With rising conflict in the Middle East spreading to Cyprus, many travellers are wondering whether the holiday they have planned is safe and will still go ahead. On Monday, March 2 a drone hit the RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus leading to flights being cancelled as the UK Foreign Office warned that there is “a heightened risk of regional tension”.
As well as Cyprus, other popular holiday destinations were affected including Dubai and Thailand. With Greece being close to Cyprus and a common spot for tourists, the Foreign Office has updated the travel advice for Brits heading there.
On February 28, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned that there were mass demonstrations and widespread disruption to public services across Greece however as of today – Thursday, March 5 – that warning has been removed.
There are no warnings for UK travellers against travelling to Greece amidst the conflict in the Middle East between the US and Israel with Iran. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
Protests and demonstrations
The FCDO is warning that: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.”
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece the office says as several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police have taken place.
Political protests have also taken place across the island. The FCDO warns: “Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and Palestine. There is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens.
“Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.”
Athens is often a hotspot for demonstrations within the major squares particularly Syntagma Square. There are certain dates to avoid as demonstrations that can sometimes turn violent take place.
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17 November (anniversary of when student protests against a military dictatorship were put down violently – ‘Polytechnio’)
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6 December (anniversary of the shooting of 15-year-old student Alexandros Grigoropoulos)
Recent demonstrations took place on Sunday, March 1 after President Trump launched an attack on Iran. Protesters in Athens gathered outside of the American embassy protesting the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Advice has also been issued for Turkey, Egypt and Morocco as a “do not travel” warning has been placed on the three areas.
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