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Times
02-07-2025
- 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
The Independent
30-06-2025
- The Independent
Is it safe to travel to Cyprus? Your rights amid ongoing conflict in Middle East
Some holidaymakers currently in Cyprus or those with trips booked to the island may have been looking at the map of the eastern Mediterranean with concern, given the Foreign Office warning of 'ongoing hostilities in the region'. Now, after days of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, a ceasefire deal proposed by US President Donald Trump appears to be tentatively holding. The ceasefire was put in place on 24 June, but Israel's defence minister claimed Iran had violated the agreement by launching strikes, which Iran has denied. Israel, only 145 miles from the popular Cypriot resort of Ayia Napa, launched airstrikes on Iran on 13 June, and the two countries have since continued to carry out attacks back and forth. The US then became involved after launching attacks on Tehran's nuclear facilities over the weekend. Meanwhile, Syria and Lebanon, with serious security concerns, are even closer to the island. The UK has two Sovereign Bases in Cyprus, which the foreign secretary, David Lammy, describes as 'hugely important at this time'. Despite the recent regional conflict, airlines and holiday companies are continuing with their normal terms and conditions – with someone who chooses not to travel likely to lose some or all of their money. These are the key questions and answers. What is happening at the island's airports? At Larnaca airport, the main hub for Cyprus, flights have been operating as normal over the past few days. Paphos, in the west of the island, is also operating normally. What warnings does the UK government have for travellers to Cyprus? 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region,' says the Foreign Office travel advice for Cyprus. 'You should monitor local and international media for the latest information [and] be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.' It adds: 'Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, attacks cannot be ruled out.' The travel advice also discusses the north of Cyprus. The Foreign Office says: 'FCDO can only provide limited consular support if you are visiting areas in the north that are not under control of the Republic of Cyprus.' What do other governments say? Official travel advice issued by the governments of Ireland, Australia, Canada and the US does not raise any concerns about the conflict in the Middle East. The strongest warning is from Australia, which says: 'Exercise a high degree of caution in Cyprus due to the active UN peacekeeping operation in the country.' I am still concerned. Can I claim a refund? As the Foreign Office does not warn against travel to Cyprus, there is no prospect of being able to cancel a trip for a full refund. Neither will travel insurance be of help; the insurer will say that there is no reason not to go. Any other ideas? A proper package holiday can be transferred to someone else on payment of a nominal fee – typically £50. Alternatively, your holiday company may possibly offer the chance to switch to a different destination if there is capacity elsewhere. Regrettably, if you have booked a 'flight only' trip, the airline is likely to impose its normal terms and conditions. What if circumstances in Cyprus deteriorate? Were the Foreign Office to warn against travel to Cyprus, people with package holidays booked for imminent departure would be entitled to a full refund. Airlines are likely also to offer refunds. Holidaymakers already on the island would be flown home as soon as possible. What about ferry links? The summer-only car ferry between Limassol in Cyprus and Piraeus (the port for Athens) is running as normal for the summer season. The journey time is 31 hours each way, with the last sailing at the start of September. Ferries run between Kyrenia in the north of Cyprus to Tasucu in southern Turkey. They are sailing as normal and take under three hours. Would you book a holiday to Cyprus? Yes. It is a beautiful, cultured, friendly and warm country. But I would book a proper package holiday to get maximum consumer protection in the event of any problem.
