U.S. State Department permits non-essential embassy personnel and families to leave Cyprus amid security concerns following an attack on a British base.
U.S. Embassy Staff Departure
On March 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of State authorized non-essential U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Cyprus due to a security threat, according to a statement. The warning came after the British military base at Akrotiri was attacked on Monday (March 2).
European Allies Support Cyprus
Following Monday’s attack on the British base, European allies decided to support Cyprus. According to BBC calculations, Greece has agreed to send four F-16 fighter jets and two frigates, including the vessel Psara, which is equipped with the Greek anti-drone system Centauros.
– Greece is present and will continue to be present to help in the defense of the Republic of Cyprus in every way – said Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.
Military Deployments by European Nations
Britain announced sending a warship to the island, while France is sending a frigate and air defense systems. At Macron’s direction, the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle also set course for the Mediterranean Sea.
Late Tuesday evening, a British transport plane landed at the base. It is believed to have brought military equipment, including advanced electronic warfare systems – reported In Cyprus portal.
Poland Issues Travel Warning for Cyprus
On Monday (March 2), the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel warning for Cyprus. “The ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East may also pose a threat to Cyprus. It cannot be ruled out that airspace could suddenly be closed to civilian traffic and difficulties may arise in leaving the island,” the statement reads.
The ministry appealed to Poles on the island to register in the Odyseusz system.
Additional Travel Warnings
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a warning, among others, for Oman. All travel to this country was discouraged, and for those already there, contact information for the Polish consul in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh was provided.
The Embassy in Kuwait asks Polish citizens in this country, as well as in Bahrain, to follow local authorities’ announcements and comply with security recommendations. For some time now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been warning against traveling through and to the Middle East.