UK travel advice for Cyprus after Israel strikes Iran
Tensions in the Middle East have boiled over after Israel launched a sudden attack on Iran. Travellers are now looking at the map of the Mediterranean with concern over whether it is safe to travel to Cyprus.
Cyprus, an island nation south of Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean, has long been a popular holiday destination for British tourists.
More than 1.3 million visit each year, according to the High Commission of Cyprus in the UK, making up almost one third of total visitors to the island.
Cyprus is also home to a sizeable British expat community. Around 30,000 British citizens live in Cyprus, according to recent estimates.
Cyprus is 472km from Israel and Palestine. Flights from Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel take roughly 45 minutes.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Following the Israeli strikes that killed 78 people, including some of Iran's top military generals and nuclear scientists, Tehran retaliated by firing waves of ballistic missiles at Israel.
Explosions flared in the skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and shook the buildings below. At least 10 people are dead and more than 100 injured, Israeli authorities have said.
In light of the rapidly developing situation, the UK Foreign Office has updated its official guidance on travel to and from Cyprus.
It says: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.'
However, it's important to note that the Foreign Office has not advised against travel to Cyprus.
The FCDO advises travellers already on the island to monitor local and international media for updates, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Because the Foreign Office does not warn against travel to Cyprus, there is no prospect of being able to cancel a trip for a full refund.
Travel insurance is unlikely to help, either. Insurers will argue there is no reason not to go.
As Grant Winter, compliance officer at specialist travel insurance provider Goodtogo, tells Metro: 'No airline is obligated to refund you for a flight you choose not to take.'
At Larnaca Airport, the main hub in Cyprus, there are no inbound or outbound cancellations as of 8.30am BST Sunday.
Paphos Airport, in the west of the island, also looks to be operating normally.
So, if you choose not to travel, you're likely to lose some – or even all – of your money.
In the early hours of Friday, Israel launched an unprecedented strike that targeted Iran's nuclear and military sites.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Tehran was developing a nuclear weapon that posed an imminent threat to Israel.
Iran, for its part, insists it doesn't want nuclear weapons. Israel is widely acknowledged to have nuclear weapons, though it has never publicly confirmed it.
Israeli attacks killed key leaders in Iran's governing theocracy. Iran's UN ambassador said 78 people were killed and more than 320 wounded.
The attacks, which experts say took years to plan, came despite ongoing negotiations between Iran and Israel's main ally, the US, over the future of Iran's nuclear programme.
Donald Trump has insisted the US had nothing to do with the strikes, but warned of grave consequences if American bases or troops are targeted.
'If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,' he said in a post on Truth Social.
Tehran launched a second round of missiles against Israel late on Saturday as the Israeli air force kept up attacks on Iran. More Trending
Addressing Israel's attack on Friday night, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called for immediate de-escalation.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said: 'This development is deeply concerning.
'I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment.
'Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security.'
MORE: Rescuers search rubble of Israeli multistorey after ten killed in Iran strikes
MORE: Inter Milan star stranded in Iran after Israel attacks ahead of Club World Cup opener
MORE: Lonely Planet co-founder reveals three more countries 'not to visit'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
40 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
The 7 cheapest caravan sites for a week's family holiday – including gorgeous beach stay from £11 a night
SUMMER is now in full swing, and there are plenty of budget friendly ways to enjoy holidays in the sun. Camping and caravaning may not sound as glamorous as jetting off on a long haul flight, but its a great way to see the beautiful British countryside, at a purse friendly price. 8 The Caravan and Motorhome club has plenty of budget friendly sites for penny pinching families Credit: Getty And with the Met Office predicting that this summer is set to be a scorcher, there's no need to leave to the British Isles to get your fix of Vitamin D. The Caravan and Motorhome Club has provided a list of their seven best campsites, where members can stay for £16.50 or less per night. Aberbran Club Campsite Aberbran Club Campsite is the perfect retreat for nature lovers, and is ideally location in the Brecon Beacons national park in Wales. The dog friendly site is a renovated old railway station and promises a "no nonsense, simple and relaxing holiday". 8 Aberbran Club Campsite is located in the Brecon Beacons Credit: Facebook Reviewers have flooded the site with positive reviews, with one person calling it an "oasis of peace", and another commenting that they enjoyed it so much they stayed for an extra week. A caravan or motorhome pitch costs from £15.50 per night for one adult or £21 per night for two adults, for caravan club members. For non-members, one adult costs £29.80 per night and two adults cost £35.30. Children under five are free, whilst kids from five to 17 costs just £1, regardless of whether their parents are members. For a family of four (two adults and two children over five) seven days at the site will cost you from £161. Altnaharra Club Campsite Altnaharra Club Campsite, located in the Scottish Highlands is a haven for birdwatchers, anglers and walkers, keen to immerse themselves in unspoilt nature. 8 Altnaharra Club Campsite is located in the Scottish Highlands Credit: Facebook The 24 caravan site is 20 miles away from the nearest shop so its perfect for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Scots holiday park named one of best in world One caravan lover said that the staff treated them "as friends", whilst another commented that on a clear day, the night sky is "amazing". The price for a touring pitch for one adult is just £13.80 a night, and £19.30 for two adults. Non-members can enjoy the campsite for £28.80 for one adult, or £34.30 for two adults. Like the other sites listed, children under five are free, whilst kids from five to 17 costs just £1, regardless of whether their parents are members. How much does it cost to be a Caravan and Motorhome Club member The annual fee for a family to join the Caravan and Motorhome Club is typically £66. This covers two adults, and any children under 18. Unless you pay by direct debit there is an additional £10 joining fee and additional family members over 18 years old cost an extra £10. Members get access to over 2,700 campsites in the UK and Europe, as well as discounts at club campsites A family of four can spend a week at the site for just £149. Bourton-on-the-Water Club Campsite Bourton-on-the-Water Club Campsite is nestled within the gorgeous Cotswolds, graded as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's just five miles from the quaint village of Bourton-on-the-water, which is filled with chocolate box cottages and idyllic cafes. 8 Bourton on the Water Club Campsite can be found in the quaint Cotswolds Credit: Facebook One member said that the site is perfect for dog walks, whilst another was delighted by its proximity to many Cotswolds villages. Member prices start from £15.50 for one adult and £22 for two adults. Non-members can pitch up for £30.50 for one adult and £37 for two adults. As with the other sites, under fives are free, and five to 17 year olds stay for £1. For a family of four to spend a week on the campsite, it will cost as little as £161. Clachan Club Campsite Clachan Club Campsite, situated in Stirling, Scotland, is tucked away in a glorious woodland, filled with wildlife and stunning wildflowers. The site is made for hiking fans, as it a located amongst the glens, mountains and lochs of the central highlands. 8 Clachan Club Campsite is perfect for nature lovers Credit: Facebook One reviewer raved about the efficiency of the site's efficient automated check in, whilst another was extremely impressed by the cleanliness of the facilities. Prices start from just £11 for one adult and £22 for two adults for members, whilst non-members can pitch up for £26 for one adult and £37 for two adults. As with the above sites, kids under five are free and five to 17 year olds cost £1. A family of four can stay at the pitch for a week for as little as £168. Ilminster Club Campsite Ilminster Club Campsite in Chard, Somerset is a great base to explore the natural beauty of Devon, Dorset and Somerset. Lyme Regis is just a stone's throw away from the site, and bird watchers will love the nature reserve at Chard Resevoir. 8 Ilminster Club Campsite is perfect for those wanting to visit Lyme Regis Credit: Facebook One caravan user loved the site so much she stayed there for three months, whilst another remarked that the park is perfectly situated off the A303. Pitches start from £15.50 for members and £30.50 for non members, with the same prices applying for children as with the other sites. A family of four can stay at the pitch for a week for as little as £168. Plymouth Sound Club Campsite Plymouth Sound Club Campsite in Devon offers stunning sea views, and is perfectly located close to an abundance of stunning beaches. Situated near to the bustling city of Plymouth, caravan lovers can enjoy a visit to The National Marine Aquarium and the historic dockyard. 8 Plymouth Sound Club Campsite in Devon offers stunning sea view Credit: Facebook One customer was delighted by the caravan site's proximity to pubs, shops and public transport, whilst another marvelled that the site is extremely spacious, and packed with wildflowers. Pitches start from £11 for members and £26 for for non-members, and the same prices apply to kids as with the other site mentioned above. A family of four can stay at the pitch for a week for as little as £168. Slinfold Club Campsite Slinfold Club Campsite, in Horsham, West Sussex is a hidden gem nestled at the end of a country lane. The nearby village of Slinfold hosts fete and flower festivals, with visitors treated to warm welcomes from locals. 8 Slinfold Club Campsite, in Horsham, West Sussex is a hidden gem Credit: Facebook One caravan owner marvelled at the campsites easy access to the Downs Link Pathway, which is perfect for cycling and dog walking, whilst another said that staff were eager to help them set up. This campsite is only open to members and is priced at £15.50 per night for one adult, or £21 per night for two adults. A family of four can enjoy a week's stay from just £161.
ITV News
2 hours ago
- ITV News
Kenny Logan leads celebrity team on 555-mile Ireland cycle in memory of Doddie Weir
A team of celebrities and rugby players are preparing for a 555-mile cycle challenge around the island of Ireland to raise funds for research into motor neurone disease (MND) in memory of the late Doddie Weir. Weir died of MND aged 52 in November 2022, after years of campaigning to raise awareness of the condition and funds into research. Scottish rugby legend Kenny Logan and his television presenter wife Gabby are among those preparing to take part in Doddie'5 Lions Challenge, cycling around 100 miles a day for six days, departing from Belfast on Sunday. The team will cycle through counties including Galway, Limerick and Cork, to arrive in Dublin on June 20 and deliver the match ball to the Aviva Stadium for the British and Irish Lions' 1888 Cup clash with Argentina. Some participants have had to pull out due to injury, including Weir's son Hamish, who will instead drive a support vehicle, while Scotland rugby stars Bryan Redpath and Hugo Southwell, and ex-Lions and Ireland international Rob Henderson, will also no longer be able to take part. Football legend Ally McCoist, actor Jamie Bamber, former Harlequins player Mel Deane, and cancer campaigner Iain Ward will all take part alongside the Logans. The challenge has raised more than £300,000 for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association so far, with hopes of reaching £500,000 before Sunday. Kenny Logan will lead the team, and he has been doing intensive hill sessions on an exercise bike twice a week ahead of his second endurance fundraiser for MND research. He joined the Edinburgh to Paris cycle in 2023 which raised almost £1 million. He said: 'We've lost a few to injury, and it just shows how demanding this is going to be. I've had my own aches and pains. No major injuries thankfully but I've definitely been reminded why I probably shouldn't be moving this much at my age. 'I'm most nervous about the hills. I convinced myself Ireland was flat – it's definitely not. But nerves are good. I've always had them before a big challenge. 'The support's been incredible. We've still got time to push, and every penny counts. 'Since Doddie died, awareness has grown massively – but we still need to fund research. The foundation has committed nearly £20 million already, which is phenomenal, but it's only the beginning. 'Doddie would be proud – but he'd be telling us to go further and faster. That's why we're doing this.' He joked that McCoist needed some help with bike maintenance. Logan said: 'Ally's been out and about, but his bike broke down the other day. I told him not to trust himself to check the batteries on his fancy gears – someone else needs to do that for him.'
South Wales Argus
4 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Israel
Conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate as Israel has threatened even greater force as some Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defences to strike buildings in the heart of the country. The region braced for a protracted conflict after Israel's surprise bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites on Friday (June 13) killed several top generals and nuclear scientists, and neither side showed any sign of backing down. Today (June 15), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has said it advises 'against all travel' to Israel, following the latest travel update. UK Passport Renewal Guide It comes as areas around Gaza, the West Bank and the Golan Heights were already classed as 'red zones'. Latest UK Foreign Office travel advice to Israel Failure to follow the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office, which covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, means your travel insurance could be invalidated. A statement on the government website says: "Iran has launched multiple rounds of missile and drone attacks against Israel. "On 13 June a nationwide state of emergency was declared in Israel. "This followed Israeli strikes against nuclear and military facilities in Iran. Israeli airspace remains closed." Can you still use a red passport in 2025? It added: "We recognise this is a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks. The situation has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. The current situation has disrupted air links out of the country and may disrupt road links." The Foreign Office also shared: "The interception of missiles over Israel and the OPTs may result in falling fragments or debris. "If you encounter any projectile debris or fragments you should move away from them immediately and contact local authorities." See the latest updates on the government website. Recommended reading: Sir Keir Starmer confirmed on Saturday (June 14) that more RAF planes are being deployed, amid the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. Additional refuelling aircraft have been deployed from UK bases and more fast Typhoon jets will be sent over, it is understood. Asked whether the announcement from the Prime Minister means the UK is at war, Rachel Reeves told Sky News: 'No, it does not mean that we are at war. 'And we have not been involved in these strikes or this conflict, but we do have important assets in the region and it is right that we send jets to protect them and that's what we've done. 'It's a precautionary move.'
