Travel warning. Photo: Shutterstock The United States Department of State has raised the travel warning for Cyprus to Level 3, which translates to recommendations to reconsider travel to the island, due to the threat of escalation in the Middle East and restrictions on the ability to assist American citizens in the Turkish-controlled area of northern Cyprus.
Following the warning, yesterday (Tuesday, March 3), the US State Department authorized non-essential US government employees and their families to leave Cyprus due to safety risks.
The decision comes against the backdrop of the escalation between the United States and Iran, which led to significant disruptions in commercial flights in the region, alongside an Iranian drone strike in the area of the sovereign British base in Cyprus and threats from Iran to launch missiles at the island.
The State Department also notes that the US Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to assist American citizens in the Turkish-administered area in the north of the island. The area was declared in 1983 as the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” but is not recognized by the United States or any other country except Turkey.
As part of the travel guidelines, US citizens are asked to enter and exit Cyprus only through Larnaca and Paphos airports or through the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.
Entry or exit through the Arakkonam airport in the north of the island is not recognized by the Cypriot government and may create future difficulties in re-entering the country.
In addition, travelers are advised to prepare an emergency plan for leaving the country that does not depend on government assistance, monitor local media reports, and be prepared for changes to travel plans.
Akrotiri, Cyprus, British base area. Photo: Shutterstock