As the sunniest island in Europe, Cyprus has been a popular holiday destination for decades, however, this summer has seen parts of the island (particularly the area around Paphos) scorched by wildfires.
Now, a different emergency is posing questions about the safety of travellers planning to head to the island – the Middle East conflict. Due to Cyprus’s proximity to Lebanon, it’s understandably worrying if you have a trip booked – so here is everything you need to know about travelling to Cyprus right now.
Has Cyprus been affected by the conflict in the Middle East?
The president of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, said the country is not involved and remains neutral in the Middle East Conflict, according to the Telegraph.
RAF Akrotiri, an airbase on the island, is apparently being used as a strategic point to aid in the evacuation of Brits from Lebanon.
Is it still safe to travel?
There’s growing concern over travelling to Cyprus because of its proximity to the conflict – Ayia Napa, a popular resort on the southeastern tip of Cyprus, is only 177km from Beirut, and 233km from the main conflict zone (which is about the same distance from London to Sheffield). However, the FCDO maintains that travelling to the island is safe.
What has the UK Foreign Office advised?
The FCDO has not updated its advice on travelling to Cyprus and is not currently advising against travelling to the country. You can keep an eye on the page here for any updates.
Can I claim a refund if I cancel my trip?
Given travelling to Cyprus is not advised against, it’s unlikely you’ll receive any compensation if you cancel your trip. However, if you’re keen to reschedule or change your dates, contact your travel provider directly to see if anything can be done.
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