The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for Cyprus, Turkey and Egypt as the Middle East conflict continues. The three countries remain popular with British holidaymakers, but the FCDO has highlighted potential risks arising from regional escalation.
For Cyprus, the FCDO warns that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, noting a high global threat affecting UK interests and British nationals. It advises travellers to stay aware of their surroundings at all times. There is currently no advice against travel to Cyprus, but the office cautions that regional escalation poses significant security risks and that no travel can be guaranteed safe.
In Turkey, the FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Syrian border due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. Popular tourist destinations such as Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Izmir are not affected by this warning. A country-wide alert states that most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul.
For Egypt, the FCDO advises against all travel to certain areas, including North Sinai, the Western Desert, and the Hala’ib Triangle, and against all but essential travel to other parts, such as within 20km of the Libya border except the town of El Salloum. It also warns of a heightened risk of regional tension and terrorism, though it does not advise against travel to the country as a whole. Around one million Britons visit Egypt each year, and most visits are trouble-free.
The FCDO has not added any of the three countries to its “no travel” list. Travellers are urged to check the latest guidance before departure.
