US TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR CYPRUS - REMINDER OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES TO AMERICAN CITIZENS - NICOSIA SAYS PRECAUTIONARY PROCEDURE - Filenews 4/3
The US Department of State has updated the travel advisory for Cyprus, noting the decision to leave non-essential US Government personnel and members of their families.
Specifically, the level of the directive was increased to 3 and the US advises citizens to reconsider their travel to Cyprus "due to the threat of armed conflict and the limited assistance of the US Embassy to the Americans in the area administered by the Turkish Cypriot authorities".
He recalls that he authorized officials who are not considered necessary personnel and members of their families to leave Cyprus due to security risks, recalling that "after the start of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there were significant disruptions to commercial flights."
It reports that a drone hit a building in the area of the British Bases in Cyprus on March 2.
Regarding the "area administered by the Turkish Cypriot authorities", as mentioned, the US notes that its Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to assist US citizens in this area.
"Human rights reports show that central prisons and police detention centers do not meet international standards," the US State Department said.
It points to the situation since 1974 and the fact that the US does not recognize the "TRNC" and urges travellers who are US citizens to enter and exit the island only from Larnaca and Paphos airports or the ports of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.
"The Republic of Cyprus does not consider it legal to enter or exit through Ercan Airport or from a port in the north. U.S. citizens leaving the island from Ercan may face difficulties in returning to the Republic of Cyprus in the future," the statement said.
It also reminds citizens that they cannot obtain "a residence permit from the Republic of Cyprus to reside in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots".
"The Republic of Cyprus does not recognize residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriots. If you arrive on the island from a northern port or airport in the north, or stay in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots for more than 90 days, you may be banned from entering the Republic of Cyprus," the directive states.
He also notes that the U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens "in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots," adding that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not control the area and travellers should take this into account when planning their activities.
It also urges U.S. citizens to register on the STEP platform to receive important updates and notifications from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and to monitor local media for any extraordinary events.
According to a government source in Nicosia, this is a standard preventive procedure implemented by the US State Department in various countries when assessing regional developments.
This stage is the mildest level of measures that can be taken. In practice, it does not involve the removal of personnel nor does it imply the existence of any immediate threat. It simply gives the possibility, if they so wish, to family members of diplomats or to a limited number of non-essential staff to leave temporarily, if they deem it appropriate.
It is important to note that authorized departure is substantially different from the mandatory departure stage, which entails a mandatory departure of personnel. The latter has been applied to a number of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf due to developments in the region, which is not the case in the case of Cyprus.
On the part of the government, it is reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus is in constant communication and coordination with its partners and the competent authorities, while the situation is constantly being evaluated. There is no indication that warrants concern in relation to security in the country.
CNA
