US Issues Travel Alerts For Israel, Lebanon: Do Not Travel To Lebanon Due To Increased Tensions Between Israel, Hezbollah. US Introduces Online Passport Renewal
State Department: The Embassy is monitoring the security situation due to increased tensions between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah.
US State Department/Travel: Lebanon: Due to the unpredictable nature of ongoing conflict between Hizballah and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available. At this time, commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity.
US State Department/Travel: Lebanon: Following increased conflict in Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy reminds citizens to exercise security awareness, maintain a low profile, and take appropriate measures to ensure safety and security. Until the situation is stabilized, citizens should be aware that there is limited access to medical care. Citizens should avoid travel to Lebanon and monitor local media.
Israel: The Embassy is monitoring the security situation due to increased tensions between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain cautious. Mortar and rocket fire and UAS (unmanned aircraft system) intrusions, can take place without warning. Citizens are encouraged to know the location of the nearest shelter, monitor local media and travel alerts, and follow instructions of local authorities.
Updated to urge U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon via commercial options while still available.
Due to the unpredictable nature of ongoing conflict between Hizballah and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available. At this time, commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity.
If the security situation worsens, commercial options to depart may become unavailable. Please check flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. The U.S. Embassy may not be able to assist U.S. citizens who choose to remain.
If you choose to remain in Lebanon, be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate further. The U.S. Embassy strongly encourages U.S. citizens in Southern Lebanon, near the borders with Syria, and/or in refugee settlements to depart those areas immediately.
Do Not Travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Country Summary: U.S. citizens who remain in Lebanon should be aware of the risks and review their personal security plans.
U.S. citizens in 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 serious enough 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.
Since October 8, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hizballah and Israel; in some instances, including targets well north of the border region. On September 17-18, communications devices exploded in locations throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, killing dozens and injuring thousands. On September 20, a targeted strike hit the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning.
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.
Local security authorities have noted a rise in violent crimes, including political violence. Multiple unsolved killings in Lebanon may have been politically motivated.
Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations.
Unexploded landmines and explosive remnants of war are a hazard along the border with Syria. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.
U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests as these have the potential to turn violent quickly and with little notice. 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.
Southern Lebanon – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are (See map below)
The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid southern Lebanon and to depart if you are there; that is, all parts south of the city of Saida, to include inland areas, as illustrated in the map below. Cross-border rocket, missile, and artillery fire continues to impact southern Lebanon on a daily basis and has caused a significant number of fatalities and injuries.
Border with Syria – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There
The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Syria border and to depart if you are there. This area has seen clashes between Lebanese security forces and Syrian-based violent extremist groups. 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.
Refugee Settlements – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There
The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements in Lebanon and depart if you are there. These settlements are prone to outbreaks of violence including shootings and explosions.
Online Passport Renewal For US Citizens:
Link to online passport renewal here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanon:
Following the explosion of communications devices in Lebanon on September 17 and September 18, the U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to exercise security awareness of their surroundings, maintain a low profile, and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security. Spontaneous demonstrations, neighborhood and sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and lead to gunfire and other violence with little or no warning.
Be conscious of your personal security at all times, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. The Embassy urges all U.S. citizens in Lebanon to monitor the media for the latest developments.
The widespread nature of ongoing events has led to reduced availability of bedspace in hospitals, limited access to doctors, and has resulted in a general reduction in routine care at medical facilities. Until the situation stabilizes, U.S. citizens should anticipate limited availability of medical care in Lebanon, most notably in the city of Beirut.
The U.S. Embassy further reminds all U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon due to safety and security concerns. U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks.
The ability of U.S. government personnel to reach travelers to provide emergency services is extremely limited. In the event of a crisis, the Embassy cannot guarantee that Embassy employees will be able to render assistance to U.S. citizens in all areas of the country. Commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available.
Israel:
Location: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Event: Security Alert
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is continuously and closely monitoring the security situation in response to the increase in tensions between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness (including knowing the location of the nearest shelter) as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and UAS (unmanned aircraft system) intrusions, often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly.
Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel. Be prepared.
It could take several days or longer for passengers to re-book new tickets to depart; the U.S. Embassy does not assist with this process.
Ensure you and your family have your travel documents in order and are prepared to travel.
Closely monitor local and international news.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to read the current Travel Advisory and Country Information Page for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, that advises U.S. citizens to be aware of the continuing risks of travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza due to the security situation and heightened regional tensions and warns against travel to Gaza and to northern Israel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders.
U.S. citizens can find additional information regarding steps to take in case of mortar and rocket fire or UAS intrusions in the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
Mortar and Rocket Fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion: In the event of mortar or rocket fire or hostile aircraft intrusion, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real; follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space.
U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters. For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website (available on devices within Israel) or view the Preparedness Information PDF.
U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on Android or Apple devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts. Free commercial applications, such as Red Alert: Israel, are also available.
U.S. citizens should take this into consideration when planning their own activities.
The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed.
Actions to Take:
Refer to our website for the latest Security and Health Alerts
Be aware of your surroundings, including the location of the nearest shelter.
Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.
Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence.
Monitor local media.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
Statement Snapshots:
Israeli Home Front Command instructions: