{"threatLevel": "Level 4: Do Not Travel", "description": "

Updated to reflect the termination of authorized departure status for family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel.

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U.S. Embassy Beirut is no longer on Authorized Departure status. The Embassy has returned to normal staffing and presence. However, the Travel Advisory level for Lebanon remains at Level 4, recommending that U.S. citizens do not travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping, and Embassy Beirut’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

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Do Not Travel to:

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Country Summary: 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.

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The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the protection of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning. Armed clashes have occurred along the borders, in Beirut, and in refugee settlements. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have been brought in to quell the violence in these situations.

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U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests as some of these have turned violent. 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.

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Local security authorities have noted a rise in violent crimes, including political violence. Multiple unsolved killings in Lebanon may have been politically motivated. U.S. citizens living and working anywhere in Lebanon should be aware of the risks of remaining in the country and review their personal security plans.

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U.S. citizens who choose to travel to 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 sufficiently serious 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.

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Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations.

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Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Lebanon.

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If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Lebanon, you should consider the following steps

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Border with Syria – Level 4: Do Not Travel

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For years Lebanon has witnessed deadly terror attacks in border towns along Lebanon’s border with Syria, including episodic clashes between the LAF and Syrian-based violent extremist groups. A 2017 LAF offensive expelled ISIS militants from territory along Lebanon’s border with Syria. The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Syria border region. 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.

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Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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Border with Israel – Level 4: Do Not Travel

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There have been rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges between Israel and Hizballah or other armed militant factions impacting southern Lebanon, most recently related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid this border area.

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Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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Refugee Settlements – Level 4: Do Not Travel

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The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements, some of which have experienced outbreaks of violence and armed clashes, including with heavy weaponry.

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Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

", "pubDate": "Tue, 19 Dec 2023", "country": "Lebanon"}