Cyprus has activated its ‘ESTIA’ plan in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, preparing for a potential influx of evacuees from Lebanon and Israel.
The island stands ready to serve as a transit hub for foreign nationals fleeing the region, as it has done in previous crises.
Canadian and American delegations are already in Larnaca, poised to assist their citizens if evacuations become necessary. Sources indicate that approximately 50,000 Canadians are currently in Lebanon.
The Cypriot government has confirmed its readiness to accommodate large numbers of evacuees temporarily. Potential housing options include the National Guard’s Training Centre, hotels, and even closed stadiums if required.
Meanwhile, Germany is also preparing for possible large-scale evacuations. The Bundeswehr has readied A400M transport aircraft and personnel at Wunstorf air base, while the German Navy is on standby for potential maritime evacuations from Lebanon.
‘Der Spiegel’ notes that the A400M could be used to transfer German citizens from Beirut to Cyprus and then back to the Lebanese capital.
The German Foreign Office reports a significant increase in German citizens registered on the crisis prevention list in Lebanon, rising from 1,300 to 2,100 in just one week.
In light of the situation, the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel to Iran and recommending those already there to remain vigilant and follow security measures.
Cypriot citizens are encouraged to register with Connect2CY, the online platform for Cypriots abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also provided contact details for emergencies, including the Cypriot Embassy in Tehran and the Ministry’s Crisis Management Centre.
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