12 hours ago
Is it safe to holiday in Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt and more? Latest advice for Irish
The Middle East has entered another period of uncertainty, as Israel and Iran exchanged missiles over 12 days.
Despite both countries entering a ceasefire, as announced by US President Donald Trump, the countries began further exchanges just hours after it was announced, with both countries accusing the other of breaking the agreement.
But with some Irish people potentially heading on holidays to surrounding regions, the Department of Foreign Affairs have issued updates surrounding their travel advice to countries near the region. Pic: Abdullah Al-Eisa/Getty Images
The DFA have said that regional tensions mean that there may be possible attacks on military installations and/or strategic infrastructure. Missile debris may also become an issue.
'Ongoing hostilities in Iran, Israel, Palestine and in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen may escalate, leading to possible attacks on military installations and/or on strategic infrastructure,' the DFA wrote on their website.
'Debris from intercepted missiles or drones may cause localised damage over urban areas. The most immediate risk remains delay or cancellation of flights.' The DFA have said that people travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), i.e. to Dubai, must exercise a high degree of caution when travelling. Pic: Getty.
The DFA have said that people travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), i.e. to Dubai, must exercise a high degree of caution when travelling.
Due to the ongoing tensions in the region, airport travel disruptions are anticipated — with the DFA advising that people contact the airline they're travelling with for relevant updates prior to the travel.
'The Embassy of Ireland, Abu Dhabi is closely monitoring the current regional situation and advises that Irish citizens exercise heightened caution,' the DFA have said. 'Please follow the instructions of local authorities. For further updates, please monitor the Embassy's social media channels. Pic:The country was recently hit by Iranian missiles, with a number of flights being cancelled and delayed as a result — with the DFA saying that they're continuing to monitor the situation.
'We continue to monitor ongoing regional tensions,' the DFA say. 'Please exercise caution, monitor local and international media, follow the advice of local authorities, and observe any additional security measures imposed during this time.
'Continuing airport disruptions are anticipated. Please contact your airline for relevant updates prior to travel.'
With Gaza being accessible via Egypt, the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised visitors to exercise a high degree of caution, and is strongly advised against: Pic:Travelling to the Governorate of North Sinai including the Taba-Suez Road where the security situation is extremely dangerous
Travelling to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, as the vicinity of the Rafah border crossing is particularly dangerous at the moment and the border crossing is currently closed
And independently travel to remote desert areas close to the Libyan and Sudanese borders
DFA have also advised visitors to travel by air to: Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and immediate surrounds and Marsa Alam and immediate surrounds
Tourist areas in the Nile river (such as Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel). Irish citizens should be aware of the hazardous driving conditions in Egypt.
Following a period of unrest which began in March, the DFA have updated Irish travellers to issue a high degree of caution when entering the country. Visitors are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities, stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and devise a security plan.
'Large demonstrations have taken place in Istanbul and other Turkish cities since March 19 2025,' the Department of Foreign Affairs wrote on their website. 'A ban on demonstrations is currently in place and a number of restrictions on transport and movement within the city have been in effect.
'Avoid all protests and demonstrations and minimise time spent in crowded areas, particularly those frequented by foreigners. Carry an ID or photocopy of passport at all times and present to security officers if requested. Please be aware that police in Türkiye can take measures such as the use of tear gas to control protesters. It is advisable to carry a charged mobile phone with connectivity at all times.'
The DFA have also strongly advised against all travel to regions within 10km of the border between Türkiye and Syria, as well as advising against all but essential travel to the provinces of Hatay, Kilis and Sirnak.
The Department of Foreign Affairs have said that people should take normal precautions when travelling to Cyprus.
However, the northern part of Cyprus proclaimed itself as the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', and while it's not recognised internationally by any country other than Türkiye, entrance to the region may be restricted.
