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Lebanon Travel Warning

This Travel Warning was issued on May 30, 2008, to update information on security threats and ongoing political violence in Lebanon and informs U.S. citizens of current safety and security concerns. The Department of State continues to urge that Americans avoid all travel to Lebanon. Americans who live and work in Lebanon presently should understand that they are accepting risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Lebanon issued on May 19, 2008.

On May 7, 2008, Hizballah militants blocked the road to Rafiq Hariri International Airport. The action rendered the airport inaccessible and travelers were unable to enter or leave the country via commercial air carriers. Armed Hizballah and other opposition members proceeded to enter areas of Lebanon not traditionally under their control resulting in heavy fighting and a number of casualties. While there is now full access to the airport and widespread hostilities have subsided, the United States is concerned about Hizballah's willingness to use violence to achieve political ends with little or no warning.

The threat of anti-Western terrorist activity exists in
Lebanon; groups such as Al-Qaeda and Jund al-Sham are present in the country and have issued statements calling for attacks against Western interests in the past.

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U.S. citizens traveling to Lebanon or resident in Lebanon should be aware that the U.S. Embassy has limited ability to reach all areas of Lebanon. The Embassy cannot guarantee that Embassy employees can render assistance to U.S. citizens in all areas of the country. Furthermore, in the event that the security climate in the country worsens, American citizens should be aware that they will bear the responsibility of arranging their own travel out of Lebanon. American citizens with special medical or other needs should be aware of the risks of remaining given their condition and be prepared to be treated in Lebanon if they cannot arrange for travel out of the country.

U.S. Government-facilitated evacuations such as took place in 2006 occur only when no safe commercial alternatives exist. Evacuation would be provided on a cost-recovery basis, which means the traveler must reimburse the U.S. government for the cost of the travel. The lack of valid travel documents (U.S. passport or U.S. visa, as appropriate) will slow the U.S. Embassy�s ability to provide assistance. Further information on the department�s role during emergencies is provided at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html

The Department continues strongly to urge that Americans defer travel to Lebanon, and that American citizens already in Lebanon consider carefully the risks of remaining. Americans who remain in Lebanon despite this Travel Warning are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance; take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness; confirm that passports and U.S. travel documents for themselves and for family members are up-to-date; and be alert to any deterioration of the security situation.

In a crisis situation, U.S. citizens are responsible for arranging commercial or private means of transportation to depart Lebanon .
If evacuation is warranted, only when all other transportation options are unavailable will the U.S. government assist U.S. citizens in leaving a country. This service will be provided on a cost-recovery basis. The lack of valid travel documents will slow the U.S. embassy�s ability to provide assistance. Further information on the department�s role during emergencies is provided at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.htm

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Contact our specialists today.
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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 restrictions. These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, access by U.S. Embassy officials to certain areas of the country. Unofficial travel to Lebanon by U.S. government employees and their family members requires prior approval by the department of state.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose significant dangers throughout southern Lebanon, particularly south of the Litani River, as well as in areas of Lebanon where civil war fighting was intense. More than a dozen civilians have been killed and over 100 injured by unexploded ordnance following the armed conflict in July-August 2006. Travelers should watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance may be present.

The embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon . Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. however; American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209. American citizens may register with the embassy online by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. Information on consular services and registration can also be found at http://beirut.usembassy.gov or by phone at the above telephone numbers between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday local time.

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The Department remains concerned about the personal safety and security of American citizens in Lebanon. American citizens traveling to or residing in Lebanon despite this Travel Warning should exercise heightened caution. Since the August 14 cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, political tensions in Lebanon have increased and have become a cause for concern in recent weeks. Hizballah maintains a strong presence in many areas of Lebanon, and there is the potential for anti-American actions by other extremist groups in Tripoli, Sidon, and the Palestinian refugee camps. Americans are urged to avoid large public gatherings, including the Martyrs Square and Riad El Solh areas in Beirut when demonstrations occur. Conditions in Lebanon can change quickly and dramatically, including with regard to access to Beirut International Airport and the ports. Sporadic violence has occurred and there remains the possibility of further violence. All U.S. citizens in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Beirut where they may also obtain updated information on travel and security conditions in Lebanon. Registration details are discussed below.

U.S. citizens in Lebanon should at all times be aware of a possible deterioration of the security situation. Americans should pay close attention to their personal security and consider fully the necessity of remaining in Lebanon at this time. Accordingly, Americans and their family members should ensure that their passports and U.S. travel documents are up-to-date. The lack of valid travel documents will delay the ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide assistance.

For Information on How to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
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The U.S. Government considers the potential threat to U.S. Government personnel assigned to Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security restrictions. These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, the movement of U.S. Embassy officials in certain areas of the country. Unofficial travel to Lebanon by U.S. Government employees and their family members requires prior approval by the Department of State.

Dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance throughout southern Lebanon are significant and also exist in other areas where civil war fighting was intense. There is a danger of unexploded cluster bombs and other ordnance in areas south of the Litani River that were scenes of fighting in the July-August 2006 conflict. Over 100 civilians have been injured, and more than a dozen killed, by unexploded ordnance, since the cessation of hostilities. Travelers should be aware of posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance may be present.

The Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However, American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the Embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209. American citizens may register with the Embassy online by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. Information on consular services and registration can also be found at http://beirut.usembassy.gov or by phone at the above telephone numbers between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday local time.

Updated information on travel and security in Lebanon may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. http://travel.state.gov.

For Information on How to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or 559-294-0316

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Haben Sie eine sichere Reise!
Abbia un viaggio sicuro!
�Tenga un viaje seguro!
Ayez un voyage s�r!
Have a safe trip!

Copyright (c) 1999-2010 by Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services.
Warning: All of the pages on this site are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws.
Reproduction by any means or for any purpose, except as specified on certain pages,
is not allowed without the express written permission of the copyright owner.

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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL NEWS BRIEFS:
Please note that we at Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services provides the International Travel News Briefs as a value-added service to our international clients and visitors of this website. Our International Travel News Briefs are updated frequently, in order to provide you with current and reliable news and events as quickly as we can. We have no control over the content of external websites, and links to various external news sources may become inactive at any time. We suggest that you bookmark our website and return frequently to check the current global news posted on our website.

Deep freeze in China as South Korea cleans up after record snow January 5, 2010
BEIJING: The Chinese capital was in the grip of its coldest weather in 20 years Tuesday after snow storms caused chaos, while South Korea sent out an army of civil servants and soldiers to clear clogged roads. China's national weather centre said the mercury dipped Tuesday to minus 15.6 degrees Celsius (four Fahrenheit) - the lowest in more than two decades, after Beijing was hit by its heaviest snowfall in 60 years at the weekend.

UK Did Not Pass Plane Bomber Intel To the U.S. January 5, 2010
Gordon Brown's spokesman says there is "no suggestion" the UK passed intelligence to the US that they did not act on, regarding the alleged Detroit plane bomber. It follows reports that the White House accused the Prime Minister's spokesman of making a "mistake" when he appeared, on Monday, to confirm the UK told the US that Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab had links to extremists over a year ago.

Massive security at Asian summit in Thailand October 22, 2009
Thailand has mounted one of its biggest security operations in recent history with more than 36,000 military and police to prevent anti-government demonstrators from overrunning a summit of Asian leaders, an official spokesman said Thursday.

H1N1 flu cases pass 500 in Australia, state's alert level raised June 3, 2009
East Asia / Pacific - Australia Australia raised the H1N1 flu alert level in the worst hit state of Victoria on Wednesday and warned more areas would follow as the national total topped 500.

Mexico increases airport security after robberies March 3, 2009
Americas - Mexico More than 800 federal and local police have been assigned to improve security in and around Mexico City's international airport after a series of armed robberies against travelers who exchanged money there, authorities announced Monday.

4 Indonesians die of bird flu; toll climbs to 119 March 3, 2009
East Asia / Pacific - Indonesia Four Indonesians have died of bird flu, bringing the death toll in the country hardest hit by the disease over the past several years to 119, an official said Tuesday.

College students warned about Mexico travel February 26, 2009
PHOENIX - The U.S. State Department and universities around the country are warning college students headed for Mexico for some spring-break partying of a surge in drug-related murder and mayhem south of the border.

Accident in Buffalo claims 50 lives February 13, 2009
A Colgan Air-operated Continental Connection flight from Newark, N.J., to Buffalo, N.Y., went down about six miles from its destination airport Wednesday night, killing all 49 aboard and at least one person on the ground. An FAA spokeswoman said there was no distress call before the Bombardier Q400 dropped off the radar. Colgan Air is a subsidiary of Pinnacle Airlines. Continental Airlines Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner said, "Continental extends its deepest sympathy to the family members and loved ones of those involved in this accident." Bloomberg (2/13)

Vietnam bird flu outbreak widens: reports February 6, 2009
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been reported in more localities across Vietnam, raising fears of a possible epidemic, official and media reports said Friday.

Is China Covering up a New Bird Flu Epidemic? February 3, 2009
Certainly there seems to be very strong evidence it is. There have already been eight reported cases of humans contracting the potential deadly H5N1 virus, from which five people have died this year. And despite the fact that Hong Kong officials have been finding dead birds infected with the virus washing up onto its shores in recent days from the mainland, China has not made any official statement concerning an outbreak among birds.
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/blog/eyeonasia/archives/2009/02/is_china_coveri.html?campaign_id=rss_blog_asiatech

Thailand To Send 190 Hmong Refugees Back To Laos February 2, 2009
Thailandnews.net -- seeking political asylum claiming they face persecution at home, because they fought alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. "Today we will send 190 Hmong back to. . .

East Asia / Pacific - Japan
Japan rocked by major earthquake July 16, 2007
An earthquake has struck central Japan, killing at least seven people, flattening buildings and triggering a fire at a nuclear power plant. Hundreds of people were injured when the 6.8-magnitude tremor struck the Niigata area.

East Asia / Pacific - Japan
Ban on liquids expanded for all international flights Feb. 26, 2007
Tokyo, Japan: In a move aimed at further thwarting terrorist attacks, passengers on all international flights will be prohibited from bringing aboard liquids in containers larger than 100 milliliters starting Thursday

South / Central Asia - Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Earthquake Preparedness Feb. 13, 2007
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: The U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan would like to remind American Citizens that Kyrgyzstan is located in a seismically-active zone.

Sub-Saharan Africa - Tanzania
Deadly fever spreads from Kenya to Tanzania Feb. 5, 2007
Dar es Salaam - Rift Valley fever, which has swept across Kenya, has spread to neighbouring Tanzania,

Europe - Russia Feb. 5, 2007
Registration Rules Stir Up Confusion
Moscow, Russia: According to a new law that came into effect Jan. 15, foreigners are now required to hand over their registration papers to migration officials -- via their employer or other sponsor -- every time they leave the country and re-register upon subsequent entry into the country.

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Floods bring Jakarta to a halt Feb. 2, 2007
Indonesia - Jakerta: Large swathes of greater Jakarta ground to a halt yesterday after the heaviest rain in at least five years left many areas of the Indonesian capital several metres underwater.

BA running normal flight schedule
Europe - United Kingdom British Airways is running flights as normal from Heathrow and Gatwick after averting a strike by cabin crew.

Thai airport hit by runway cracks 1/29/07
Bangkok - Thailand's transport ministry is to recommend some domestic flights be transferred from Bangkok's new airport to the decommissioned old one.

Islamabad Marriott Hotel Attack
Pakistan - It was reported that on January 26, 2007, at approximately 2:37 p.m. local time, a bomb exploded at the back area of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Nestle dairy plant in Colombia destroyed
Americas - Colombia A pickup truck carrying 660 pounds of explosives destroyed a dairy plant owned by Swiss food giant Nestle SA in southern Colombia, an attack police attributed Thursday to leftist rebels

Fighting in Philippines Kills Ten East Asia / Pacific - Philippines Philippine troops closed in Thursday on another veteran of the Abu Sayyaf extremist group, a day after announcing the death of a senior leader wanted in the beheading of a California tourist.

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Copyright (c) 1999-2009 by Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services.
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is not allowed without the express written permission of the copyright owner.

Nestle dairy plant in Colombia destroyed Americas - Colombia A pickup truck carrying 660 pounds of explosives destroyed a dairy plant owned by Swiss food giant Nestle SA in southern Colombia, an attack police attributed Thursday to leftist rebels

Nestle dairy plant in Colombia destroyed
Americas - Colombia A pickup truck carrying 660 pounds of explosives destroyed a dairy plant owned by Swiss food giant Nestle SA in southern Colombia, an attack police attributed Thursday to leftist rebels