Cyprus Travel Risk

Exercise normal precaution in Cyprus. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Cyprus is generally a safe destination for travelers.

United Nations Buffer Zone

Do not try to enter the United Nations buffer zone anywhere other than a designated crossing point. Police and UN peacekeeping forces strictly enforce this restriction.

Armed Conflict

Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there were significant disruptions to commercial flights.

A drone struck a building on the British Sovereign Base Area on Cyprus on March 2, 2026.

Review our Travel Guidance for Cyprus to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Regional tensions

There is a high risk of sudden escalation in the Middle East, where the regional context remains unpredictable.

If affected, British Nationals should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• monitor local and international media for the latest information
• sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Cyprus.

Terrorism

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.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Cyprus

Terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

Political demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. 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.

Political situation

The Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member, but the country is divided by the ‘Green Line’. The British government does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.

This section has safety advice for regions of Cyprus. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Travel to the north of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member, but the country is divided by the ‘Green Line’. The British government does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.

Consular assistance in the north of Cyprus

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. The authorities in the north of Cyprus do not share information with the British High Commission regarding the location, wellbeing or treatment of British nationals. This means you may be more vulnerable and at greater risk.

Recognition of documents from the north of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus does not recognise residence permits issued in the north of Cyprus.

Risk level

CYPRUS - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Cyprus.

Regional risks

Northern Cyprus - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in northern Cyprus. Canada does not recognize the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”.

Our ability to provide consular assistance in this area may be limited.

Political situation

Since 1974, Cyprus has been divided de facto into a northern and a southern part.

The Government of the Republic of Cyprus, the only internationally recognized authority, controls the Greek Cypriot southern part of the island.

An autonomous Turkish Cypriot administration controls the northern area. Canada does not recognize the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” or its administration. It is illegal to enter the island of Cyprus through the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. If you conduct certain activities in the northern part, you may subject to scrutiny and face legal issues in the Greek Cypriot southern part of the island.

Our ability to provide consular assistance in this area may be limited.

If you travel to the northern part:

• exercise a high degree of caution
• only enter through legal and designated crossing points
• be aware of laws and restrictions that may lead to legal issues

UN Buffer zone or “green line”

The northern and the southern parts are divided by a buffer zone or “green line”, which is controlled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). There is a military presence on both sides of the buffer zone and certain areas are mined.

You must request an authorization from the UNFICYP to enter the buffer zone, except for the areas designated as “civil use areas”. Crossing in both directions is only allowed at designated crossing points.

Incidents in the vicinity of the buffer zone do occur. While the situation is generally calm, confrontations can’t be ruled out.

About the buffer zone - United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)

塞浦路斯现有黄色（中风险）地区1个，其他地区均为蓝色（低风险）。

具体如下：

黄色地区：“北塞浦路斯”地区。外交部提醒在“北塞”地区中国公民密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。