UK updates Cyprus travel advice after IVF donor concerns in the north

Nicosia, Cyprus. The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for British nationals visiting Cyprus after the BBC reported that at least 30 children were conceived through IVF using the wrong sperm or egg donors at clinics in the north.

The BBC reported that most of the affected children are British nationals and that, in each case, the parents suspect they did not receive the donors they selected.

Surrogacy guidance

The Foreign Office said the British High Commission in Cyprus cannot become involved in surrogacy arrangements.

It said surrogacy laws differ between areas under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus and the north of Cyprus.

Surrogacy is strictly limited to cases in which a woman is medically unable to carry a pregnancy, and court approval is required before treatment begins. Financial compensation for a surrogate is not permitted, while prospective parents and clinics may face criminal charges if they proceed without the required approvals.

Risks in the north

According to the updated advice, pursuing surrogacy in the north carries risks because clinics are not regulated and there is no legal framework governing arrangements.

The Foreign Office said the legal transfer of parenthood can be complex because the birth mother automatically receives parental responsibility. Obtaining birth certificates may also be complicated and take a long time.

It added that the British High Commission’s ability to provide assistance in the north of Cyprus is limited.

Advice for British nationals

British nationals considering surrogacy arrangements are advised to read Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Home Office guidance on overseas surrogacy, research hospitals and clinics to ensure they are safe and reputable, and seek specialist legal advice in both the UK and Cyprus.

The Foreign Office said children born through surrogacy are not automatically entitled to British nationality. Parents seeking to take a child born through surrogacy from Cyprus to the UK must apply for a full British passport before travelling.

It said the application process can take significant time, particularly where supporting documents were issued in the north of Cyprus, due to the UK’s non-recognition of the authorities there. The maximum period a person may be allowed to remain in Cyprus without a visa is 90 days.