The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot authorities have jointly issued a critical travel advisory for Cypriot citizens, expanding the list of countries where all travel is now strongly discouraged. On February 28, 2026, the Cypriot Foreign Ministry announced that citizens must avoid all travel to eight additional Middle Eastern nations: the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. This expansion builds upon previous warnings that already prohibited travel to Iran and Gaza, as well as the revised advisory against all travel to the West Bank.
Official communications from the Foreign Ministry highlight the escalating regional instability that has prompted these measures. The decision follows a series of recent military actions and diplomatic shifts in the Middle East, particularly the heightened tensions between Israel and its neighboring states. According to the advisory, the Foreign Ministry also urges all Cypriot citizens currently in Iran to immediately leave the country, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
These measures reflect the growing concern over security risks across the region, with the Foreign Ministry noting that the situation in the Middle East has reached a critical point where even minor disruptions could have severe consequences for travelers. The advisory includes specific recommendations for Cypriot citizens to remain vigilant and avoid all non-essential travel to the affected areas.
The Foreign Ministry’s decision to expand the travel advisory list comes amid a broader context of regional instability, including ongoing conflicts in the West Bank, Gaza, and surrounding territories. This expansion aligns with the United Nations’ recent call for a comprehensive peace plan that addresses the root causes of the ongoing crisis.
The advisory was issued after the Cypriot government activated its emergency evacuation plan, known as ‘ESTIA,’ which was designed to serve as an EU humanitarian hub. This move underscores the increasing complexity of the regional security landscape and the challenges faced by governments in managing the flow of displaced persons and evacuees.
The Foreign Ministry has emphasized that the advice is not just a precautionary measure but a response to the deteriorating security environment. With the Middle East experiencing a surge in cross-border conflicts and economic disruptions, the government is taking proactive steps to protect its citizens.
Experts have noted that the travel advisory reflects a broader trend of increasing caution by Mediterranean nations as they navigate the complexities of the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. This decision has been widely welcomed by the international community, which has praised the Cypriot government for its timely and effective response to the evolving security situation.
The government has also highlighted the importance of staying informed about the latest developments through official channels, as the situation continues to evolve rapidly.
