The US Issued A Travel Advisory Warning Tourists About This Mediterranean Destination

United States travelers looking forward to a getaway in the Mediterranean region may want to alter their plans. Because of recent conflicts with Iran, the U.S. State Department is urging Americans to reconsider visiting the country of Cyprus. The conflict between Iran and the U.S. that began on Feb. 28, 2026, and a drone strike on a British building on March 2 escalated the warning.

According to the Department of State, Cyprus is now under a Level 3 travel advisory. While it is an escalated level, risk indicators have not changed, the department states. Instead, the updated advisory reflects "changes to U.S. embassy operations," per the announcement. The U.S. government has granted permission to non-emergency government employees and their family members to depart the island country because of potential safety risks.

While it's recommended that travel plans to Cyprus be postponed, there are still options for travelers looking for a Mediterranean experience. Arzachena on Sardinia, just off Italy's mainland, is one such place that has been recognized as one of the world's newest Blue Zones. Or, you can visit Croatia for Zadar's best tourist attractions. If you do decide to travel to Cyprus despite the heightened advisory, it's important to have an emergency exit plan and stay up to date on local news and advisories, the State Department warns.

While the U.S. State Department is pretty clear in its message that travelers should "reconsider travel to Cyprus due to the threat of armed conflict and limited U.S. embassy assistance for Americans," travel to the island country is still possible. However, U.S. citizens who decide to make the trip are encouraged to take extra precautions. That includes ensuring all travel documents are current and within easy reach at all times.

Even if you decide to move forward with your vacation plans, the Level 3 advisory suggests that you have a safety plan in place for emergencies. The State Department has an International Travel Checklist available to assist international travelers in remaining safe and organized. The department always recommends remaining aware of your surroundings and having a communication plan in place with your traveling companions, in case a need arises, to ensure everyone's safety.

It's also imperative that travelers enter or depart Cyprus through the proper airports or seaports. The State Department instructs travelers to utilize only Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport for air travel or the seaports in Limassol, Larnaca, or Paphos for those arriving by ship. Of course, to ensure your safety, it may be best to avoid the country for now, at least until after the risks of armed conflict de-escalate. Instead, consider the safest countries in the world to visit in 2026.