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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.
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
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
Lebanonconsider 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.
I
n 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
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
The Department of State considers the threat
to U.S. government personnel in Beirutsufficiently 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 LitaniRiver, as well as in areas of Lebanonwhere 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.
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
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 877-211-3654 or
559-294-0316
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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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL NEWS BRIEFS: Please
note that we at Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services provides the
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July 22, 2010 MEXICO
CITY – Mexico is facing a sort of perfect storm of floods that breed
mosquitoes, prompting a big increase in the number of hemorrhagic dengue
cases, the country's top epidemiological official said Wednesday.
July 1, 2010
The Mexican government announced on Tuesday the
end of the health alert for the AH1N1 flu virus after 14 months in which
1,289 people died in this country and 72,000 cases were registered.
. .
Thailand's PM declares emergencyApril
7, 2010
Thailand's prime minister declares a state of
emergency in Bangkok amid growing anti-government protests.In a televised address, Mr Abhisit said the move - which gives
sweeping new powers to the security forces to tackle protesters - would help
restore order. It comes hours after thousands of "red-shirt" protesters
marched on parliament - forcing MPs to flee the building.
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.
January5, 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.
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.
June3, 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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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. . .
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.
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 PreparednessFeb.
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.
Registration Rules Stir Up Confusion
Feb. 5, 2007 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.
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 cracks1/29/07 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
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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