British nationals have been urged to leave Lebanon amid mounting tensions in the Middle East.
Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost daily over the border since the war in Gaza erupted in October. However, tensions have heightened following a strike on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the events as “fast-moving” and said Foreign Office staff were working “round the clock” to help ensure the safety of UK citizens.
Efforts are being made to prevent the conflict from progressing into a regional war after fighting escalated between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah.
So is it safe to travel to Lebanon?
Here’s the official Government advice.
What is official Government advice on travelling to Lebanon?
Mr Lammy said on Monday (July 29): “We are advising British nationals to leave Lebanon and not to travel to the country.”
He said they would risk “becoming trapped in a warzone” if they fail to leave Lebanon.
The Foreign Office’s latest travel guidance said events in the region could escalate with “little warning” and leave commercial routes out of Lebanon severely disrupted.
“Do not rely on FCDO being able to evacuate you in an emergency,” the Foreign Office said.
🚨 TRAVEL UPDATE: if you are a British national in Lebanon, you should register your presence to receive the latest information➡️ https://t.co/yMKMv2ULRn
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) July 31, 2024
📞 British nationals in Lebanon who need help should contact +961 (0)1 960 800.
⚠The FCDO advises against all travel to… pic.twitter.com/EMYBGWxEfw
“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.”
The Foreign Office’s website said: “[The Foreign Office] continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave, while commercial options remain available.”
Guidance on alerting UK authorities to your presence in Lebanon is on the Foreign Office website.
Are there flights in and out of Lebanon?
Euronews reported on Tuesday (July 30) that some European airlines had cancelled flights to the Lebanese capital Beirut because of the increased tensions.
Frankfurt-based Lufthansa Group said on Monday that three of its airlines — Lufthansa, Swiss, and Eurowings — had suspended flights to and from Beirut "up to and including" August 5.
Air France also suspended some of its flights, while other airlines changed their schedules.
What if you cannot leave Lebanon?
The Foreign Office website says: “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.”
The website has other help and support available here.
