Cyprus Travel Advisory

The advisory level decreased to 1. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Exercise Normal Precautions in Cyprus. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary 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. Risks in specific areas Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution Turkish Cypriot Administered Area Exercise Increased Caution in the Turkish Cypriot-Administered Area due to unrest. The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in this area. Human rights reports show that central prison and police detention facilities do not meet international standards. Since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Cyprus. However, the northern part of Cyprus is administered by Turkish Cypriots. It proclaimed itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) in 1983. The United States does not recognize the “TRNC,” nor does any country other than Türkiye. A buffer zone, patrolled by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, separates the 2 sides. For U.S. citizen travelers: Enter and exit the island of Cyprus only at Larnaca and Paphos airports or at the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry or exit via Ercan Airport or by a seaport in the north to be legal. U.S. citizens who leave the