The Australian government has updated its travel advisory for Lebanon, lowering its warning yet still urging caution for potential travellers. While the official stance now recommends Australians to “reconsider their need to travel” due to an unstable security environment, many regions remain off-limits.
Lebanon has faced a prolonged political turmoil since 2019, compounded by the Gaza conflict affecting its borders due to the presence of Hezbollah, a militant group aligned with ongoing tensions involving Israel. Recent hostilities, including targeted airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, resulted in a brief Israeli invasion of the southern region last year before a ceasefire was negotiated.
In light of these developments, the Australian government’s Smartraveller program initially issued a blanket warning against all travel to Lebanon. However, it has since moderated its stance while cautioning against travel to certain areas, especially near the borders with Israel and Syria, citing risks such as military activities and clashes involving armed groups.
The revised advice points out the potential for abrupt changes to the security situation, including airstrikes that could close Beirut’s main international airport without notice, potentially stranding travellers.
Those considering travel to Lebanon should approach with extreme caution, acknowledging the limitations of assistance available from the Australian government in case of emergencies. While the threat level has decreased, the situation remains precarious, necessitating careful consideration regarding travel plans.