Cyprus is a popular holiday destination, but the island is only 250 km from Israel. How the Federal Foreign Office has reacted so far and what holidaymakers need to know.

Cyprus is considered a Mediterranean holiday paradise – sun, beach and safety included. But geopolitically, the island is closer to the Middle East powder keg than many realize: Only about 250 kilometers separate the Republic of Cyprus from Israel. This makes it the closest EU country to the current war region – and increasingly in the security policy spotlight. Two British military bases on Cypriot soil further reinforce this perception.

Since the flare-up of new tensions between Israel and its neighbors, residents on Cyprus' southern coast have reported nightly missile defense activities in the sky. The government reacted immediately and took the first protective measures - also to give a feeling of security to the holidaymakers, who continue to arrive in large numbers.

To support the population as well as tourists, the government has launched the emergency app "SafeCY". The application is available for free download – but only within Cyprus. After activation, the app locates the current location and displays the nearest shelter – either via GPS, address or zip code.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, there are around 2,200 shelters on the entire island that have currently been opened as a precaution - including for holidaymakers. The app is available in English and Greek and contains tips on how to behave in case of an emergency.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.safecy&pli=1

An additional factor of uncertainty: The two British military bases Akrotiri and Dhekelia. In particular, the larger base of Akrotiri, located west of Limassol near popular holiday resorts, is considered a possible strategic point of attack. There are currently no indications of specific threats – but the location is being monitored more closely as part of international analyses.

The two international airports of Larnaca and Paphos continue to operate normally. Since the beginning of the war in Israel, however, tightened security measures have been in place. Several Israeli airlines have temporarily parked aircraft in Cyprus. Passengers should currently expect longer waiting times at security checks - but there are no restrictions on tourism.

In the event of an alarm, the government recommends the following measures:

The app provides important information in real time – especially for travelers who are not familiar with an emergency.

The Federal Foreign Office has not yet issued an official travel warning for Cyprus. However, the situation is constantly being reassessed. The British government also considers the country safe, but points out the proximity to military facilities and advises increased caution.

On the other hand, updated travel warnings are already in place for some other countries in the region, including Israel, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan.

An official travel warning issued by the Federal Foreign Office can be considered an "extraordinary event" under certain circumstances – such as war, natural disasters or health hazards. In such cases, package tours can usually be cancelled free of charge.

Important: It's not just the warning that counts, but whether the trip is reasonable. The Hamburg Consumer Advice Centre recommends that all holidaymakers contact the tour operator directly.

Travel advice or partial warnings usually do not automatically lead to a free right of withdrawal – this applies in particular to individual travellers who have booked flight and accommodation separately. Those who travel on their own bear the higher risk, even in times of crisis.

Currently, there is no reason for travelers to panic. Tourism is running, the infrastructure is intact, and the country is security-conscious. However, if you are planning a trip to Cyprus, you should act prudently: use the SafeCY app, track information and react flexibly to new developments if necessary.

Author: MFRedaktion
Sources: Press