Ahead of a possible Israeli attack on Lebanon, some countries warned their citizens to leave Lebanon or not travel to the country.
united states of america
A statement from the US Embassy in Beirut said the changes disrupting flights in Lebanon were caused by rising tensions in the region following the Maghdel Shams incident and warned US citizens not to travel to Lebanon. The statement cited “fears of an all-out war between Israel and Lebanon” and “violent clashes between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Iran-backed Hezbollah have increased in recent weeks.”
Australia
The Australian government also reiterated a previously issued call for its citizens not to travel to Lebanon, but updated it in light of the current situation, with a government statement saying: “Due to the volatile and deteriorating security situation, we continue to advise against travel to Lebanon.”Risk of further deterioration of security situation Australians in Lebanon “should leave the country immediately until commercial flights resume. Beirut airport may be closed and you may be unable to leave for a long period of time.”
>Norway
A post on the social media account of the Norwegian embassy in Beirut reiterated a travel warning for Norwegian nationals about the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon, noting that cases are increasing and that travel options outside Lebanon may be limited if the situation worsens.
The post also reminded people that the Norwegian Embassy has very limited resources to assist its nationals in leaving the country if such a situation arises.
Germany
Germany, along with other countries, updated its previous travel warning for Lebanon. According to the June 26 update, German nationals were warned in writing against traveling to Lebanon and German nationals were urged to leave the country immediately. It said military clashes in the Lebanese-Israeli border area have intensified in recent weeks and that “further deterioration of the situation and escalation of the conflict cannot be ignored.” The statement warned that further escalation of tensions could lead to a complete halt to air traffic at Rafik Hariri Airport, which would mean it would be impossible to leave Lebanon by air.
England
The advice for British nationals to leave the country in October 2023 remains in place, and a current travel warning issued by the UK Foreign Office warns that “Due to the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah and other groups in Lebanon, the department advises against all travel to Lebanon.” The warning also mentioned mutual missile and artillery fire on the Israeli-Lebanese border, as well as risks in the Bekaa Valley and north of the Litani River.
Belgium
In a written statement, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended canceling all travel to Israel, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, in light of the latest developments in the region. The statement also advised Belgian nationals to leave Lebanon.
France
In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack on the town of Majdel Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and said “everything should be done to prevent a new military escalation.” French nationals are advised not to travel to Lebanon, Israel or the Palestinian territories.
Sweden
An announcement posted on the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ page said, “The situation in Lebanon is dangerous and unpredictable and we recommend that Swedish nationals leave the country.” Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström also echoed his assessment, saying on his X account, “I have said it many times and I say it again: Swedish nationals must leave Lebanon or avoid traveling to the country in question.”
Denmark
In a post on its X account, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised its citizens not to travel to Lebanon and urged them to leave the country.
Netherlands
The website states that a warning issued by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 26 to avoid travel to Lebanon and to leave the country immediately remains in effect, adding: “The colour code for the travel advice to Lebanon is red. Under no circumstances should you travel there. If you run into problems, Dutch embassies may not necessarily be able to help you.”
Ireland
Ireland also renewed its previous travel warning for Lebanon.
