The US State Department has updated the Travel Advisory for Cyprus, noting the decision for the authorised departure of non-emergency US government personnel and family members of government personnel.
More specifically, the advisory level was increased to 3 and US advised citizens to reconsider travel to Cyprus ''due to the threat of armed conflict and limited US embassy assistance for Americans in the Turkish Cypriot Administered area.''
The Department of State authorised non-emergency US government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Cyprus due to the 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 said that a drone struck a building on the British Sovereign Base Area on Cyprus on 2 March.
The travel advisory also said that as regards the ''Turkish Cypriot-Administered Area'' the US Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to help US citizens in this area.
''Human rights reports show that central prison and police detention facilities do not meet international standards'', the US Department of State said.
It pointed out that since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Cyprus. However, the northern part of Cyprus "is administered by Turkish Cypriots."
Moreover, it noted that the United States does not recognize the “TRNC” 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 and reminded citizens that they cannot receive ''a residency permit from the Republic of Cyprus to live in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots.''
''The Republic of Cyprus does not recognise residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriots. If you arrive to 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,'' the advisory said.
It also noted that the US Embassy has limited ability to help US citizens ''in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots'', adding that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not control the area and travelers should consider this when planning their activities.
It also urged US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the US embassy or consulate and to monitor local media for breaking events.
(Source: CNA)
