European island with 300 days of sunshine reveals plans for new direct flights and visa-free travel for Americans

LOOKING for an extended vacation soon? A tropical paradise may soon have direct flights for Americans.

The island of Cyprus, which has a consistent climate and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, could be the ideal location.

Cyprus has introduced a bill for the country’s accession to the US Visa Waiver Program.

The bill “allows most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa,” according to the State Department. website.

Additionally, Americans will have easier access to the European island, as Cypriot authorities are in talks with an unnamed American airline for direct flights there.

The President of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, revealed the ongoing plans at the Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE).

“A representative from a US airline is currently in Cyprus for talks exploring the possibility of direct flights,” he said.

Currently, Cypriot citizens must have a visa to enter the US.

Once the bill is passed, the agreement between the US and Cyprus, originally signed in June 2024, will be ratified.

The agreements will allow the sharing of travel information between the two countries, including the risk of people capable of committing terrorist acts.

A key requirement for admission to the program is a visa rejection rate of less than 3% for applicants from participating countries.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis explained that Cyprus was close to the threshold in 2023.

“Out of every 100 applications made by Cypriot passport holders, less than three are expected to be rejected,” he said.

“Last year we were very close to the goal and we hope that this year we can achieve it.”

He added that Cyprus is preparing data to be presented to the US for approval.

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The process, however, typically takes three months for a complete assessment.

Letymbiotis explained that Cyprus expects approval by the end of 2024 or beginning of 2025.

His goal, he said, is achievable.

Potential direct flights to the US and imminent visa-free travel hope to make the island more attractive to tourists.

Although Cyprus has good weather year-round, it is more crowded in the summer, and travelers may be better off with crowds on a trip in May, June, September, or October.

In winter, Cyprus has a mild and rainy climate, with temperatures that can reach 60 degrees.

With a wide variety of mountains, beaches, traditional Mediterranean cuisine, archaeological history and landscapes, it is the perfect getaway for any tourist.