
Check your own Schengen days
Whatever the answer for Cyprus, your 90 days are counted across all 29 Schengen countries together, and each day looks back 180 days. Add your stays to see how many days you have used and the last day you can stay.
Count your days before you go
Add past stays and a planned trip. Stay180 shows days used in the last 180 and your leave-by date. Free, no account needed.
Common questions
- When will Cyprus join Schengen?
- There is no fixed date. Cyprus has said it wants to join as soon as possible and the Commission found it technically ready, but joining needs a unanimous Council decision. Check the European Commission's Schengen page for the current status.
- Does Cyprus count toward the Schengen 90 days?
- No, not while it remains outside the Schengen Area. Cyprus has its own 90-day allowance for visitors, counted separately. That will change once Cyprus fully joins Schengen.
- Is Northern Cyprus in Schengen?
- No. No part of the island is in Schengen yet. Entering the Republic of Cyprus through the north, such as via Ercan airport, is treated by the Republic as illegal entry.