Significant decline in travel activity to the occupied areas of Cyprus in 2026

Data from the first half of 2026 reveals a notable decrease in travel activity into the occupied areas of Cyprus compared to the same period in 2025. According to reports from 'Kıbrıs Postası', total entries via airports, seaports, and checkpoints dropped by 13.3%, falling from 2,279,576 to 1,976,050 people, a total reduction of 303,526 individuals.

The decline was most pronounced at the crossing points, which saw a 13.7% decrease in traffic, falling from 2,121,216 to 1,829,954 entries. Specifically, crossings from the free areas into the north fell by 16.5%, totaling 1,024,706. Air and maritime arrivals of foreign nationals declined by 7.7%, reaching 146,096. Trends varied by nationality: while arrivals from Germany rose by 34.1% (reaching 22,063) and Poland saw a 5% increase, other major origins saw significant drops. Arrivals from Iran plummeted by 42.3%, Greece by 17.3%, and the United Kingdom by 16.2%.

These statistics reflect a broader downturn in movement and tourism statistics for the region during the first six months of the year, contrasting with the growth seen in specific European markets like Germany and Poland. No further official projections or upcoming legislative reviews regarding these traffic shifts have been reported at this time.