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Youth Culture Card

Prepaid Card

  • The Youth Culture Card is a prepaid card

    offered by the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Youth Board of Cyprus in cooperation with Bank of Cyprus.
  • The issuance of this card

    Will give young people, who turn 18 – 21 years old in 2025, the chance to get to know the cultural scene in Cyprus
  • The Youth Culture Card comes topped off with €220

    (€200 from the Republic of Cyprus and €20 from Bank of Cyprus)
  • Bio Sourced PLA card

    replacing around 84% of PVC within the card 

More information

    1. Who are the beneficiaries of the Youth Culture Card?

    Beneficiaries are young people aged between 18 to 21; in other words, those born between 2004 and 2007. Beneficiary applicants are those who are citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and those who reside legally in the Republic.

    1. What is the period of validity of the card?

    The Card has a duration of 12 months from the day of issue and can be issued at any time of the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st year of the beneficiary. Persons who have already acquired the Card cannot apply for a second time.

    1. What is the amount available on the Youth Culture Card?

    The Culture Card will be credited with the amount of €220 (€200 payment from the Republic of Cyprus and €20 from the Bank of Cyprus).

    1. What is the objective of the measure?

    The objective of the measure in question is twofold:

    • To strengthen cultural education, which is one of the primary objectives of the President's Programme of Government and of the Deputy Ministry of Culture
    • To enhance the popularity of cultural sites and events/events.
    1. Where can the Youth Card be used?

    The Card can be used by the beneficiaries only for specific services related to participation in the cultural life of the country. The list of services provided is likely to be amended from time to time in order to further clarify it to the beneficiaries. The cultural sites concerned by this measure are:

    • Concerts
    • Theatrical productions
    • Dance performances
    • Art and other exhibitions
    • Film screenings
    • Arts festivals
    • Museums
    • Archaeological sites
    • Fiba Eurobasket 2025 events.
    1. How do I know if a venue is eligible for the Youth Culture Card?

    Eligible venues are those that fall into the categories of theatre, cinema, dance performances, visual arts and cultural venues - as mentioned in the question above, provided that payment by card is possible, that is, there is a service provider in Cyprus.

    More specifically, the Card recognizes particular codes through the Bank of Cyprus MMC (Merchant Category Code) that correspond to the basic targets of the Youth Culture Card, thus it does allow payment/purchase only for specific purposes (theatrical performances, cultural venues, etc).   

    1. Can the card be used to purchase tickets on internet platforms?

    Yes, the Card can be used for purchases on internet platforms (online ticketing services).

    1. What do I do in case I visit a cultural venue, but my card is not accepted?

    In the event that the transaction is not accepted or “declined” it is likely to be because:

    - either the merchant/ museum/ venue is not listed in the list of beneficiaries as mentioned in point 5,

    - or the amount available on the card is not sufficient to complete the payment.

    You will be informed of all reasons for the rejection of your transaction (including the above) by the Bank of Cyprus via a message on your mobile phone or Push Notification on the BoC Mobile App. For more information and direct help contact the Bank of Cyprus call centre at: 80 000800 (Monday – Friday 07:45 – 18:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00 – 17:00). 

    1. What is the difference with the European Youth Card of the Cyprus Youth Organisation (CYYO)?

    The Youth Culture Card of the Ministry of Culture concerns a prepaid VISA card, which will be issued by a Banking Institution.

    The European Youth Card of the ONEK, is a card, which provides the beneficiaries (people from 13 to 30 years old) with discounts and privileges/offers in cultural/entertainment venues and events etc. For more information on the European Youth Card of the ONEK see here.

    As such, the former is a prepaid card with the possibility to use the full amount for an activity, while the latter is a discount card covering part of the cost of the activity.

    1. In case I am an existing customer of the Bank, how can I apply for the card?

    You can apply via:

    • the BoC Mobile App or
    • any Bank of Cyprus branch by presenting the necessary documents (identity card or passport and proof of residence address) according to the Bank’s procedures.
    1. If I am not a customer of the Bank, can I apply?

    Yes. You can apply in the following ways:

    • Download the BoC Mobile App and proceed with Digital On Boarding as per the instructions given at www.bankofcyprus.com → Digital Channels → Registration & Terms & Conditions → New Customer. Once you have completed the account activation process, you can then apply via the BoC Mobile App for your Youth Culture Card, or
    • Through any Bank of Cyprus branch, by presenting the necessary documents (ID or passport and proof of address) according to the Bank’s procedures.
    1. Are there any criteria regarding the income?

    No, there are no criteria other than the age limits.

    1. Where can I pick up the card and card code from?

    You can receive your card by post to the address held in the Bank’s records (address to be indicated in your application) or you can request to collect it from any Bank branch. 

    The card code is available through the BoC Mobile App → Cards → View PIN.

    1. How can I check my card/account balance?

    Through Internet Banking and BoC Mobile App are available:

    • Account balance.
    • Account balance: the status of transactions.
    1. What happens in case there is a remaining balance on the card?

    In the event that the 12 months of validity of the card are completed and an amount remains on the card, it will be returned to the account of the Deputy Ministry of Culture.

    1. Is it allowed to withdraw cash from ATMs?

    No, the prepaid card cannot be used to withdraw cash from ATM machines.

    1. Is the card top-up?

    This card will not be top-up, therefore it cannot be reloaded with additional credits/additional amount.

    1. Is there a fee/expenses for the card?

    No, the card will not be charged with an annual subscription fee nor does it have any other charges for the cardholder.

    1. If I have any queries can I contact an officer for further clarification?

    If the above questions do not answer your queries, you may contact the Official of the Deputy Ministry of Culture or the Bank of Cyprus Call Center.

    Contact details:

    Deputy Ministry of Culture Officer

    Ms Ourania Michael

    Contact telephone 22309523

    E-mail address: omichail@culture.gov.cy

    Bank of Cyprus Call Centre

    Tel. 80 000800

    Monday – Friday 07:45 – 18:00

    Saturday and Sunday 09:00 – 17:00 

  • More information, Deputy Ministry of Culture

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