Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Cyprus Military Bases)

Residents and those born in the UK Military bases of Akrotiri and Dhekalia had several ways in which to claim British Nationality. These are:

• A British or UK-born mother or father
• Not having gained nationality of Cyprus on Independence Day
• A grandparent born in the UK
• A parent or grandparent born outside of Cyprus
• A parent or grandparent holding a nationality other than Cyprus
• Birth in the two UK Military bases

For more information on how British Nationality could be gained through your birth (or a parent's birth) in a British Protectorate coupled with a UK-born grandparent, watch this short video by Philip Gamble:

Birth in Protectorate and UK-born grandparent

The Independence Day arrangements on 16.08.1960 also give rise to many Cyprus residents gaining one of the various forms of British Nationality. As a general rule, those born when it was a Protectorate gained British Protected Person (BPP) status. This status would have been lost on the termination of the Protectorate on 05.11.1914. Those born when in Cyprus thereafter would have held Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies (CUKC) status. This status would have been lost if the new Cypriot constitution granted nationality. If not, then British Overseas Citizen (BOC) status would have been achieved and, in some cases, this can be upgraded to full British Nationality.

If either of your parents where in Crown service at the two Military bases, then you would almost certainly be granted British Nationality since the territory would be considered British for nationality purposes. For these and other forms of British Nationality available to Cypriot residents, those born in Cyprus or Cypriot nationals, click on British Citizenship.

STATUS OF CYPRUS

Up to 04.11.1914, Cyprus was a British Protectorate. Click here for more information on the status of a British Protected Person (based on birth in a British Protectorate).

Between 05.11.1914 and 31.12.1948, it fell within the British Crown Dominions.

From 01.01.1949 until 15.08.1960, it fell within the UK and Colonies. Click here for more information on the status of Citizen of the United Kingdom & Colonies (CUKC), a status achieved by birth in the Colony.

From 16.08.1960 and up to the present day, it was an independent Commonwealth country. Click here for more information about the consequences of being born in a Commonwealth country.

Cyprus is a member of the European Union.

Click here for more information on the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

STATUS OF Akrotiri & Dhekelia UK Cyprus Military Bases

Up to 04.11.1914, the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus were a British Protectorate. Click here for more information on the status of a British Protected Person (based on birth in a British Protectorate).

Between 05.11.1914 and 31.12.1948, they fell within the British Crown Dominions.

From 01.01.1949 until 31.12.1982, they fell within the UK and Colonies. Click here for more information on the status of Citizen of the United Kingdom & Colonies (CUKC), a status achieved by birth in the Colony.

From 01.01.1983 until the present day, they are a British Dependent Territory. Click here for more information on the status of a  British Overseas Dependent Territory.