The United States Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Cyprus, raising it to Level 3 and noting a decision to allow the departure of non-essential US government personnel and their family members.
The advisory urges US citizens to reconsider travel to Cyprus due to the threat of armed conflict and the limited ability of the US embassy to assist Americans in the area administered by Turkish Cypriot authorities.
The State Department said it had authorised employees who are not considered essential personnel, as well as their family members, to leave Cyprus due to security risks. It noted that since the start of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28 there have been significant disruptions to commercial flights.
The advisory also referred to a drone strike that hit a building in the area of the British bases in Cyprus on March 2.
Regarding the area administered by Turkish Cypriot authorities, the United States said its embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to assist US citizens there. It also noted that human rights reports indicate that central prisons and police detention facilities in the area do not meet international standards.
The advisory reiterates that the United States does not recognise the “TRNC” and urges US citizens to enter and leave the island only through Larnaca and Paphos airports or the ports of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.
“The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry or exit through Ercan airport or through a port in the north to be legal,” the State Department said, adding that US citizens who depart from the island via Ercan may face difficulties returning to the Republic of Cyprus in the future.
It also reminded citizens that residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriot authorities are not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus.
“If you arrive on the island through a northern port or Ercan airport, or remain in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots for more than 90 days, you may be denied entry to the Republic of Cyprus,” the advisory said.
The State Department further noted that the US embassy has limited ability to assist Americans in the area administered by Turkish Cypriot authorities, as the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not control the area, and travellers should take this into account when planning their activities.
US citizens were also urged to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and alerts from the US embassy or consulates and to monitor local media for any emergency developments.
According to a government source in Nicosia, the move is a standard precautionary procedure applied by the US State Department in various countries when regional developments are being assessed.
The source said the measure represents the mildest level of action that can be taken and does not involve the withdrawal of personnel or indicate the presence of any immediate threat.
Instead, it simply allows family members of diplomats or a limited number of non-essential staff to leave temporarily if they choose to do so.
The source also noted that authorised departure differs significantly from mandatory departure, which requires the compulsory evacuation of personnel. That step has been implemented in a number of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf due to regional developments, but not in the case of Cyprus.
Government officials reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus remains in continuous communication and coordination with partners and relevant authorities, while the situation continues to be evaluated.
They said there is no indication that would justify concern regarding security in the country.
