NON-EUROPEAN CITIZENS - WHEN DOES THE ETIAS START? PROVISIONAL KEY DATES FOR NON-EUROPEANS TRAVELLING TO EUROPE

 The Independent 16 January 2026 - by Simon Calder

Re the information below the EES will apply to all non-Europeans travelling into Europe/Schengen area.  However, as long as you have your biometric residency issued by Cyprus, you will not need to do anything further regarding the EES as your biometric residency will carry the information required.

In due course, when released, all non-Europeans will need to apply for an ETIAS - a simple online procedure.  Scheduled provisionally for release late 2026/early 2027 - date keeps on being put back.

• The European Union launched its Entry-Exit System (EES) on 12 October 2025, with full implementation for British travellers to the Schengen area anticipated by April 2026.
• The EES will require British citizens to undergo biometric checks, including fingerprints and facial scans, upon their first entry and subsequent exits from the Schengen zone.
• The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) will be introduced around six months after the EES rollout is completed (estimated October 2026) but will not become mandatory for UK visitors until around six months later (estimated April 2027).
• Etias is an online permit costing €20, valid for three years, though it will be free for travellers under 18 or over 70.
• These new systems aim to enhance security, combat irregular migration, and ensure compliance with short-stay rules, which may result in longer border queues.

GOOD NEWS FOR SHOPPERS - ZERO VAT STAYS ON BASIC GOODS IN 2026

KNews 16 January 2026 

No VAT on baby milk, diapers, fruit and vegetables.

Shoppers in Cyprus will get a break on everyday essentials for another year, as the government confirmed that zero VAT on a range of basic goods will remain in place throughout 2026.

The Tax Department announced that the measure, approved by the Cabinet in November, will apply from January 1 through December 31, 2026, aiming to ease pressure on household budgets and help keep the cost of living in check.

CYPRUS MOVES TO BREAK DEEP RUSSIAN TIES

 KNews 16 January 2026

Officials highlight Ukraine war as catalyst for sweeping economic and security reforms.

Cyprus’ top diplomat has acknowledged that the island had long-standing ties with Russia but said the government has taken decisive action to dismantle those links following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The measures include closing tens of thousands of shell companies and bank accounts and overhauling economic and defense structures, according to an article by United24 Media.

Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos told reporters that while Cyprus historically had close connections to Russia, the war in Ukraine forced a “fundamental shift” in policy and enforcement. “We do not rely on Russian energy, unlike other EU member states, and we have joined the sanctions,” he added, highlighting the island’s move toward stronger pro-Western alignment.

ROADS CLOSED IN NICOSIA ON SUNDAY DUE TO CHARITY RUNNING RACES - SEE STREETS AND TIMES

 Filenews 16 January 2026

Roads in Nicosia will be closed to traffic on Sunday, January 18, 2026, for the safe conduct of running races. During the charity running races, traffic will be diverted through adjacent roads.

Members of the Police will be in the area to provide assistance to the public and regulate traffic, while there will be temporary road signs on the road network to facilitate passing vehicle drivers.

UNNATURAL DEATH AT THE RUSSIAN EMBASSY - HE SPOKE WITH LAVROV BEFORE PANOV CAME TO CYPRUS - LIST OF THE 47 YEAR OLD'S CONTACTS

 Filenews 16 January 2026 - by Fanis Makridis

Very well networked with high-ranking Russian officials was Anton Panov. The employee of the Russian embassy in Nicosia, shortly before taking up his duties in Cyprus, had spoken with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of his country, Sergei Lavrov.

This emerges from the phone records of the suicide that were secured and revealed the day before yesterday late in the afternoon by the Russian website The Insider (theins.ru). As for the time when the 47-year-old Panov came to Cyprus, this is not clarified by the publication of the website in question.

TECHNOTIDE - Coral Residences, Peyia - 2 May

 

TECHNOTIDE

At the beach - Coral Residences, Peyia

Saturday 2 May - 2pm-11pm

Welcome to our Beachfront open-air techno experience with international DJs, luxury location and a Mediterranean sunset.

ANIMAL RIGHTS PROTEST - Pafos Airport - 24 January

 

ANIMAL RIGHTS PROTEST

Pafos Airport

24 January - 4pm