Category: Cyprus News Agency

The protection of cultural rights and cultural heritage is among our key priorities, Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, said in her opening remarks at the informal meeting of European Union Culture Ministers, on Tuesday, at the Philoxenia Conference Centre, in Nicosia.

Kassianidou thanked her counterparts ‘for the successful outcome of the discussions and consultations in the Agora EU programme which led to the adoption of the partial general approach at our Council in Brussels last month’.

Furthermore, she said that, as a result of the discussion and negotiation in the Committee on Cultural Affairs, a provisional agreement was reached in the interinstitutional political debate held on 18 May in Strasbourg on the joint declaration ‘Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe’, adding that the joint declaration will be signed by the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Republic of Cyprus on behalf of the European Council, in June in Strasbourg.

Referring to the topics of the Informal Summit, she noted that ‘they are interrelated, since they concern our common responsibility to preserve culture as a living expression of human creativity, but also cultural heritage, which is under threat’.

Subsequently, the Deputy Minister of Culture stressed that ‘the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union recognises the key role of culture in safeguarding European values and therefore the protection of cultural rights and cultural heritage is among our key priorities’. ‘Cultural creation strengthens the resilience of European democracies and contributes to the protection and promotion of the values of the European Union, promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, creativity and free democratic dialogue,’ she pointed out.

In this context, she underlined, ‘the Presidency places particular emphasis on the protection of cultural rights, continuing the discussion that took place within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of MED-9, which resulted in the declaration on cultural rights, which was drafted with the assistance of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights, Professor Alexandra Xanthakis.’

At the same time, Kassianidou stated that ‘the Cyprus Presidency seeks to empower creators and support audiovisual media and civil society, as rapid technological developments, such as productive artificial intelligence, are reshaping creative expression and cultural production.’

‘When it comes to protecting cultural property in the age of artificial intelligence, the approach must be focused on people, as highlighted in the 2025 report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights, Professor Alexandra Xanthakis,’ she stressed.

‘Transparency in the training data of artificial intelligence systems is a necessary condition. Also, the diversity and meaningful participation of different individuals and communities in shaping the technological future must be ensured at European level,’ Kassianidou noted.

‘The basis of the legislative framework has already been laid with the recent regulation on artificial intelligence and the regulation on digital services. Accountability and transparency in the online environment have been strengthened, in order to achieve full, full respect for the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,’ she added.

‘In parallel, with the ”Cultural Compass for Europe” initiative, a specific strategy for artificial intelligence in the cultural and creative sectors is being prepared, with the aim of ensuring that technology will function in support of and not as a substitute for human creation’, she pointed out.

Consequently, the Deputy Minister noted, “our duty is clear, to shape public policies that enhance human creativity, prevent the homogenization of expression and preserve artistic freedom, ensuring that artificial intelligence remains a tool at the service of man.’

At the same time, she said that ‘we also place emphasis on the protection of cultural heritage, focusing on combating the illegal trafficking of cultural goods.”

“The illicit trafficking of cultural goods directly threatens cultural identity and heritage, as cultural heritage is not just an asset but also a vehicle of memory, an element of identity and the foundation of a sense of belonging,’ she pointed out.

‘In times of armed conflict, the destruction of cultural heritage is carried out in a targeted and deliberate manner not only because of the great economic benefits from the illicit trade in antiquities, but also for ideological reasons,’ she said.

‘Looting, illegal excavations and the trafficking of cultural goods have unfortunately become an integral part of all modern conflicts, in Cyprus after the Turkish invasion 52 years ago, and more recently in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine,’ she added.

‘The illicit trafficking and sale of cultural goods is used to finance criminal networks, circumvent sanctions, launder proceeds from illegal activities and systematically alter or erase national or religious identities,’ Kassianidou said.

‘The international community has recognised these risks and has developed important legal tools; however, challenges remain. Even today, illegally acquired works continue to be channeled into legitimate art markets,’ she pointed out.

In this light, she continued, ‘we are called upon to examine how due diligence procedures can be strengthened and how technological innovations can be used responsibly to enhance research into the provenance of cultural goods and cooperation between competent authorities.’

“In a period of geopolitical uncertainty, technological transformations and shifting international balances, Europe has a particular responsibility,” the Cypriot Deputy Minister said.

“The richness of our cultural diversity, the strength of our institutions and our steadfast commitment to human rights demand that we play a leading role. By placing cultural rights at the heart of the governance of artificial intelligence and by strengthening our action against the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, we reaffirm that culture is a foundation of our European identity and democracy,” she concluded.

The Council of the EU, represented by the Cyprus Presidency, and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement Monday evening on a new regulation establishing common rules for the return of third-country nationals illegally staying in EU member states, the Cyprus Presidency announced.

The agreement was clinched during trilogue negotiations held at the European Parliament in Brussels. The Cyprus Presidency was represented by Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides, while the Parliament’s rapporteur was Dutch MEP Malik Azmani. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner also participated on behalf of the European Commission.

“This is a really very important step in making sure that we have control over what is happening in the EU, over who comes but also who has to leave the EU,” Commissioner Brunner told reporters following the deal.

The new regulation establishes strict obligations for third-country nationals who have no right to stay in the EU, notably the requirement to leave the member state concerned and to cooperate with national authorities. Non-compliance may result in reduced benefits and allowances, and where national law allows, criminal sanctions including imprisonment.

The regulation introduces a European Return Order (ERO), a standardised form facilitating mutual recognition of return decisions between member states, which remains voluntary for now. The Commission will reassess the issue three years after entry into force and may then propose making mutual recognition mandatory.

On return hubs in third countries, the regulation allows member states to conclude arrangements with third countries that respect international human rights standards and the principle of non-refoulement. Unaccompanied minors are explicitly excluded. “The next step is working more on migration diplomacy, together with third countries,” Brunner said, without naming candidate countries.

The regulation also increases the maximum detention period for irregular migrants awaiting return from the current six months to 24, with a possible additional six-month extension. For individuals posing a security risk, stricter measures are envisaged, including indefinite entry bans or detention in prison facilities. The regulation also ends the automatic suspensive effect of appeals against return decisions, leaving that determination to the courts.

“The new regulation will speed up the return process and increase returns of persons who have no legal right to stay in the EU. Migration is a top priority for the Cyprus Presidency, and today’s landmark agreement strengthens the credibility of the EU’s migration policy and complements the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, always in compliance with human rights,” Deputy Minister Ioannides said.

He further stressed that the swift conclusion of the negotiations “reflects the commitment of the institutions to establish a set of EU rules on effective returns as part of a holistic migration system.”

On the timeline for implementation, the two co-legislators agreed under Article 52 that the regulation will enter into force the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. However, a number of provisions will become applicable only 12 months later, as they require national legislative and regulatory changes, adaptation of IT systems, and training of staff – elements that formed part of the negotiations between the co-legislators.

This file was one of the key outstanding legislative pieces of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, whose implementation begins on 12 June 2026.

The provisional agreement will now need to be formally endorsed by both the Council and the Parliament following legal-linguistic revision, a process that could be completed within the coming month.

The International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus, PSEKA, has called on the US government to support Ambassador Andreas Kakouris for the position of President of the United Nations General Assembly.

In a statement signed by PSEKA President Philip Christopher, the organisation said it welcomes the decision of the Cyprus Government to nominate Ambassador Andreas Kakouris for the position of President of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

PSEKA noted that the election is expected to be contested between Cyprus and Bangladesh. It stressed that Ambassador Kakouris ‘has the credentials and the experience to deal with the major issues of the United Nations.’

Referring to Cyprus’ relationship with the United States, PSEKA called on the U.S. Government to support the Cypriot candidacy. ‘In view of the fact that the Republic of Cyprus is a strong strategic partner of America, we urge that our Government support the candidacy of Ambassador Andreas Kakouris,’ the statement said.

Total deposits in Cyprus’ banking system recorded a net decline of pound 123.1 million in April 2026, reversing the net increase of pound 426.8 million registered in March, according to the latest Monetary Financial Institutions (MFIs) statistics released by the Central Bank of Cyprus on Tuesday.

The figures show that the annual growth rate of total deposits slowed to 4.5% from 5.6% a month earlier, while the outstanding stock of deposits stood at pound 57.6 billion at the end of April.

Despite the overall decline, deposits by Cyprus residents increased by pound 30.1 million. Household deposits rose by pound 122.6 million, while deposits held by non-financial corporations increased by pound 63 million. However, these gains were offset by a pound 155.5 million decrease in deposits held by other domestic sectors, resulting in the overall contraction in deposits.

Meanwhile, lending activity remained positive but expanded at a significantly slower pace compared with March. Total loans recorded a net increase of pound 40.5 million in April, down sharply from the pound 528.1 million increase recorded the previous month.

The annual growth rate of total loans eased to 12.0% from 12.6% in March, while the outstanding balance of loans reached pound 27.8 billion.

Loans to Cyprus residents increased by pound 76.1 million during the month. Lending to non-financial corporations continued to drive credit growth, rising by pound 71.7 million. In contrast, loans to households declined by pound 12.1 million. Loans to other domestic sectors increased by pound 16.6 million.

Labour and Social Insurance Minister, Marinos Moushouttas, has described pension system reform in Cyprus as the government’s most important social priority for 2026.

Speaking during a special meeting of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Workers’ Group, held on Tuesday afternoon at trade union SEK building in Nicosia, the Minister said that the pension reform is an issue that concerns almost all of Europe and “is one of the key pillars of the European social model”.

Moushouttas referred to an “almost contradictory challenge”, explaining that the long-term sustainability of the social insurance system must be safeguarded “so that the system can meet its obligations towards future generations in an environment of demographic ageing and increasing life expectancy”. He added that at the same time, pensions must remain adequate and decent.

The Minister also stressed that the balance between sustainability and social adequacy “is non-negotiable for us, as we will not build the sustainability of the system at the expense of those who are the most weak”.

He explained that the first pillar of reform, is the Social Security Fund, that focuses on strengthening the adequacy of pensions, particularly minimum pensions, “so that no pension leaves its beneficiary below the threshold of decent living”. He also said that it focuses on modernising the investment policy of the fund’s reserve through a modern investment programme so that resources are utilised in an efficient and safe manner. He added that in the more medium term, the gradual strengthening of the provident funds, which is the second pillar of the reform, is also being pursued.

“Our overall objective is clear and is about a system that is fairer, more modern, and truly sustainable for future generations,” the Minister said, recalling the January 2027 milestone target for the implementation of the reform.

According to the Minister, each side has red lines and there are delicate balances regarding the reform, however he described as positive the fact “that we are all moving in this direction”, adding that “whatever obstacles we find with the credibility, the trust that one side has for the other, I am sure we will succeed and this will be beneficial for everyone, the workers and our pensioners, former workers.”

In her opening remarks, Lucie Studnicna, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Employees’ Group, stressed the need for European competitiveness to be based on quality work, adequate wages and strong worker representation.

“Workers must be able to rely on adequate wages and a strong trade union voice in the workplace, especially in an increasingly difficult working environment,” she said.

The Workers’ Group President argued that the debate at European level is increasingly focused on competitiveness, but warned that the role of labour and the social economy should not be overlooked.

“Leaders have forgotten that what makes our economy strong is work and the social economy,” she said.

She also referred to the social challenges facing Europe, noting that around 1 in 5 citizens are at poverty risk, while more than 1 million people are homeless in European countries.

33% of pensioners are below the poverty line

SEK General Secretary, Andreas Matsas, underlined the need to enhance social dialogue, extend collective agreements and promote a pension reform that will address the poverty of the elderly. As he said, the aim is to create conditions for quality and decent employment and to ensure equal participation of workers in economic growth.

“The European Commission itself has recently been promoting contradictory policies, which overturn previous decisions,” he noted, referring to “the promotion of 28 regime legislation”, noting that there is skepticism about the intentions.

He noted that there is a risk of downgrading workers’ rights and weakening the social dimension of the European Union in the name of competitiveness.

At the same time, he stressed the important role that the EESC’s Employees’ Group plays in defending ‘Social Europe’, considering that the reactions of workers and several member states could have a positive impact on European policies.

Referring to the reform of the pension system, Matsas stressed that this is a crucial process that must make full use of social dialogue. He noted that about 33% of pensioners in Cyprus are below the poverty line and stressed that the main objective of the reform should be to ensure that no pensioner receives a pension below this line.

Trade union PEO’s General Secretary, Sotiroula Charalambous, highlighted the impact of geopolitical developments on workers, while referring to the pension reform and the implementation of the European directive on adequate minimum wages.

As regards the pension reform, she stressed that “our goal is to fight once and for all the issue of low pensions and the poor pensioners.”

At the same time, she stressed the need for a fairer tax system and for an enhanced social policy, with a particular focus on addressing the housing crisis.

Charalambous also referred to the growing social and economic inequalities, arguing that the successive crises of recent years have mainly burdened workers.

“The successive crises of the system, the financial crisis, the health crisis, the cost of living crisis, those who have paid the price are the workers and these crises have led to a deepening of economic and social inequalities,” she said.

At the same time, she argued that the European social model has been weakened by policies of deregulation and privatisation. “The European social model, which in the past was the basic component for stability and dignity for the peoples of Europe, has been drastically undermined by policies of deregulation, flexibility, cuts, privatisation,” she said.

She also referred to an unequal distribution of wealth in Cyprus, noting that “recently a European Union survey has shown that the top 10% of income earners in Cyprus have increased their wealth by 13% and currently hold sixty-seven per cent of the total wealth of our country.”

Minimum wage and public procurement

As regards adequate minimum wages, the Labour Minister said that a bill has already been sent for legislative review and once the process is completed, it is expected to be submitted to Parliament in July, so that the discussion in the relevant parliamentary committees can begin in September.

He recalled that as of 1 January 2026 minimum wage in Cyprus amounts to 1,088 euros per month, while for the first six months of employment it is set at 979 euros.

He also said that unemployment stands at 4.3% and is significantly lower than the Eurozone average, which hovers around 6%, adding that the employment rate has already exceeded 81% above the European target for 2030. “This stability is the foundation that allows us to invest in quality of work and social justice,” he noted.

Referring to public contracts, Moushouttas said that at a recent high-level meeting under the President of the Republic, trade unions called for wider implementation of collective agreements in more sectors of the economy. He said that the unions have already sent a letter with suggestions and examples to the Ministry of Labour, which will be examined immediately with a view to promoting the necessary regulations.

Dimitris Mavrommatis, Director of the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council, speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister of State for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, highlighted the importance of the contribution of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to the work of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, noting that the Committee has made a substantial contribution to the elaboration of thirteen opinions during the Cyprus Presidency.

He said that “the European Economic and Social Committee plays a vital role in the European institutional framework by ensuring that the voices of organized social partners and civil society are heard in the EU decision-making process”.

At the same time, he expressed the Cyprus Presidency’s appreciation to EESC, stressing that “these opinions have provided important expertise, constructive recommendations and useful insights to our work in a wide range of policy areas”.

He also referred to the key achievements of the Cyprus Presidency in the areas of defence, competitiveness, social cohesion, enlargement, housing and employment, underlining the commitment to continue the dialogue with the social partners and civil society until the end of the Presidency.

The United States and the United Kingdom have upgraded their travel advisories regarding Cyprus, marking it as a safe destination. According to a post on X by the Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is “a positive development for Cyprus’ image as a travel destination.”

The United States has decided to restore Cyprus to the normal travel advisory level, Level 1, recommending the exercise of normal precautions. According to the Ministry, this is the lowest travel advisory level.

At the same time, the United Kingdom has revised its guidance, thereby maintaining Cyprus among destinations for which there is no recommendation against travel, while also lowering the assessed level of risk.

“These developments reflect our country’s image as a safe and high-quality destination,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states.

Cyprus’s Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nikolas Ioannides, expressed his satisfaction on Tuesday in Brussels over the successful conclusion of negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission on the Returns Regulation, noting that Cyprus will join after the end of the Presidency discussions on the creation of return hubs, as this would help the Republic of Cyprus to further increase its returns.

Speaking to CNA, Ioannides described the agreement reached as “a very important achievement for all of Europe and for the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council.”

He stressed that the new Regulation provides the legal basis for establishing return hubs, a tool that had previously proved impossible to implement. “There was nothing like this in the past and there was no political will either,” he noted, adding that “this time we have the majority of 100 members, the Commission and the Parliament, but also European citizens, all wanting this solution.”

On the implementation of the Regulation, the Deputy Minister pointed to a phased transition. “Some articles will start applying immediately, others will need some time,” he explained, noting that articles requiring legislative changes and administrative measures will begin to apply one year after the Regulation enters into force.

Asked about the protection of human rights in return hubs, Ioannides underlined that the relevant provision had been “a red line for many member states, including Cyprus.” He said that “the involvement of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will be sought, in order to ensure that the human rights of people in the return hubs will not be violated.”

The Deputy Minister placed the significance of the agreement within the broader EU migration framework, ahead of the entry into force of the Pact on Migration and Asylum on June 12. “It was the missing piece – we now have it too, because a comprehensive migration policy needs to have all the necessary elements, and in this way we will improve the EU’s migration policy,” he said. As he underlined, this legislative reform “was something the citizens of the European Union were demanding. We want to regain citizens’ trust in institutions and implement an effective but fair migration policy across the EU,” he said.

Ioannidis described the agreement as a proof that the Cyprus Presidency is delivering on its commitments. “Before taking over the Presidency of the Council, we said that the Cyprus Presidency wants to play a substantive role and not be merely formal and administrative,” he stated. With such agreements, “we are delivering on what we said from the outset, while practically we now have a legal framework that will strengthen returns from all EU member states,” he added. He noted that while Cyprus already has a very effective returns system, this is not the case for the rest of the European Union.

Responding to a question on Cyprus’s participation in future discussions on return hubs, which have already been initiated by member states including Germany, Italy, Denmark and Greece, he underlined that “Cyprus is interested in participating in this discussion on the creation of such hubs, as it will also help the Republic of Cyprus increase its returns even further.” He added that this would serve as “a deterrent for those who are not entitled to international protection and attempt to abuse Cyprus’s asylum system,” as they would know that “if they have no legal right to remain, they will leave quickly, either to their home country or to such return hubs.”

Cyprus President, Nikos Chistodoulides, has described his visit to Kazakhstan, the first visit of a President of the Republic of Cyprus to this country, as a historic milestone that opens a new chapter in the Cyprus-Kazakhstan partnership.

In a post on X on Tuesday evening, President Christodoulides referred to his arrival to Astana ‘on the inaugural, direct flight from Larnaca, for the first visit of a President of the Republic of Cyprus to Kazakhstan’.

‘A historic milestone that opens a new chapter in the Cyprus-Kazakhstan partnership, reflecting our shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, connectivity and the ties between our two countries,’ he noted.

Cultural rights and illicit trafficking of cultural goods are on the agenda of the informal meeting of European Union Culture Ministers, on Tuesday, at the Philoxenia Conference Centre, in Nicosia.

In statements upon her arrival at the Conference Centre, Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, said that ”for the Cyprus Presidency, Cyprus remains at the heart of the European project. It is for the sense of cohesion, for a sense of unity, but also for a sense of safety and democratic resilience,” she pointed out.

“The Cyprus Presidency has already had two great successes. In the meeting in Brussels, we approved the partial general approach for the Agora EU, the funding program for culture and civil society, which will run from 2028 to 2034,” Kassianidou noted.

“We have reached an agreement on the joint declaration that follows the culture compass. This joint declaration describes the strategy for culture for Europe, and it will be signed at the highest level from the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Commission, and President Christodoulides on behalf of the Council,” she added.

Kassianidou said that EU Ministers would work on two very important issues today. “One is cultural rights, especially at the time of the development of artificial intelligence. Cultural rights is a theme that we worked on already in the MED-9 Presidency of Cyprus, and we follow on this discussion specifically about AI and how this affects the rights of artists,” the Cypriot Culture Deputy Minister pointed out.

“Furthermore, we will work on and discuss another important issue and this is the combat of illicit trafficking, an important, equally important issue for Cyprus, which has suffered from looting, especially after the illegal invasion of Turkey,” she noted.

Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, said that the common thread between the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage and cultural goods and safeguarding cultural rights in the digital age “is the value we attach to cultural heritage, which is our shared heritage, and the value of human creativity.”

He also noted that the discussions taking place in the meeting are hosted in Cyprus, “a place where cultures have met for thousands of years and this provides us the perfect backdrop for these exchanges.”

Nela Riehl, MEP, Chair of the Committee of Culture and Education, said that “there’s a lot we need to discuss, such things as AI, of course, as cultural heritage, but also illicit trafficking.” This, she added, “comes very timely because we see as a European Parliament that AI is a threat to everything people create.”

“Nowadays people cannot distinguish anymore if something created by AI or by human beings. We need to protect everything created by human beings, but at the same time we need to embrace innovation. We do want to have AI here, we do want to have it as a tool in the hands of artists, so that’s the balance we need to on cultural heritage,” she stressed.

Riehl also said that “it’s not just a matter of cultural policy but also a matter of security and defence because if you erase cultural heritage, if you take away subjects or objects, then you erase a whole identity question.” She went on to say that “we together need to commonly actually take a stance as the European Union to really make an effort and not just treat due diligence as a box-taking exercise.”

Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture of Greece, stated that ‘during these months of the Cyprus Presidency, very important steps were taken on serious cultural issues that concerned and concern all member states.’

At the same time, she pointed out that ‘Cyprus managed to significantly advance the main financial instrument for culture in the European Union, Agora’. Mendoni thanked the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and Kassianidou, ‘for the warm hospitality, but above all for the progress that was made in the crucial sector of culture for European standards this semester.’

On her part, Vaida Aleknaviciene, Minister of Culture of Lithuania, said that “both discussion questions today address an important common question for everyone.” “That’s how new technologies support creativity, cultural resilience and cultural heritage protection rather than weaken them,” she pointed out.

“Artificial intelligence and digital technologies create important opportunities from increasing access to culture to strengthening cultural heritage monitoring and protection,” she added. ”These questions also raise other important questions. related to transparency, artistic rights, fair remuneration and the importance of smaller languages and cultures within digital environment,” Aleknaviciene noted.

“That’s why it is essential to ensure that innovations develop within balanced, trustworthy and human-oriented framework. Artificial intelligence can support and enhance human creativity, but it cannot replace human creation and imagination,” she emphasised.

Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport of Ireland, said that Ireland is looking forward to taking on the presidency next, adding that ”particularly good progress was made over the last period of time in relation to the agreement of the Agora budget for culture and media and civil society. We now look forward to working with the Presidency in terms of the trilateral negotiations to step that forward,” he pointed out.

“During our six months of presidency we are looking forward as well to agreeing a work plan for EU culture which will be particularly important,” he noted, expressing gratitude for ”the wonderful work that has been done by the Cypriot Presidency over the last six months.”

Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Minister of Culture of Croatia, said that ”we will have a very timely discussion, especially in the context of rising concerns on culture rights, in the context of the rise of populism across Europe, but also the development of the artificial intelligence.”

Referring to illicit trafficking of cultural goods, she pointed out that ”both Cyprus and Croatia have examples from the recent history, unfortunately,”, adding that the two Ministers will share these examples with their counterparts on both discussions.

The United States has decided to restore Cyprus to the normal Travel Advisory level, Level 1, advising travelers to exercise normal precautions.

According to an announcement by the U.S. Department of State, Cyprus is generally a safe destination for travelers.

It warns, however, about the United Nations Buffer Zone, noting that crossings should not be attempted anywhere other than at designated crossing points.

The U.S. Department of State states that following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there were significant disruptions to commercial flights, and notes that on March 2, 2026, a drone struck a building on the British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.

The advisory states that increased caution is required ‘in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots due to unrest,’ noting that the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in that area. It also states that human rights reports indicate that central prison and police detention facilities do not meet international standards.

The advisory states that the United States does not recognize the ‘trnc’.

Regarding U.S. citizens traveling to Cyprus, the U.S. Department of State advises them to enter and exit Cyprus only through Larnaca and Paphos airports or through the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. It notes that U.S. citizens who travel through the illegal airport in the occupied area may face difficulties returning to the Republic of Cyprus in the future.

It is also noted that residence permits are not issued by the Republic of Cyprus for areas not under its control, and that the Republic of Cyprus does not recognize residence permits issued by the Turkish Cypriot ‘authorities.’