Foreign advice for Brits visiting Cyprus amid 'escalation' fears
The Foreign Office has issued a stark warning for Brits planning to travel to Cyprus this summer, urging them to 'be vigilant' due to fears of escalating conflict in the region.
In its recent travel information, the Foreign Office warns of 'ongoing hostilities' between Israel and Iran, which could 'escalate quickly' and create risks across the region, including Cyprus. It comes in the wake of Israel's attacks against Iran last month, which prompted retaliation from the latter.
Although not directly involved in these disputes, Cyprus is close to the heart of the conflict, with Ayia Napa lying just 145 miles from Israel. Moreover, the presence of UK Sovereign Base Areas on Cypriot soil adds another layer of concern for potential effects on the region should the situation between Iran and Israel escalate further.
Ongoing hostilities in the region
In its official guidelines for those travelling to Cyprus, the Foreign Office states: "Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region."
While journeys to Cyprus are still allowed, Brits are advised to monitor local and international news outlets closely for any details.
Additionally, the office advises holidaymakers to "be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities".
The Foreign Office's safety and security page says: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times."
However, it also notes: "Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals."
Can I still travel to Cyprus this summer?
At present, there are no incidents in or near Cyprus that have disrupted flights, and travel firms continue to operate as usual. However, if you're worried about any potential escalation in conflict impacting your flight, you should get in touch with your airline to find out their stance on possible cancellations.
If you've already booked accommodation, it's recommended to check whether they've issued any guidance for guests during your stay.
Further details on Foreign Office guidance for Cyprus can be found online here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds review
And how much you can expect to pay per night Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Angel is a gorgeous ivy-clad Georgian hotel in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. But what are the rooms like and what's the best thing on the menu? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The hotel sits at the heart of the historic town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk Credit: The angel hotel Where is the hotel? The hotel sits at the heart of the historic town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, so all the main sights are within easy walking distance. The train station is a five-minute taxi ride away or less than 20 minutes on foot. What is the hotel like? The Angel offers gorgeous interiors and a fantastic central location. Its imposing historic exterior belies its contemporary, chic boutique hotel interior. Expect pop art and vintage furniture alongside huge comfy leather sofas and velvet banquettes in the spacious lounge, plus a bustling restaurant and bar. What is there to do at The Angel hotel? You're in the perfect spot to explore with the abbey gardens and independent shops all nearby. Definitely worth a few hours is a tour of Greene King's Westgate Brewery, where ales have been created for more than 200 years. Tours cost £20 and include a five-ale taster. What is there to eat and drink there? The Eaterie restaurant's menu aims to shine a light on local producers, with classic British dishes. We loved the Pickwick Pie, stuffed full of steak in a rich ale sauce. The Sunday roasts at around £20 a head are also worth a try. What are the rooms like at the hotel? The rooms are classic but contemporary with some quirky touches. Splash out on one of the Ivy Copper rooms and you are rewarded with views of the Abbey Gardens, as well as a free-standing copper bath. Our room featured a vast marble bathroom. The eclectic style was a winner for me, with an antique desk alongside a feathered floor lamp. The bed was huge and comfy. Classic rooms from £117 including breakfast, Ivy Copper rooms from £440 in October. Is it family friendly? It may not be the best choice for those with young kids, although extra zed beds and sofa beds can be added for £10 per child, per night. Cots can also be added to rooms for £10 per night. A kids breakfast costs £5. Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, there are some accessible rooms. There is also a flatter entrance at the side of the hotel or guests can request for the ramp to be laid down. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
15 danger zones around the home you must check NOW before you go on holiday – or risk being hit with £390 costs
Find out how to prevent yourself being landed with a big bill when you get home HOUSE THAT 15 danger zones around the home you must check NOW before you go on holiday – or risk being hit with £390 costs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NOT going through these 15 checks before you go on holiday could land you with a huge bill. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of heading off on a break. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Fridges and freezers can usually be left running unless you're going away for a long time Credit: Alamy But research by BOXT has found one in Brits have returned home to be hit with an unexpected home emergency - with the average repair bill totalling a massive £390. Some of the common culprits include break-ins, boiler problems, mould, flooding and fires. If you want to avoid being landed with a hefty bill, these are the 15 things you should be checking for before you head off on your travels. Check for fire risks An estimated 35,000 house fires happen in the UK every year. Here's how to protect your home while you're away. Look at your electricals Electrical fires are one of the most common causes of house fires in the UK. You're particularly at risk when you go away on holiday, and the main culprits are often tumble dryers, chargers and toasters. Sam Starbuck, home expert at HomeServe, says: "It's worth unplugging things like TVs, audio systems, Wi-Fi routers, kitchen appliances like coffee machines and toasters, dishwashers, and washing machines, all of which can use power when on standby and, in some cases, cause an electrical fire. "Fridges and freezers can usually be left running, unless you're going to be away for an extended period. Just make sure they're working properly before you go." You should also check for overloaded plug sockets and ageing wiring. I'm a mum-of-12, I swear by £1.15 bathroom cleaner and £3.25 mould cleaner in our busy house Move mirrors and glassware Another fire risk is sunlight reflecting off everyday items in your home. Avoid putting magnifying mirrors, mirrored display trays or even glass ornaments near windows as these can concentrate sunlight into a beam hot enough to ignite curtains, furniture or carpet. Kara says: "Before you head off on holiday, it's worth doing a quick sweep of your home to make sure anything reflective is moved away from window ledges or sunlit spots. "It takes just a minute to reposition a mirror, but the damage from a fire could be devastating." Don't leave things charging You should avoid leaving electronics to charge while they're away, especially ones with lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery can be found in most rechargeable devices such as power banks, e-bikes, vapes and smart watches. If left unattended they can overheat and start fires. Kara says you should always store these types of electronics in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and flammable materials. Never throw these devices in the rubbish or your standard recycling bins, as these batteries can ignite if they're crushed or damaged. Check your curtains You should avoid draping curtains or blinds over radiators or plug sockets, as this can also create a fire risk. Thief-proof your home Another major risk while you're away is falling victim to a break-in. These are the steps you can take to try to prevent it... Safeguard your garden Stop thieves from being tempted to steal from your garden by storing your tools and equipment in a locked shed or garage. You could also add certain features like a gravel pathway to deter intruders as the sound of footsteps crunching on gravel could alert homeowners. Plus, planting thorny bushes near your fences can act as a natural barrier. Secure your doors and windows Mark Hodgson, chairman of Tremark and vice president of The Association of British Insurers, says you should invest in high-security door locks. You could also consider installing deadbolts. Don't forget about your windows too - you can upgrade your window locks to make it harder for people to enter. You could also apply security film to your windows to make them shatter-resistant. Mark your valuables You can use UV light to mark your valuables and it won't show up under normal lighting. "This technique not only makes it easier to identify stolen items, but also signals to potential thieves that the property is traceable, serving as a strong deterrent," Mark says. "Items such as electronics, tools and expensive garden equipment should be labelled accordingly." Get a security camera Installing a security camera or doorbell device can serve as a deterrent for thieves. Plus, it can let you monitor your home while you're away. You might even be able to use a "decoy" security camera that looks genuine but isn't operational. Avoid plumbing and boiler disasters If you're way from home for a while, it can cause issues with your heating and plumbing. Here's what to do to prevent it... Switch your boiler to 'holiday mode' Some boiler systems have a "holiday mode" or "away mode" that you can use when you'll be out of the house for a few days or more. The setting turns off your central heating to conserve energy but keeps essential heating functions such as frost protection and minimal hot water circulation active. This can stop you having issues like frozen pipes or stagnant water while also saving you from wasting energy. Adam Knight, lead engineer at BOXT, says: "Running the boiler for a short period could help prevent components from sticking or seizing, particularly if you're away for extended periods of time." Turn off your stop tap If you're going away for more than three days, you should make sure to switch off your water supply. This can protect you against surprises such as damp, floor damage or burst pipes. The stop tap is usually located under the kitchen sink but it might also be in a kitchen cupboard, a downstairs toilet, a utility room or garage, basement, or under the stairs. Turn the tap clockwise to switch off the water supply and anti-clockwise to turn it back on again. Make sure you always turn slowly and gently to avoid damaging the valve. Avoid pesky pests The last thing you want is to come home to a pest infestation. You'll want to make sure you do these things... Get rid of food scraps Rats and mice can do a surprising amount of damage to your home - and they love finding food scraps in bins or crumbs under the sofa. Kara Gammell says: "Rats can gnaw through almost anything, including concrete and metal. "They've been known to cause flooding by chewing through pipes." You can avoid this problem by clearing away clutter, getting rid of food scraps, keeping your bins tightly shut and sealing up gaps and holes in your home. Protect your car too Rats can also nibble their way through car engines and fuel hoses and damage headlights. Make sure you park away from rubbish or food sources and use a garage if possible. Also keep your car's interior clean and food-free. Prevent mould Another common issue that can happen while you're away is mould growth. Here are the areas you should keep an eye on... Bathrooms This is perhaps the most obvious area where mould can grow. Check your bathroom for any signs of mould starting to appear before you go, such as black, green or white patches on your walls. Another tell-tale sign is a musty smell. Washing machines Hudson Lambert, mould expert at Dryzone, says there are plenty of "less obvious" hotspots for mould that you might not think to check. For example, if you're washing your clothes at lower temperatures (below 40C) then mould can survive in your machine. Make sure to regularly wash your washing machine and check for signs of mould before you go away. Behind furniture Mould behind furniture can be caused by condensation on the wall. You should check behind sofas, bathroom mirrors and radiators that aren't in use for signs.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Eurostar train evacuated after passengers left stranded with 'no air or toilets'
Passengers were left stranded on a Eurostar train for more than five hours, and have finally been evacuated out of the carriages. People have blasted the service for a lack of communication, with passengers saying they have no idea when they'll be picked up. One passenger said the bathrooms were not working and there was no ventilation on the stranded train. The train is believed to be stuck by Guines which is close to Calais. One passenger told of paramedics onboard, treating people who have become unwell. The man told The Mirror: "We're stuck on Eurostar tracks near Guines... They said both of the engines are out of service and we need a new train to take us... There's no toilets. Zero communication from staff on board. None. The only info we get is from Twitter." Members of Stornoway, a British indie folk band, are among stranded Eurostar passengers. After people were allowed to leave their train, they took their guitars out and started singing, social media videos show. After 6h on a broken-down Eurostar we cracked out the guitars to remind everybody #theOnlyWayIsUp Passengers have managed to get out of the train but there has been "no communication" so far from Eurostar, one has claimed. Photos shared on social media show people lining by the side of the train while waiting for an update on the incident. A person tweeted: "After 5 hours… people get out. Still no communication. No new train." After 5 hours… people get out. Still no communication. No new train. A traveller onboard the stuck train took to X to ask Eurostar what was happening as they said old and young people on the train appeared to not be doing well. The worried passenger said: "What's the latest? I'm on the train. No air conditioning and Elderly and young children clearly struggling with no water. This traveller also raged about the apparent lack of information and updates that were given to them, adding: "Communication from staff is poor and generally the whole situation is a shambles." A passenger on board the stationary train near Calais has said that air conditioning isn't working "The air conditioning has also been out for most of the time. Took them two hours to open doors," he told The Mirror. "Trains routinely pass us, but nobody stops to help us." Of a possible medical incident onboard he said: "Paramedics from Calais have been called twice now and are on the train. Unclear what happened, but two sets of paramedics from Calais have come onto the train." A passenger has told The Mirror that there are people unwell on the stuck train which has two engines out of service. He said: "We're stuck on Eurostar tracks near Guines. It's we've been here for about four hours now. They said both of the engines are out of service and we need a new train to take us. "They've said it's coming at 130, but nothing. Conditions aren't great - paramedics are on board and triaging people. There's no toilets. Zero communication from staff on board. None. The only info we get is from Twitter." A woman with children claims that she is stuck on a stationary Eurostar train in "inhumane conditions". "I am on this train with two small children who are overheating! There are no toilets, there is no air, these are inhumane conditions. There is still no replacement!!!!," she wrote on X. Eurostar replied: "Hi Valentina, we're sorry about the situation with your train today. Please remain seated and wait for instructions from the onboard team, as we are arranging a replacement train. Thank you for your understanding and patience." And the woman told how people were feeling ill inside the carriage. She responded to Eurostar: "Do you have an updated timeline? We've been waiting without air and with overflowing toilets for 4 hours. People are feeling ill, nobody can give us an answer." A further person also wrote on X: "And there is no information or instructions!" A passenger has blasted Eurostar after saying she is stuck on a Eurostar train for nearly four hours without bathrooms working. "We've been stuck with no electricity (air) and bathrooms aren't working. Close to 4hrs waiting and counting," wrote a traveller on X. She is also travelling on a stationary train heading for London. Eurostar replied to her: "Hi Alexandra, we're sorry about the situation with your train today. Please remain seated and wait for instructions from the onboard team, as we are arranging a replacement train. Thank you for your understanding and patience." Passengers stuck on a Eurostar train heading to London for more than three hours have been told a replacement train is being sent. One traveller received a message on X from the operator stating: "We're sending a replacement train to take you to London, which should arrive shortly. You'll need to leave the train. For your own safety, please remain seated for now and wait for instructions from our onboard team." Eurostar passengers travelling recently were warned to cancel or postpone their trips as chaos erupted after two people were killed on the railway near Lille in France. Those travelling between London St Pancras International and Gare Du Nord in Paris were delayed for seven hours in both directions on June 24, with some having their trains called altogether. The knock on effects of the delays was still affecting travellers the next day. The French section also faced more disruption a day later after cables were stolen and cut overnight in what the French authorities are calling a "a malicious act". Serge de Gheldere in London wrote on X: "Almost 3h. Still no news, no air. This is not just an incident or bad luck. "@Eurostar is absolutely clueless and unprepared. There is no olan(sic). Instead of opening the doors and trusting the people, they only have one or two doors open and let people almost suffocate. There's asthma patients and infants on board."
