Why It's Not Safe to Travel to Lebanon

Lebanon is currently facing a serious conflict, making it a very dangerous place to visit. Recent events have made the situation worse, leading to many governments advising their citizens to avoid travelling to Lebanon and those who are already in the country leave immediately.

Lebanon has been in the news lately because of a series of violent events. The killing of important leaders from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah has sparked a cycle of revenge attacks. Iran and Hezbollah have promised to strike back at Israel, raising fears of a larger conflict that could spread across the region and make Lebanon even more dangerous.

Lebanon's hospitals are struggling due to the ongoing economic crisis, and the recent violence has made things even worse. The World Health Organization recently sent 32 tonnes of medical supplies to help, including 1,000 trauma kits for the wounded. However, the healthcare system is still under a lot of pressure, making it difficult to provide adequate care for anyone who might get hurt.

Many people are trying to leave Lebanon due to the worsening situation. Beirut’s airport is crowded with people trying to leave the country as countries such as France, Britain, Italy, and Turkey have advised their citizens to leave while commercial flights are still available. The United States and the United Nations have also recommended that their citizens and staff leave Lebanon as soon as possible. Even the Swedish embassy has moved its staff to Cyprus for safety.

Despite the danger, the Lebanese people are trying to carry on with their lives. In the coastal city of Tyre, children are playing by the sea, even though smoke from nearby shelling can be seen. While their resilience is admirable, the risks for foreign travellers remain very real and significant.

The international community is closely watching the situation. The Pentagon has sent more warships and fighter jets to the region to protect against potential Iranian attacks. The UK is also ready for possible evacuations, with extra military and consular staff on standby. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has warned that the situation could get worse very quickly, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous environment.

Travel Insurance Advisory: High Risk Voyager’s Position

Due to ongoing political and economic sanctions and the elevated risk and volatile situation in Lebanon, any policies for travel here will need be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you are planning to travel here, please contact us on +44 (0)1483 806 686 or email us at enquiries@voyagerins.com

Given the current crisis, it is very important to follow the advice of governments and international organisations. Your safety and security should come first, so avoiding travel to Lebanon is a wise decision. If you are already in the country, it is strongly recommended that you make plans to leave as soon as possible. High Risk Voyager is committed to keeping travellers informed and safe, and we will keep monitoring the situation to provide updates.