Finland, Sweden outsource Cyprus visa services to VFS Global
HELSINKI, FINLAND and STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — Finland and Sweden have partnered with VFS Global, a third-party service provider, to outsource their Schengen visa application services in Cyprus.
The collaboration aims to streamline and facilitate a more efficient visa application process for citizens of both nations, according to a statement released by Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
This is not the first time VFS Global has been contracted to handle visa services. Recently, Estonia outsourced its visa application centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to VFS Global.
To ensure a smooth application procedure, the Ministry advises applicants to schedule an appointment and submit their applications in person well in advance, as processing can take up to 15 calendar days. Prior appointment booking at the Visa Application Center is mandatory.
Despite outsourcing operations, the Embassy of Finland will continue to be responsible for processing all applications and making final visa issuance decisions. The Embassy will also continue overseeing all notary, residence permit, and passport application processes in Cyprus.
Any existing visa appointments made directly with the Finnish or Swedish embassies remain unaffected by the changes. Additionally, a dedicated website and helpline are set to launch in November to further assist applicants.
While Cyprus citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Finland as European Union members, residents of certain non-EU nations in Cyprus may still require visas to travel to Finland and Sweden.
Cyprus currently has a medium safety risk level according to independent travel advisories. Last year, new Finnair flights to Cyprus brought many Finnish tourists to the island nation. Cyprus’ Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos welcomed the renewed airline connection between the countries.
