Foreign Office Revises Travel Guidance for Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece as regional tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. This move comes amid significant disruptions to global air travel, with thousands of flights cancelled over recent days due to conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Widespread Flight Cancellations and Airspace Closures
According to data from the tracking platform FlightAware, nearly 2,800 flights were cancelled on Saturday, followed by 3,156 cancellations on Sunday. The chaos has been exacerbated by airspace closures in the Middle East, forcing airlines into narrower flight corridors and increasing risks, particularly with ongoing fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Ian Petchenik, communications director at Flightradar24, noted that the risk of protracted disruption is a major concern for commercial aviation. In response, airlines like easyJet and British Airways have cancelled services, including routes from Birmingham to Paphos and Larnaca in Cyprus, after a drone impacted the RAF base in Akrotiri.
Specific Country Advice and Precautions
Cyprus: On March 2, 2026, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration confirmed a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri. The FCDO warns of a heightened risk of regional tension, which could lead to travel disruptions and other unanticipated impacts. British nationals are advised to follow instructions from local authorities, monitor media, and sign up for FCDO email alerts.
Turkey: The border remains open visa-free for UK or Iranian passport holders for stays up to 90 days. However, those crossing from Iran into Turkey must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara, providing personal details and border point information. The FCDO cautions that leaving Iran overland carries risks, as holding a British passport can lead to detention by Iranian authorities.
Greece: The Greek shipping ministry has advised vessels to avoid the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz due to strikes by the US and Israel against Iran. Additionally, the FCDO highlights mass demonstrations and widespread public service disruptions across Greece on February 28, marking the anniversary of the 2023 Tempi Valley train collision. Expect serious disruptions to public transport, ferries, trains, and hospitals, with services limited to emergencies.
Broader Implications and Recommendations
The FCDO urges all travelers to these regions to take sensible precautions, considering individual circumstances. Signing up for travel advice alerts and staying informed through local and international media is crucial. As Ameerh Naran, CEO of Vimana Private, stated, Saudi Arabia may be the only viable exit option for those seeking to leave the region currently.
This updated guidance reflects the ongoing volatility in the Middle East and its far-reaching effects on travel and safety in neighboring countries like Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece.
