Cyprus has a green travel advisory from both the Dutch and Belgian Ministries of Foreign Affairs. Crime is lower than the EU average, violence against tourists is rare, and the island functions completely normally. I live in Paphos myself and can confirm this from practical experience.
But there is also a nuance I don't want to withhold from you, and which most travel websites leave out. In this article, I give you an honest, up-to-date answer to the question: is Cyprus safe?
⚠️ Update April 2026: Several countries (including the US, UK, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, …) have temporarily upgraded their travel advice for Cyprus to yellow or red following a drone incident at the British military base Akrotiri in early March 2026. This incident was linked to US-Iran tensions and was not directed at Cyprus, tourists, or the civilian population. The island itself is calm, flights from Belgium and the Netherlands are operating normally, and daily life is unchanged. We live in Paphos ourselves and can confirm: nothing is going on here. The media is—as usual—spreading fear without good reason.
The official travel advice for Cyprus in 2026
The travel advice for Cyprus from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is green, the lowest risk category, comparable to travel within Western Europe. The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms the same: Cyprus can be visited without significant problems.
In concrete terms, this means:
- No increased risk of terrorism targeting tourists
- No active conflict zones in the south of the island (the Republic of Cyprus)
- Normal operation of flights, hotels, restaurants, and public services
Crime in Cyprus is demonstrably lower than in most EU member states, according to the Belgian government source. That is a fact that few travel websites mention.
What is going on in 2026? The honest version
In early March 2026, a drone struck the British military base Akrotiri in Cyprus. This occurred in the context of tensions between the US and Iran, not as an attack aimed at Cyprus or tourists. The base is completely isolated from the civilian population and tourist areas.
The impact? Primarily on air traffic and perception. Some flights from the Middle East were temporarily disrupted. In Western Europe, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, flights to Cyprus continued to operate as usual.
The Cypriot Minister of Tourism formulated it himself as follows: Cyprus lies hundreds of kilometers away from the active conflict zone. The island itself is calm and fully operational.
I live in Paphos. Daily life here is unchanged. Restaurants are open, beaches are full, and the atmosphere is normal. The concerns you see in the international media do not reflect the situation on the ground.
Crime in Cyprus: what you really need to know
Cyprus is not a crime-free island; that does not exist anywhere. But the risks are well manageable and predictable.
What occurs:
- Pickpocketing in busy tourist areas (Ayia Napa)
- Taxi drivers who do not use a meter: always take an official taxi or use Bolt.
- Car rental scams: read the fine print before you sign
- Fake designer goods at markets (especially in Northern Cyprus)
What hardly ever happens:
- Violent crimes against tourists
- Street robbery
- Aggression towards foreigners
Is it safe to travel alone as a woman in Cyprus?
Cyprus is one of the safest Mediterranean destinations for women traveling solo. Verbal harassment, such as you experience in Southern Italy or certain parts of Greece, is exceptional here. The local population is hospitable and respectful.
As everywhere: avoid poorly lit streets late at night and trust your instincts. But there are no structural risks for female travelers.
Northern Cyprus: different rules, different risks
The northern part of the island (the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) falls outside the control of the Republic of Cyprus and is not internationally recognized. Different rules apply here:
- Do not drive a rental car from the south to the north without checking the terms and conditions: most rental companies do not allow this.
- Photography near military objects is prohibited and can lead to arrest.
- There is no Dutch or Belgian embassy in the north: you are on your own if problems arise
- Some areas along the buffer zone still contain landmines.
Tourist activity in Northern Cyprus is possible and is becoming increasingly popular, but go there consciously and well-informed .
Is Cyprus safe to live in?
If you are considering Cyprus as a place to live rather than as a holiday destination , the safety situation is one of the island's strong assets. It is no coincidence that a huge number of expats, retirees, and digital entrepreneurs have settled here in recent years.
Cyprus consistently scores high in international safety indices for residents. Specifically from my own experience in Paphos:
- Doors are not double-locked in the evening
- Children play outside without constant parental supervision
- Neighborhoods feel well-organized and quiet, even at night
- Healthcare (GeSY) functions well for EU citizens
For Belgian and Dutch entrepreneurs, remote workers, and families considering emigrating, safety is rarely an objection; it is rather an argument in favor of Cyprus.
Practical tips for a safe trip to Cyprus
- Always book direct flights from Belgium or the Netherlands, as they are not affected by regional disruptions
- Use Bolt or official taxi stands; never accept an unmetered ride
- Take out travel insurance that also covers medical repatriation
- Check the terms and conditions of your rental car before crossing the border to the north
- Do not take photos of military installations, not even accidentally near the buffer zone
Frequently asked questions about safety in Cyprus
Is Cyprus safe?
Cyprus is a safe country with an official green travel advisory from both the Netherlands and Belgium. Crime rates are lower than the EU average and violence against tourists is rare. As everywhere, normal precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowded places and use official taxis.
Is Cyprus safe in 2026?
Cyprus is safe to visit in 2026. The island itself is calm and fully operational. Following a drone incident at a British military base in March 2026, flights from Western Europe have continued to operate normally. Unfortunately, Cypriot tourism has declined by up to 35% since the media frenzy.
Is Cyprus safe for tourists?
Cyprus is safe for tourists. Violence against visitors is extremely rare and the infrastructure for tourists is well developed. The main risks are pickpocketing in crowded places and scams during taxi rides or car rentals. You can avoid both with common sense.
Is Cyprus a safe country to live in?
Cyprus is one of the safest countries in the EU to live in. Residents experience little crime, neighborhoods are manageable, and the social climate is calm. Many Belgians and Dutch people who live there cite safety as one of the reasons why they stayed.
How safe is Cyprus now?
Cyprus is currently safe. The travel advisory is green, flights from the Benelux are operating normally, and tourism and daily life are functioning without restrictions. Regional geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have no direct impact on safety for visitors on the island itself.
🔗 Want to know more? Read also: Moving to Cyprus: everything you need to know
Updated: April 2026. Benjamin Samaey lives in Paphos, Cyprus, and assists people with emigration and setting up businesses on the island.
