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CNA News

Travel advisories for Cyprus improve reflecting true situation, following coordinated actions, sources say

A substantial improvement is being recorded recently in the way in which a number of European countries portray the situation in Cyprus in their travel advisories, which, according to information, is the result of coordinated actions by Nicosia.

The same sources said that from March 4, 2026 to date, travel advisories of nine countries have improved regarding Cyprus, following actions by the Republic of Cyprus. These are Bulgaria, France, Denmark, Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland and Sweden.

The significance of this development is twofold: first, it reflects that the true situation of the country is gradually and more clearly recognized by foreign governments, and second, it shows that the diplomatic actions of the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have had a practical effect, as they led to more balanced, accurate and proportionate formulations, the sources stressed.

“The basic differentiation is clear: more targeted reports are being adopted, which separate the Republic of Cyprus from broader regional developments and reflect more accurately the situation on the ground,” they noted.

For example, France deleted a recommendation to its citizens to avoid, except in absolutely necessary cases, the areas of the British Bases in Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Sweden removed reports of air traffic disruptions at Larnaca and Paphos airports. The Netherlands replaced the wording of “significant security risks” with a reference to “specific risks”, a change that is particularly important because it limits the impression of a generalized danger for the country. Poland explicitly added that “the overall situation in Cyprus is stable” and removed a reference to developments in the Middle East that may also pose a threat to Cyprus.

Bulgaria also revised its travel advice lowered the level of travel advice from level 3, which referred to avoiding non-essential travel, to level 2, which simply calls for caution and information.

Even clearer is the case of Poland, which distinguishes the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish occupied areas and areas near British bases, classifying Cyprus at level 1, i.e. the recommendation for usual caution.

Italy also amended the wording on possible changes in airspace and flights, removing more negative reference to the instability of the area, while also deleting the recommendation to avoid travel to areas near British bases. Denmark deleted a paragraph that linked the situation in Cyprus to an attack on a British air base and possible impacts on air traffic.

“The conclusion is clear. The Republic of Cyprus did not remain a passive observer in the face of references that do not reflect the real situation in our country. Through coordinated diplomatic actions, documented information and constant contact with foreign governments, Nicosia succeeded in more accurately reflecting reality,” the same sources concluded.