The UK Foreign Office has revised its travel advice for Lebanon. It is now advising against all but essential travel to Lebanon but continue to advise against all travel south of the Litani River.The travel advice summary now reads:

“We advise against all but essential travel to Lebanon. On 12 July 2006 two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped on the border between Israel and Lebanon. This led to a major outbreak of violence, including major Israeli strikes across Lebanon in which buildings, roads and bridges have been destroyed and hundreds of people killed and thousands injured. Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on 14 August 2006. While this has largely been observed so far, the security situation remains uncertain, and there remains much unexploded ordnance in Southern Lebanon and the Northern Beka’a valley region.

“If you are in Lebanon you should exercise extreme caution and register with the British Embassy. You should keep abreast of the latest developments by listening to BBC and other English language broadcasts, and heed local advice.

“There is a serious risk of danger from unexploded bombs being accidentally detonated. This risk is greatest in the south of Lebanon, where the most ordnance fell. You should heed local advice in areas which have not been declared safe from unexploded ordnance.

“Israeli warplanes have struck all crossing points on the border with Syria apart from the one at al-Arida on the coast. While these crossings are now passable, there remains a risk of increased tension. The blockade of Lebanon’s ports and airports has now been lifted and Beirut airport has reopened to regular scheduled services.

“There is a high threat of terrorism in Lebanon, with a risk that Western and British interests may be targeted.

“You should carry identity papers with you at all times.”
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