logo
Cyprus travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?

Cyprus travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?

Times2 days ago
Cyprus has remained neutral in the recent conflicts in the Middle East, but its relative proximity to the region has made it a base for military exercises and for emergency evacuations. Most recently, on June 13, 32 passenger flights bound for Israel were forced to divert to Cyprus during the fighting between Israel and Iran.
A ceasefire in the conflict has now held since Tuesday, June 24, following twelve days of fighting that closed down airspace across the Middle East and disrupted flights and travel plans.
Cyprus is an incredibly popular holiday destination and travellers are understandably concerned about the impact of recent events on any future trips. The UK Foreign Office does not advise against travelling to Cyprus — it is still considered safe. However, it does warn of the impact of ongoing hostilities in the region. Here's what you need to know.
• Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now?
Cyprus is generally considered to be a safe holiday destination, and this has not changed given the recent conflict in the Middle East.
After Israel attacked Iran on June 13, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice. It states: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. You should: monitor local and international media for the latest information [and] be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.' This advice has not changed since the ceasefire was announced.
In previous updates, the Foreign Office said that demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. It added: 'Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.'
Separately, the British government does not recognise 'the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'. Consular support will be very limited in this area, which means you may be 'more vulnerable and at greater risk'.Cyprus has not been directly affected by the fighting in the Middle East, and its president had previously declared that the country was neutral in the conflict. However, its geographical proximity to the region has placed it under the spotlight.
For example, in early 2024, the RAF base in Akrotiri was used by the US and the UK to launch missile strikes against Houthi bases in Yemen. This was in response to Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. It sparked protests within Cyprus even though the country was not involved in the operation, and Britain was not obliged to seek permission from Cyprus for military operations launched from the base. In September 2024, Cyprus was also used as a base to evacuate UK nationals from Lebanon as the fighting intensified between Israel and Hezbollah. And in June 2025, after Israel attacked Iran, some passenger flights to Israel were diverted to Cyprus.
The Foreign Office has not changed its advice on travelling to Cyprus in light of the current situation in the Middle East, and it's still considered a safe holiday destination. You should, however, follow the local news and stay away from any protests while there.
• Best all-inclusive hotels in Cyprus• Best beaches in Cyprus
Cyprus is a full member of the EU, which means that most of the rules and restrictions for entering any EU nation apply, including passport validity requirements.
For British citizens, that means ensuring that your passport is less than ten years old and has at least three months of validity left on the day you intend to leave the country. You also need at least one blank page for stamping.
You can enter Cyprus without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism purposes, visiting friends or family, attending business meetings or short-term study. Unlike visits to other EU countries such as France or Spain, which are part of the Schengen zone, your stay in Cyprus does not count towards the 90 day visa-free limit imposed on Brits after Brexit.
• Best luxury villas in Cyprus
Yes, Cyprus is generally considered safe for female travellers, including those travelling on their own. Crime rates are low but personal attacks, including sexual assault, do happen.
The UK Foreign Office says that drug-assisted rape is a risk in Cyprus, and cites the use of drugs such as GHB and liquid ecstasy. It advises buying your own drinks and keeping an eye on them. If you're on a night out with friends, avoid splitting up from the rest of the group.
Cyprus is generally considered safe for LGBT travellers. Same-sex relationships are legal in the country and civil partnerships are recognised. However, the Foreign Office warns that LGBT relationships may not be as widely accepted as in the UK, especially in the north of the island.
• Safest countries for LGBT travellers• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? Latest advice• Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Latest advice
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Customer numbers rise by 3% at Ryanair
Customer numbers rise by 3% at Ryanair

BreakingNews.ie

time2 days ago

  • BreakingNews.ie

Customer numbers rise by 3% at Ryanair

Customer numbers increased by three per cent at Ryanair for June, compared to the same period last year. Figures released on Wednesday by the airline showed Ryanair carried 19.9 million passengers, an increase of 19.3 million in June 2024. Advertisement Load factor, a measure of how full aircraft are, was in line with last year at 95 per cent. Ryanair operated more than 109,000 flights during the month. 800 flights were cancelled in June due to the conflict in the Middle East. On a rolling 12-month basis to the end of December, traffic rose 7 per cent compared to the previous year, reaching 202.6 million.

Morocco travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
Morocco travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?

Times

time2 days ago

  • Times

Morocco travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?

Morocco makes an ideal short-haul holiday destination for families, couples and adventure seekers alike. There are direct flights from several UK airports and with a journey time of under four hours, and there's no jetlag to contend with. The capital Rabat offers plenty of culture, while Essaouira is a top choice for surfers. And then there's Marrakesh, an all-rounder for first time visitors and the gateway to the Atlas mountains. Morocco is hundreds of miles away from both Israel and Iran, but conflict in the Middle East has raised tensions there. On June 13, after Israel attacked Iran, the UK Foreign Office updated its guidance to state: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.' This advice remains in place after the US launched an attack on Iran's nuclear sites on June 21 and since Israel and Iran agreed a ceasefire that has held since Tuesday, June 24. The agreement followed twelve days of fighting that closed down airspace across the Middle East and disrupted flights and travel plans. Aaprt from conflict in the region, there are other safety concerns to bear in mind when visiting Morocco. Here's what you need to know. • Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now?• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? The Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to any part of Morocco, although it updated its guidance on June 13 in light of the situation in the Middle East. It stated: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. You should monitor local and international media for the latest information, be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.' Although a ceasefire has held since June 24, this advice remains in place. More generally, it states that terrorists are 'very likely' to try to carry out attacks in Morocco, noting that there is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Islamic State and other extremist groups. Places highlighted as being at potential risk include crowded areas, government buildings, transport networks, businesses with western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather. • Best hotels in Morocco• Best hotels in Marrakesh Morocco is far from Israel — further than Italy and Greece, for example — so geographically has not been affected by the conflicts between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah or Iran. However, amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, the Foreign Office recently updated its guidance to warn that hostilities could 'pose security risks for the wider region'. Morocco signed the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020, normalising relations with Israel in a move to strengthen ties. However, there is also significant support for Palestinians within the country, and rallies and protests have taken place. The Foreign Office advises that visitors avoid any kind of political protests; you should stay informed by following local news, and obey instructions from security officials. • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? While the Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to any part of Morocco, it raises some general safety considerations to bear in mind. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and drive-by motorcycle theft are common in Morocco, particularly in tourist areas such as historic quarters and beaches. There have also been occasional reports of violent crime, where weapons such as knives have been used against tourists in street attacks and burglaries. The Foreign Office advises avoiding quiet areas (especially after dark) and not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with you. You should also watch out for scams, which are common. These can include credit card fraud as well as bogus tour guides offering their services. If you do use a guide in the medina quarter, make sure they have an official to the Foreign Office, British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism for up to 90 days (to stay for longer than this, request an extension at a local police station). Travellers visiting for other reasons should check with the Moroccan Consulate General in the UK about visa requirements. Your passport should be valid for at least three months after the day you enter Morocco. It should not be damaged, otherwise you may be refused entry. You should also make sure your passport is stamped on arrival, or you may experience difficulties leaving. • Best villas in Morocco• Best riads in Marrakesh Morocco is generally considered safe for female travellers, especially in holiday resorts. However, if you're travelling alone, you may receive unwanted attention from men. The Foreign Office advises wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest. • What can women do to stay safe while abroad? Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, although the country remains a popular destination for LGBT travellers. The Foreign Office advises against public displays of affection, which may cause offence and lead to prosecution. • Safest countries for LGBT travellers• Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Latest advice

Cyprus travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
Cyprus travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?

Times

time2 days ago

  • Times

Cyprus travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?

Cyprus has remained neutral in the recent conflicts in the Middle East, but its relative proximity to the region has made it a base for military exercises and for emergency evacuations. Most recently, on June 13, 32 passenger flights bound for Israel were forced to divert to Cyprus during the fighting between Israel and Iran. A ceasefire in the conflict has now held since Tuesday, June 24, following twelve days of fighting that closed down airspace across the Middle East and disrupted flights and travel plans. Cyprus is an incredibly popular holiday destination and travellers are understandably concerned about the impact of recent events on any future trips. The UK Foreign Office does not advise against travelling to Cyprus — it is still considered safe. However, it does warn of the impact of ongoing hostilities in the region. Here's what you need to know. • Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now? Cyprus is generally considered to be a safe holiday destination, and this has not changed given the recent conflict in the Middle East. After Israel attacked Iran on June 13, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice. It states: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. You should: monitor local and international media for the latest information [and] be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.' This advice has not changed since the ceasefire was announced. In previous updates, the Foreign Office said that demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. It added: 'Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.' Separately, the British government does not recognise 'the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'. Consular support will be very limited in this area, which means you may be 'more vulnerable and at greater risk'.Cyprus has not been directly affected by the fighting in the Middle East, and its president had previously declared that the country was neutral in the conflict. However, its geographical proximity to the region has placed it under the spotlight. For example, in early 2024, the RAF base in Akrotiri was used by the US and the UK to launch missile strikes against Houthi bases in Yemen. This was in response to Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. It sparked protests within Cyprus even though the country was not involved in the operation, and Britain was not obliged to seek permission from Cyprus for military operations launched from the base. In September 2024, Cyprus was also used as a base to evacuate UK nationals from Lebanon as the fighting intensified between Israel and Hezbollah. And in June 2025, after Israel attacked Iran, some passenger flights to Israel were diverted to Cyprus. The Foreign Office has not changed its advice on travelling to Cyprus in light of the current situation in the Middle East, and it's still considered a safe holiday destination. You should, however, follow the local news and stay away from any protests while there. • Best all-inclusive hotels in Cyprus• Best beaches in Cyprus Cyprus is a full member of the EU, which means that most of the rules and restrictions for entering any EU nation apply, including passport validity requirements. For British citizens, that means ensuring that your passport is less than ten years old and has at least three months of validity left on the day you intend to leave the country. You also need at least one blank page for stamping. You can enter Cyprus without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism purposes, visiting friends or family, attending business meetings or short-term study. Unlike visits to other EU countries such as France or Spain, which are part of the Schengen zone, your stay in Cyprus does not count towards the 90 day visa-free limit imposed on Brits after Brexit. • Best luxury villas in Cyprus Yes, Cyprus is generally considered safe for female travellers, including those travelling on their own. Crime rates are low but personal attacks, including sexual assault, do happen. The UK Foreign Office says that drug-assisted rape is a risk in Cyprus, and cites the use of drugs such as GHB and liquid ecstasy. It advises buying your own drinks and keeping an eye on them. If you're on a night out with friends, avoid splitting up from the rest of the group. Cyprus is generally considered safe for LGBT travellers. Same-sex relationships are legal in the country and civil partnerships are recognised. However, the Foreign Office warns that LGBT relationships may not be as widely accepted as in the UK, especially in the north of the island. • Safest countries for LGBT travellers• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? Latest advice• Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Latest advice

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store