Traveling in the Mediterranean: Check safety in Turkey, Egypt & Cyprus!

Traveling in the Mediterranean: Check safety in Turkey, Egypt & Cyprus!

The military tensions in the Middle East have an impact on travel planning to the Eastern Mediterranean. Holiday destinations such as Turkey and Egypt are the focus of security policy assessments, which could unsettle potential travelers. In addition, popular travel destinations such as Cyprus and Greece are also affected, meaning that safety instructions and travel warnings are becoming increasingly important. Echo24 reports that there may be possible airspace closures over Iraq, Iran or Jordan, which could result in transit flights to Turkey or Egypt being affected.

As a result of this tense situation, several airlines, including Lufthansa, Emirates and Swiss Air, have adjusted their flight routes or even canceled flights. Travelers should therefore keep a close eye on their travel plans and consider alternatives if necessary.

Risks in Turkey and Egypt

The Foreign Office warns against traveling to certain southeastern border regions of Türkiye, particularly the provinces of Şırnak, Hakkâri, Şanlıurfa and Mardin. These areas are classified as risky due to military activities and terrorist attacks. Anti-government demonstrations also take place regularly in larger cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, which are accompanied by increased police checks and the possibility of arbitrary arrests. This is also exacerbated by the fact that German citizens in Turkey have to fear criminal consequences for statements critical of the government.

In Egypt, the general security situation is considered stable, although there is an increased risk of terrorism in the north of the Sinai Peninsula and in remote regions of the Sahara. Red Sea tourist centers such as Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are currently quiet, but increased precautionary measures are said to be in place to ensure the safety of travelers.

Cyprus and Greece as safe alternatives

Cyprus is currently not classified as a risk area. The political situation is considered stable and the tourist infrastructure is functioning properly. Travelers should still avoid crowds and follow local media to stay informed. Greece has not issued any specific travel warnings related to the Middle East conflict, making it a potentially attractive destination.

Overall, the security situation in the Middle East and neighboring regions remains volatile. The Federal Foreign Office points out the global danger of terrorist attacks and kidnappings. In particular, the terrorist organizations “Al Qaeda” and the “Islamic State” continue to threaten attacks. The Foreign Office emphasizes that although there is currently no concrete evidence of threats to German interests, travelers should still be vigilant and take safety precautions.