Supplemental Info:
Travel Advisory
October 17, 2023
Lebanon - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Raised to Level 4 and updated to reflect the authorized departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis.
Do Not travel to Lebanon due to the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges between Israel and Hizballah or other armed militant factions. Reconsider travel to Lebanon due to terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, kidnapping, and Embassy Beirut’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.
On, October 17, 2023, the Department authorized the voluntary, temporary departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel from U.S. Embassy Beirut due to the unpredictable security situation in Lebanon.
Do Not Travel to:
the border with Syria due to terrorism and armed conflict
the border with Israel due to the potential for armed conflict
refugee settlements due to the potential for armed clashes
Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.
The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the protection of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning. Armed clashes have occurred along the borders, in Beirut, and in refugee settlements. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have been brought in to quell the violence in these situations.
Large demonstrations have erupted in the wake of recent violence in Israel and Gaza. U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests as some of these have turned violent. Protesters have blocked major roads, including thoroughfares between downtown Beirut and the area where the U.S. Embassy is located, and between Beirut and Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Local security authorities have noted a rise in violent crimes, including political violence. Multiple unsolved killings in Lebanon may have been politically motivated. U.S. citizens living and working anywhere in Lebanon should be aware of the risks of remaining in the country and review their personal security plans.
U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice.
Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Lebanon.
If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Lebanon, you should consider the following steps
Visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Review the Country Security Report for Lebanon.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Border with Syria – Level 4: Do Not Travel
For years Lebanon has witnessed deadly terror attacks in border towns along Lebanon’s border with Syria, including episodic clashes between the LAF and Syrian-based violent extremist groups. A 2017 LAF offensive expelled ISIS militants from territory along Lebanon’s border with Syria. The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Syria border region. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to and from Beirut.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Border with Israel – Level 4: Do Not Travel
There have been rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges between Israel and Hizballah or other armed militant factions impacting southern Lebanon, most recently related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid this border area.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Refugee Settlements – Level 4: Do Not Travel
The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements, some of which have experienced outbreaks of violence and armed clashes, including with heavy weaponry.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas
View the Original:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/lebanon-travel-advisory.html
