There is escalating tension in the Middle East following Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon on Tuesday, October 1, and the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27. Later on October 1, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel in response to its “limited, localised” invasion of Lebanon to rout Tehran’s ally Hezbollah. The entire region is on edge as Israel’s prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran “will pay” for the strike.
On September 25, with tensions mounting, the Ministry of Defence moved 700 troops to Cyprus on to help evacuate UK nationals from Lebanon, around 165 miles away. This followed several Israeli strikes on Lebanon as the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah — the Lebanese political party and armed group — intensifies. The prime minister has told British nationals in Lebanon to “leave immediately”.
In addition to the troops, there are 500 military personnel in Cyprus in preparation for an evacuation, along with Royal Air Force planes on standby and two British warships.
On June 19, Hezbollah’s then leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that Cyprus would come under attack if it allowed Israel to use its air bases during any conflict with Hezbollah. Although Cyprus has hosted joint military drills and training with Israel in the past, and has been used as a base by US and UK forces in their joint strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen in early 2024, its president, Nikos Christodoulides, says that the country remains neutral in this conflict.
Cyprus is geographically closer than other parts of Europe to the Middle East — while fighting in the region has intensified, the UK Foreign Office does not currently warn against travelling to this EU country. That said, this is a fast-moving situation and holidaymakers are advised to consult the Foreign Office website for the most up-to-date advice.
What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Cyprus?
A juniper on Mount Madari in the Troodos range
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Cyprus is generally considered to be a safe holiday destination and the Foreign Office hasn’t updated its advice on travelling to the island since the Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
It does, however, warn that protests can happen with little warning amid heightened tensions in the region.
Separately, it warns that the British government does not recognise “the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. Furthermore, consular support will be very limited in this area, which means you may be “more vulnerable and at greater risk”.
Has Cyprus been affected by the conflict in the Middle East?
Cyprus is not directly affected by the fighting, although as well as the British troops who are in the country to support a potential military evacuation from Lebanon, it is home to a significant Israeli population that has swelled since the conflict began last year. Security measures around the island have heightened since the fighting started, according to local press. Tensions rose following the US and UK strikes on Houthi bases in early 2024, which were in response to Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. This sparked protests outside the RAF base in Akrotiri, which was used as one of the launch pads for the strikes. Cyprus was not involved in the operation, and Britain is not obliged to seek permission from Cyprus for military operations launched from the base.
In an escalation of tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, the former has been attacking the latter since October 2023 in a bid to force Israel to stop its operations in Gaza. Cyprus has never been directly involved in the conflict, so the threats made by Hezbollah leader Nasrallah have come as a surprise. Cyprus’s president Christodoulides has denied the country’s involvement in any conflict.
Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now?
The Foreign Office hasn’t changed its advice for Cyprus in the wake of the fighting in the Middle East and it’s still considered a safe destination. You should, however, follow the local news and stay away from any protests while there.
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What are Cyprus’s entry requirements?
Aphrodite’s Rock in Paphos
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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.
Is Cyprus safe for female travellers?
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 includes 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.
Is Cyprus safe for LGBT travellers?
Blowing bubbles at the annual Pride parade in Nicosia
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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.
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