As you may have seen from the media and our digital comms, the UK has changed its travel advice for Lebanon. We are now advising against all but essential travel to Lebanon.
For Brits intending to travel to Lebanon, this means that you need to assess whether your trip really is essential. For Brits already in Lebanon, you should consider whether it’s essential that you remain for the coming period.
We don’t take these decisions lightly, and we very much hope this is a temporary measure. The decision relates to the recent upsurge in violence in Lebanon, and tensions in the region. We keep our advice constantly under review: if the situation changes, so will our travel advice.
In the meantime, and as a general rule, British nationals in Lebanon or planning to travel to Lebanon should subscribe to travel advice updates, follow us on Twitter (@ukinlebanon and @HMAtomfletcher), and ‘like’ our Facebook page for the latest updates.
Brits who require consular assistance can call +961 1 960 800 or email: consular.beirut@fco.gov.uk.
We remain determined to continue our contribution to Lebanon’s stability. We continue to implement the UK’s $120m stability package. Last week I visited refugees in South Lebanon who were receiving aid from an NGO we support.
Our Chief of Defence Staff visited Lebanon this week to meet Commander Kahwaji and consolidate our defence relationship. And, against the odds, UK-Lebanon trade is at record levels, at a time when people greatly need jobs and stable incomes in both our countries.
Anyone who has read the posts on this blog knows how passionately I believe in Lebanon’s future, and our role in it. This is an anxious time, and I know that many Lebanese are worried. But it is more important than ever that we focus on what unites rather than what divides.