Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Akrotiri and Dhekelia, officially called the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, are two special areas on the island of Cyprus that belong to the United Kingdom. These areas include important British military bases and were kept by the British when Cyprus became independent in 1960. They are used by British Forces Cyprus, including a station for important communications work.

Even though these areas are controlled by Britain, they work closely with the nearby communities in Cyprus. They share services like schools, police, and healthcare with the rest of the island. Akrotiri and Dhekelia are important for their location and natural features, such as the Akrotiri Salt Lake, a special protected area for wildlife.

These base areas also help with important communications and information gathering in the Eastern Mediterranean. After Britain left the European Union, the areas still follow some European rules to make sure everyday life continues smoothly for the people living there.

History

Further information: History of Cyprus (1878–present)

The Sovereign Base Areas were created in 1960 by the London and Zürich Agreements, when Cyprus became independent from the British Empire. The United Kingdom kept control of these areas to maintain military bases, including RAF Akrotiri and a British Army garrison. The bases are important because Cyprus is located at a key spot in the Mediterranean, close to the Suez Canal and the Middle East.

In 1974, Turkey invaded the north of Cyprus. This did not change the status of the bases. People fleeing from the conflict were allowed to pass through the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area and received help. The Turkish forces stopped when they reached the edge of the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area to avoid clashing with the United Kingdom. In the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area, a temporary camp was set up to house people moving away from the fighting.

On 1 March 2026, during the 2026 Iran war, the base at Akrotiri was struck by a drone. No one was hurt, and only small damage was done to the runway. Two more drones were stopped by RAF forces the next day. As a result, both Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases were evacuated, and the UK decided to strengthen its forces on the island with more aircraft and defence systems.

Politics

Current status

The territory has two main areas. One is Akrotiri Cantonment, or the Western Sovereign Base Area (WSBA). It includes two big bases at RAF Akrotiri and Episkopi Cantonment, plus the village of Akrotiri and parts of eleven other villages.

The other area is Dhekelia Cantonment, or the Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA). It includes a base at Ayios Nikolaos and parts of twelve villages.

As of 2026, important units based here include:

Akrotiri Cantonment (including RAF Akrotiri and Episkopi Cantonment):

• No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing RAF
• No. 84 Squadron RAF
• 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
• Cyprus Operations Support Unit
• Cyprus Military Working Dog Troop
• Cyprus Joint Police Unit (CJPU)

Dhekelia Cantonment

• 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland
• Joint Service Signal Unit (Cyprus)
• Joint Service Adventure training Centre

Ayios Nikolaos Station, in the ESBA, is a special listening station for the UK’s intelligence network.

Governance

The British kept these bases in 1960 to have military spots under British control. They are different from other British territories because they are mainly for the military.

The British government promised not to use these areas for anything but military needs, not to create new settlements, and to work closely with Cyprus. Important ancient places are managed by Cyprus.

The area is run by an Administrator, who is also the Commander of British Forces Cyprus. This person is appointed by the British monarch and has full authority over the territory.

There is a Chief Officer who helps with everyday tasks, and no elections are held here. British citizens can vote in UK elections. The area has its own laws, similar to those in Cyprus.

Reviews

In 2010, there were reports that the UK might reduce its forces here due to money problems, but later reviews kept the bases important for UK security.

Dispute and controversies

Cyprus says these bases are left over from colonial times and should not be fully controlled by the UK. There have been protests about plans to build structures that some feared could harm health or wildlife. Studies later showed no health risks.

In 2026, during a conflict involving Iran, the bases faced attacks, causing tension between the UK and Cyprus.

Border and travel documents

Usually, there are no passport checks when moving between the bases and Cyprus. The roads connect through the bases without stops, though more checks happen near Northern Cyprus.

Brexit implications

When the UK left the European Union, there were worries about people working in the bases. Talks were held, and the bases kept their earlier status.

Geography

Further information: Geography of Cyprus

Akrotiri and Dhekelia cover a small part of the island of Cyprus, about 254 square kilometers. Akrotiri is in the south, close to the city of Limassol, while Dhekelia is in the southeast, near Larnaca. Both areas include military bases, some farms, and places where people live. Some land is owned by local families, and some is used by the British for their bases.

The area is important for birds traveling between Africa and Europe. Many birds visit these lands, and there are efforts to protect them. Special areas have been set aside to help protect these birds and other wildlife, including beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs.

Demographics

See also: Languages of Cyprus

When these areas were set up, the borders were drawn to stay away from big towns. Today, about 18,195 people live there. Many local Cypriots work in these areas or on nearby farms. The rest of the people living there are British military families.

People tied to these areas can sometimes become citizens of the British Overseas Territories through special rules. But unlike most British territories, living here does not automatically make someone a British citizen with the right to live in the United Kingdom. This is because these areas are meant only for military use, not for regular civilian life. As of 2010, about 7,195 British military personnel were stationed at Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

Education

Service Children's Education looks after schooling for children of military and government workers. In the Eastern area, children go to Dhekelia Primary School or Ayios Nikolaos Primary School, and then to King Richard School. In the Western area, they attend Episkopi Primary School or Akrotiri Primary School, and later go to St. John's School.

Economy

No economic details are collected for Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The main work there is providing services for the military and some farming. In January 2008, when Cyprus changed its money to the euro, Akrotiri and Dhekelia also started using the euro. This makes these areas the only British places that officially use the euro.

Transport

Cyprus highways go through both areas, with the A3 motorway running for about 16 km (10 miles) in Dhekelia. There is no public airport, but the RAF Akrotiri airbase has a runway for long flights, though it is not used for regular passenger flights.

The nearest big airport to Akrotiri is Paphos International Airport, about 40 km (25 miles) away. For Dhekelia, the closest is Larnaka International Airport, just 15 km (10 miles) away. Like the rest of Cyprus, there are no trains in these areas.

Communications

The areas use the same phone system as Cyprus, with the international code +357. Phone numbers in Dhekelia start with 2474, and those in Akrotiri start with 2527.

Mail is handled by the British Forces Post Office. For Akrotiri, mail is addressed to BFPO 57, and for Dhekelia, to BFPO 58. The Cyprus Postal Services also deliver mail to homes and businesses there.

The bases have their own special amateur radio call signs, using the code "ZC4" from Great Britain. There are about 52 people allowed to use amateur radio there.

Culture

Akrotiri and Dhekelia have their own ways of enjoying entertainment and sports. There are radio stations, like BFBS Radio 1 and 2, that many people in Cyprus can listen to. There is also a television service, but it can only be seen through satellite.

In sports, the most successful football team is Ethnikos Achna FC. They play in the Cypriot football league and have taken part in big competitions, like the UEFA Cup. Their stadium has hosted important matches for young players in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. There are also other football teams and a special league just for military teams. Every year, there is a big sports event called the CBF Cup with many different games.