Is Cyprus in the Schengen area?
No
No - not yet. Cyprus is an EU member but is not yet part of the borderless Schengen area.
- In Schengen area?
- No
- EU member?
- Yes
- Status
- Not a member
Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 and is legally committed to joining Schengen, but the Council has not yet lifted internal border controls. It is a "Schengen state not yet fully part of the Schengen area", working towards full membership.
In practice that means you still pass a passport check when you arrive in Cyprus, and a stay in Cyprus does not draw down your Schengen 90-day allowance.
What this means for your 90 days
Days in Cyprus do NOT count towards your Schengen 90/180 total - Cyprus runs its own short-stay rules for now. Check Cypriot entry rules separately.
Since Cyprus is outside Schengen, it can be a useful place to wait while your Schengen days roll off. The “when can I return” calculator works out the exact date - and see the full list of Schengen countries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cyprus in the Schengen area?
No - not yet. Cyprus is an EU member but is not yet part of the borderless Schengen area.
Do days spent in Cyprus count towards my Schengen 90/180 days?
Days in Cyprus do NOT count towards your Schengen 90/180 total - Cyprus runs its own short-stay rules for now. Check Cypriot entry rules separately.
Is Cyprus in the EU?
Yes - Cyprus is a member of the European Union. EU membership and Schengen membership are separate, though: this country is in the EU but not (yet) in the borderless Schengen area.
Sources
- European Commission - The Schengen area - verified 11 Jun 2026