The UK Foreign Office has recently revised its travel advice to issue a warning for a popular holiday destination among Brits.
Those seeking to bask in some winter sun are now being advised to avoid one hotspot that had long been considered a safe destination: Cyprus.
Recent updates from the UK Foreign Office indicate that escalating hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could quickly impact the wider area, including Cyprus.
With warnings about spontaneous protests and heightened tensions, travellers were advised on October 26 to remain vigilant when travelling to Cyprus.
The situation has been exacerbated by missile exchanges between regional powers, raising concerns for the safety of British nationals abroad.
The FCDO stated that “hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region”.
It added: “On October 1, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On October 26, Israel carried out military action against Iran.
“Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.”
In certain regions of Turkey, Tunisia, and Egypt, Government authorities have cautioned travellers about the possibility of protests occurring.
Specifically for Turkey, they noted: “Demonstrations occur occasionally in cities and may become violent. Police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protests.
“Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey.
“Large demonstrations continue to occur outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.
“Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.”
For Tunisia, it cautioned: “In response to the current situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, peaceful demonstrations have occurred in some Tunisian cities, including outside some western embassies.
“Demonstrations and protests are common and may start with little or no warning. They can sometimes become violent.
“Demonstrations and protests tend to be at weekends and on prominent national dates (which may include January 14 and December 17). They usually take place in central areas of Tunis and other major cities, and may focus on Government buildings.”
Britons in Egypt were told that “security forces have responded violently to protests and disturbances, resulting in a number of deaths”.
