With an enviably sunny location in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is popular with British holidaymakers year-round. In spring, the island comes into full bloom, while in summer there are blue-flag beaches where you can soak up the sun. By autumn, the Troodos Mountains are bathed in a golden hue, and the mild winters make it an attractive year-round choice.
But Cyprus is geographically closer to the Middle East than to Europe, and has taken in thousands of Israelis fleeing the fighting between Israel and Hamas. In recent days, protests have sprung up at the RAF base in Akrotiri after it was used as a launch pad in the joint UK and US strikes against Houthi bases in Yemen on January 11. Here’s what you need to know.
Main photo: Nicosia, capital of Cyprus (Alamy) This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue A juniper on Mount Madari in the Troodos range (Getty Images) Cyprus is generally considered to be a safe holiday destination and the UK Foreign Office hasn’t updated its advice on travelling to the island since the fighting between Israel and Hamas began. It does, however, warn that protests can happen with little warning in light of the conflict. Seperately, 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”.
What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Cyprus?
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Café life in the village of Omodos (Getty Images)
Has Cyprus been affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Cyprus is not directly affected by the fighting between Israel and Hamas, although it is home to a significant Israeli population, which has swelled since the conflict began in early October 2023. Security measures around the island have heightened since the fighting began, according to local press.
Tensions have risen further following the US and UK strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen on January 11, which were in response to Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. This has 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 obligated to seek permission from Cyprus for any military operations launched from the base.
Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now?
The UK’s Foreign Office hasn’t changed its advice for Cyprus in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, or the recent strikes against Houthi bases in Yemen. For now, 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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Aphrodite’s Rock in Paphos (Alamy)
What are Cyprus’s entry requirements?
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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 can enter Cyprus without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism, visiting friends or family, attending business meetings or short-term study. Unlike 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.
Partygoers enjoying a beer or two at the Limassol Carnival (Alamy)
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 with the rest of the group.
Blowing bubbles at the annual Pride parade in Nicosia (Getty Images)
Is Cyprus safe for LGBTQ travellers?
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Cyprus is generally considered safe for LGBTQ travellers. Same-sex relationships are legal in the country and civil partnerships are recognised. However, the Foreign Office warns that it may not be as widely accepted as in the UK, especially in the north of the island.
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