- Travel Advice
DFAT advice for Lebanon
When travelling to Lebanon, you should always get travel insurance in case the worst happens. To help you ensure you travel safely, we have included the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Lebanon.
| Lebanon overall | This Advice is current for Friday, 22 August 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
| South of the Litani River and Palestinian refugee camps | ||||
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Civil Unrest/Political Tension (armed clashes in Tripoli). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
[top]Summary
- We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Lebanon at this time because of the unpredictable security and political situation. In these circumstances, departure options may be severely limited. You are responsible for ensuring you are able to depart Lebanon and that your travel documentation remains up-to-date.
- President Suleiman was elected on 25 May 2008, ending several weeks of politically motivated violence and armed clashes in Lebanon, including Beirut. Since then, the safety and security environment has been calm, but with ongoing sectarian tensions, further violence is possible.
- Serious armed clashes are ongoing in the Tripoli area and have resulted in deaths and injuries. Further clashes are possible. See Civil Unrest/Political Tension below for more information.
- You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations as they could turn violent. You should pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for updates.
- Ongoing tensions could lead to retaliatory or opportunistic bomb attacks against a range of targets or violence between rival groups. Possible targets include government buildings, buildings associated with foreign governments and international organisations, embassies, hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centres, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events, public transport and tourist areas. Random shootings continue to occur.
- We continue to receive credible reports that terrorists are planning attacks against Westerners and Western interests in Lebanon, including embassies, international hotels, fast food outlets and restaurants frequented by foreigners, including foreign military personnel. Terrorist attacks, such as bombings and kidnapping of Westerners, are possible. Commercial and public places frequented by foreigners could be targeted.
- We strongly advise you not to travel to Palestinian refugee camps at this time. The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning. Outbreaks of violence could spread to other areas of the country, including other refugee camps.
- You should ensure that you carry personal identity documentation at all times.
- We strongly advise you not to travel south of the Litani River due to the uncertain security environment and danger posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance. The situation could change without notice and Australians could be caught up in violence directed at others.
- There are significant numbers of unexploded ordnance, including cluster bombs, and landmines in Lebanon, particularly in southern Lebanon. Australians are strongly advised to keep to paths and to warn children of the potential hazard if they need to travel to these areas. Minefields remain in other areas throughout Lebanon from previous conflicts.
- The Australian Embassy in Downtown Beirut may be temporarily closed to the public at short notice due to demonstrations and concerns about security in the vicinity of the Embassy. If this occurs, you should call ahead for advice before going to the Embassy. Australians requiring emergency consular assistance can contact the Embassy or the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
- Given the highly volatile security situation, we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us, so we can contact you in an emergency.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
