Is Cyprus Safe to Travel to in 2026? Travel Advice, RAF Akrotiri and Safety Tips

We live in Coral Bay near Paphos. In this guide we sum up what the official travel advice says, what happened in March 2026 and what to watch out for day to day – with sources and a date, because the situation can change.

Is It Safe to Travel to Cyprus? Travel Advisories and Travel Warnings

The FCDO does not advise against travel to Cyprus or any part of it (as of 10 October 2026). It says crime against tourists is not common, but you should take sensible precautions. Germany’s Foreign Office also rates the crime rate as low, with occasional pickpocketing, bag snatching and distraction theft in tourist areas. Both note that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, as in many countries.

2026: The Iran War, RAF Akrotiri and Safety Concerns in Cyprus

In the early hours of 2 March 2026, an Iranian-made drone hit RAF Akrotiri near Limassol and damaged a hangar. President Nikos Christodoulides described the damage as minor, and no injuries were reported. Later that day Paphos airport was evacuated after a suspicious object appeared on radar; the government said two drones had been dealt with, and the airport was back in action that afternoon.

The impact on tourism was clear: according to the Cyprus Mail, passenger numbers at Larnaca and Paphos airports were down 15.3% in March and 16.1% in April compared with the year before. By summer they had almost recovered, with July down 1.1% and August down 1.5%. In the 2026 Global Peace Index, Cyprus fell nine places to 80th out of 163 countries.

The FCDO says events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions in Cyprus and demonstrations are likely. Avoid protests, follow the instructions of the Cypriot authorities and keep away from military sites.

Crime in Cyprus: Petty Theft and Safety Tips for Travellers

• Valuables: Keep your passport, money and valuables safe.
• Drinks: The FCDO warns about drink spiking. Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.
• Friends: Don’t split up from your group on a night out.

Driving and Car Hire: The Biggest Everyday Risk

Cyprus drives on the left, there are numerous speed cameras and the drink-drive limit is 0.5 g/l. According to the European Commission, Cyprus recorded 46 road deaths per million inhabitants in 2025, 10% more than in 2024. The FCDO says driving standards are poor and the risk of road deaths is higher than in the UK. A UK photocard driving licence is valid, and a rental company asking for your passport as a deposit is acting illegally. More in our guide to car rental in Cyprus.

Swimming: Currents and Warning Flags

According to the FCDO, bathing is generally safe, but strong waves and currents can occur. Follow warning signs and only swim on approved beaches. Germany’s Foreign Office adds that you can drift far out even in calm water. Find beach tips in our guide to the beaches around Coral Bay.

Wildfires in Summer

The FCDO says the risk of wildfires is high from April to October. Roads can be closed at short notice. Register your phone for emergency alerts, follow the instructions of the emergency services and call 112 if you are in immediate danger.

The Buffer Zone and Northern Cyprus

The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974. The buffer zone between the south and the north, the Green Line, is controlled by the UN and partly mined. Do not take photos near the buffer zone or military buildings – the FCDO warns you could be arrested. You can cross the Green Line at certain crossing points, for example in the divided capital Nicosia. The Republic of Cyprus generally treats arrival via airports in the north, such as Ercan, as illegal entry. If you drive a hire car to the north, you need extra insurance, and not every rental company allows it.

Cyprus Travel Essentials: Emergency Number, Travel Insurance, Embassy and Consulate

The emergency number for police, fire and ambulance is 112. Take out travel insurance before your trip to Cyprus. If you need consular help, British nationals can contact the British High Commission in Nicosia, and German citizens the German Embassy in Nicosia. In the north, consular help is very limited, according to Germany’s Foreign Office.

FAQ: Is Cyprus Safe?

Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now?

The FCDO does not advise against travel to Cyprus (as of 10 October 2026). Check the latest travel advice before you go.

Was Cyprus affected by the Iran war?

Yes: in March 2026 a drone hit RAF Akrotiri, with no injuries reported. Air traffic had almost recovered by summer.

Is Paphos safe for tourists?

Crime against tourists in Cyprus is not common, according to the FCDO. Take the usual precautions with valuables and drinks.

What is the emergency number in Cyprus?

112 for police, fire and ambulance.

Conclusion

Day to day, Cyprus is generally a low-crime destination; the bigger risks are traffic, currents and wildfires. Keep an eye on the situation in the Middle East before you travel. To find the best months for your trip, read our guide to the best time to visit Cyprus.

Sources: UK Foreign Office (FCDO) travel advice (crime, drink spiking, Middle East tensions, wildfires, swimming, driving, 112); German Foreign Office travel advice (as of 10 October 2026; crime, buffer zone, photography, swimming, wildfires, entry via the north, consular help); RAF Akrotiri drone strike from Wikipedia; Paphos airport evacuation from the Cyprus Mail (2 March 2026); passenger numbers from the Cyprus Mail (10 September 2026); Global Peace Index from the Cyprus Mail (12 June 2026); road deaths (European Commission) from the Cyprus Mail (25 March 2026). The situation can change – please check the latest advice before you travel. Cover photo: Latchi harbour, sk12, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons. Last updated: 10 October 2026.