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The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued a new travel warning for Cyprus, stressing that terrorist attacks on the island "cannot be ruled out". The updated security assessment, published on the official gov.uk website, clearly states: "Terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including against places visited by foreign nationals."
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and recent incidents that have directly affected British interests on the island. Earlier this week, RAF Akrotiri, one of two sovereign British bases in Cyprus, was hit by a suspected Shahed drone, causing limited damage to a hangar near the runway but no casualties.
Two more drones were neutralized by British aircraft later that day. In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deployment of the naval destroyer HMS Dragon, a Type 45 ship with advanced air defenses, and two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, equipped with anti-drone weapons such as Martlet missiles, to bolster the defense of British personnel and bases.
The situation is related to the regional escalation following previous attacks between Iran, Israel and the US, where Cyprus, due to British bases, is seen as a potential target point for proxy groups or other actors.
The FCDO stresses that the global terrorist threat remains high to British interests and their citizens, urging Britons to be vigilant, follow local developments and avoid potential danger areas.
However, there is no advice against travel to Cyprus in general, but travellers are encouraged to check travel advice regularly and stay informed of possible changes due to "regional escalation posing significant security risks and travel disruptions".
This is the latest in a series of updates for destinations such as Cyprus, Turkey and Greece linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Britons planning holidays to Cyprus are advised to sign up for alerts on the FCDO website and follow safety instructions from local authorities.
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