Lebanon: security situation

The security situation in Lebanon continues to be volatile. There are ongoing Israeli military airstrikes in southern Beirut and southern Lebanon. Israeli military ground operations in southern Lebanon are likely to continue. Tensions are high and the conflict could deteriorate quickly or spread to other areas in Lebanon with little warning. Your ability to move to safety could be impacted. We continue to advise that New Zealanders do not travel to Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, our advice remains that New Zealanders should leave now.

New Zealanders in Lebanon are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to receive the latest advice and information.

Flight availability is now limited, and increasingly expensive. We encourage New Zealanders in Lebanon to continue working with airlines and their travel agent to secure departure bookings as soon as they become available. When we become aware of flight opportunities for New Zealanders we are communicating these via the SafeTravel registration system.

New Zealanders who wish to depart Lebanon should ensure they have valid travel documents and, if required, appropriate visas for onward travel.

Be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period. Make sure you have enough supplies including food, water, medicine, radio, torches and batteries. Know where your identity documents are, including your passport.

As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Lebanon, the ability of the New Zealand Government to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Lebanon should consider.

New Zealanders in Lebanon requiring consular assistance can contact the New Zealand Embassy in Cairo (accredited to Lebanon) on +202 2461 9186 or at [email protected] and for consular emergencies after-hours on +64 99 20 20 20.