The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning against all travel to the Middle Eastern country of Lebanon as tensions and clashes with Israel continue to affect the region.
The warning read: “If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave, while commercial options remain available.”
This warning comes as major airlines including British Airways, Lufthansa and Air France have been cancelling flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv as fears of further violence grow. Delta has paused flights to Tel Aviv until the end of October, while some are discontinued well into next year.
“There are ongoing mortar and artillery exchanges and airstrikes in Lebanon, primarily on the boundary with Israel but also in parts of the Beqaa Valley and some other locations north of the Litani river,” the FCDO said. “There was also a strike on 30 July in southern Beirut, the second strike in Beirut in 2024.
“The Washington Institute provides an online map which may be helpful to understand recently affected areas.”
On Tuesday, 12 people were killed and thousands injured after handheld pagers used by Hezbollah operatives exploded. On Wednesday, a further 20 were killed when the same happened to walkie-talkies. Civilians including young children and healthcare workers were also among the dead.
The Foreign Office has also warned that British tourists’ travel insurance could be invalidated if they travel against advice from the FCDO.
The advice read: “Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.”
“Tensions are high and events could escalate with little warning, which could affect or limit exit routes out of Lebanon,” the FCDO said, adding that in the event of deterioration of the situation, commercial routes out of the country could be severely disrupted or cancelled at short notice, with roads across the country also at risk of closure.
It continued: “The British embassy may be increasingly limited in the assistance that it can provide. If you are currently in Lebanon, you should leave now.
“On 30 July the Foreign Secretary reiterated that British Nationals should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still running. Do not rely on FCDO being able to evacuate you in an emergency.
“You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. This may include the ability to leave quickly or to shelter in place if you judge it necessary and safe to do so.”
The travel update also explains that large protests have taken place in major cities and near the British and other Western embassies since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the FCDO said it is impossible to rule out further protests in the future.
The FCDO advises checking with airlines and travel companies for updates on flight availability and to ensure that all travel documents are current as, if the situation deteriorates, it may not be possible to issue a passport in time.