Conflict in the Middle East
Cyprus travel advice: Is it safe for tourists bound for the Mediterranean island given the Israel-Hezbollah conflict?
Cyprus is very near to Lebanon and to Israel
CYPRUS is a popular holiday destination with Brits looking for an affordable winter sun break.
However, the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has raised concerns due to its proximity to the island.
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Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now?
The UK Foreign Office has not issued any warnings against traveling to Cyprus.
However, it has warned that protests can occur quickly and suddenly on the island.
It also does not acknowledge the “the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” and has noted that it may be difficult for the UK to offer consular support in the region.
What is currently happening in Cyprus?
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel were intensified when Hezbollah voiced anger at Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks.
Read more on Israel-Hezbollah
The situation worsened on September 17 and 18, 2024, after thousands of pagers and hundreds of walkie-talkies belonging to members of Hezbollah simultaneously exploded.
Several sources have suggested this attack was perpetrated by Israel.
Since then, Keir Starmer has said UK nationals in Lebanon need to be evacuated to Cyprus in case of further conflict.
Cyprus is home to two UK sovereign base areas named Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
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The island is 293 miles from Israel and 180 miles from Lebanon.
This makes the island very significant for the UK’s and its allies’ operations in the Mediterranean and in the Middle East.
On June 19, 2024, the leader of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said that Cyprus could come under attack if it allowed its airbases to be used against Hezbollah.
However, Cyprus’s president Nikos Christodoulides has denied Cyprus' involvement in any conflict and the UK Foreign Office maintains that travelling to Cyprus is safe.
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Should I cancel my holiday to Cyprus?
With no travel warnings currently in place, it is not advised to cancel your stay on the island.
Anyone with a trip booked is unlikely to get a refund for their trip unless the UK government advises against travel.
If you are nervous about your vacation, then you should contact your tour operator instead, as you may be able to move your dates instead.
What do you need to travel to Cyprus?
You can travel to Cyprus without a visa for 90 days.
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However, you must remember your passport that is comfortably in date.
You may also need to be able to produce your ticket and return ticket, as well as proof that you have enough money for your stay.
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