Cyprus Travel Advice: Officials Urge Tourists to Visit Despite Military Tensions
British holidaymakers have been cancelling trips to Cyprus as military operations intensify around the Mediterranean island, despite strong reassurances from local residents and government officials that it remains perfectly safe for visitors.
Military Incidents Spark Tourist Concerns
The recent wave of cancellations follows a drone strike on March 1, 2026, that hit the runway at RAF Akrotiri, a British military base in Cyprus. The Ministry of Defence described the damage as "minimal," with no casualties reported. The following day, a Shahed drone caused minor damage to a hangar at the same facility, while two additional drones were intercepted by British Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets scrambled from the base.
Despite these incidents, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued no warnings against travel to Cyprus. The latest travel advice, updated on March 5 and current as of March 13, simply advises British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas to follow instructions from local authorities.
Local Businesses Feel the Impact
Local entrepreneurs and hoteliers report significant booking declines and cancellations. Vassilis Georgiou, a long-time resident since 1992, told The Guardian that hoteliers are suddenly reporting decreased bookings as people reconsider their travel plans.
Nick Aristou, owner of three hotels in Cyprus, revealed to the i Paper that approximately 90% of cancellations are for March bookings, with about 10% affecting April reservations. "We're hearing of cancellations, of a certain numbness at this week's ITB travel convention in Berlin," added Agia Napa Municipal Secretary Fotos Kikillos. "As you can see, life here is very safe. People are enjoying themselves. There's no sense of fear."
International Support and Reassurances
Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has been vocal in urging tourists not to cancel their plans. Speaking to the BBC, he emphasized: "I don't think that anyone should be in two minds, given the fact that the situation, as I have been describing right now as we speak, has been perfectly normal. All activity is normal. Air traffic is going back to 100 percent what it was before the incident."
Kombos clarified that the drone strikes targeted British military bases, not the Republic of Cyprus itself, describing the incidents as "part of the regional situation" rather than a direct threat to tourist areas.
European Allies Bolster Regional Security
In response to the tensions, several European nations have dispatched naval and air forces to the region. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Cyprus on Monday, vowing to protect the island nation and deploying additional warships to the Eastern Mediterranean. "When Cyprus is attacked, it is Europe that is attacked," Macron declared following discussions with Cypriot and Greek leaders.
France has delivered ground-based anti-drone and anti-missile defense systems to Cyprus, while Greece has sent four F-16 fighter jets to Paphos air base and deployed two frigates to patrol Cypriot waters. The United Kingdom has accelerated preparations for HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, which will sail to Cyprus just ten days after the Akrotiri incident.
Travel Industry Response
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of the Advantage Travel Partnership representing independent UK travel agents, reported that while there was initial hesitation about Cyprus bookings, the situation has now stabilized. "Our members did see some initial hesitation with Cyprus, and there have been instances where customers have paid a fee to change destination," she told the Mirror. "But currently, in the main, people appear comfortable to continue to travel as planned."
She noted that enquiries to Cyprus have slowed, with increased demand shifting toward Spain, Greek islands, and Portugal as alternative Mediterranean destinations.
Despite the military activity surrounding the island, Cypriot officials continue to emphasize that tourist areas remain unaffected and safe. The FCDO maintains its position that no travel warnings are necessary, supporting the local message that life continues normally for visitors to this popular Mediterranean destination.
