Nicosia: The US State Department updated the Travel Advisory for Cyprus, noting the decision for the authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel. Specifically, the advisory level was increased to 3, advising citizens to reconsider travel to Cyprus "due to the threat of armed conflict and limited U.S. embassy assistance for Americans in the Turkish Cypriot Administered area."
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Cyprus due to safety risks, recalling that "following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there have been significant disruptions to commercial flights." It mentioned that a drone struck a building on the British Sovereign Base Area on Cyprus on March 2.
The travel advisory highlighted that in the "Turkish Cypriot-Administered Area," the US Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens. "Human rights reports show that central prison and police detention facilities do not meet international standards," the US Department of State said. It noted that since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Cyprus, while the northern part "is administered by Turkish Cypriots."
Moreover, it emphasized that the United States does not recognize the 'trnc' (Turkish Cypriot puppet-regime), nor does any country other than Turkey. The government urged US citizen travelers to enter and exit the island of Cyprus only at Larnaca and Paphos airports or at the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, reminding citizens that they cannot receive "a residency permit from the Republic of Cyprus to live in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots."
The advisory further stated that "The Republic of Cyprus does not recognize residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriots. If you arrive at the island at a north seaport or Ercan airport or stay in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area for over 90 days, you may be denied entry into the Republic of Cyprus." It reiterated that the US Embassy has limited ability to help US citizens "in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots" and added that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not control the area, advising travelers to consider this when planning their activities.
It also urged US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and alerts from the US embassy or consulate and to monitor local media for breaking events.