Amid growing fears of the Middle East conflict escalating, countries such as the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Japan, Türkiye and Jordan have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible. Flights to and from the country’s only commercial airport in Beirut have already been suspended or cancelled.
Here is everything you need to know about the official travel advice about travelling to Lebanon right now.
Is it safe to travel to Lebanon at the moment?
No, due to the escalating likelihood of conflict, all advice warns firmly against travelling to Lebanon right now, and leaving as soon as possible if you’re already there.
What has the Foreign Office said?
As of yesterday, Sunday August 4, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice to warn against all travel to Lebanon. The information reads as follows: ‘The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and can deteriorate quickly. Violence may occur: as a result of the conflict affecting Lebanon, between security forces and protestors, between supporters of political groups, over scarce or subsidised resources.
‘Confrontations often happen without warning, and can result in large numbers of casualties. Security forces may use tear gas and rubber bullets during clashes.
‘Weapons are common in Lebanon and groups such as Hezbollah have arms that are beyond state control. Arguments can quickly escalate into violence, including the use of weapons, typically firearms and bladed weapons.
‘Celebratory gunfire is illegal in Lebanon but remains widespread. Every year there are reported casualties. Regional and international developments such as in Syria, Iraq and Israel, can have an impact on the local security situation. Monitor the regional situation whilst in Lebanon. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave, while commercial options remain available.’
Evacuation plan
According to the Evening Standard, the Foreign Office has also said: ‘Do not rely on [the Foreign Office] being able to evacuate you in an emergency. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK Government. This may include the ability to leave quickly or to shelter in place if you judge it necessary and safe to do so.’
Airlines such as Lufthansa, Swiss, Eurowings and Air France have already suspended some of their Beirut-bound flights, but people in Lebanon are being encouraged to use commercial options to leave while they’re still available.
According to the Guardian, the UK has stepped up possible evacuation preparations, and consular experts, border force officials and military personnel have been deployed in the region to help. What’s more, landing ships RFA Cardigan Bay and HMS Duncan are already located in the eastern Mediterranean, and the air force has put transport helicopters on standby, too.
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