The logo of the American State Department.AFP archive photo
BEIRUT — The United States has revised its travel advisory for Lebanon from Level Four ("Do Not Travel") to Level Three ("Reconsider Travel"), according to the State Department's official website. The change suggests a cautious but slightly more optimistic assessment of safety conditions for American travelers considering a visit to Lebanon.
Travelers are urged to reconsider plans due to serious security risks under the newly assigned Level Three advisory. However, certain regions, including southern Lebanon, the border with Syria, and refugee camps, remain under a Level Four advisory, where Americans are strongly advised against all travel.
The State Department cautions American citizens currently in Lebanon to stay aware of the heightened risks and to reassess their personal security plans.
This adjustment comes after the US heightened its travel alert to the highest level, Level Four, on Oct. 17, 2023, following the onset of war between Israel and Hamas, as well as cross-border fighting between Israel and the pro-Iranian Lebanese group Hezbollah. Additionally, in response to escalating security concerns linked to the conflict, the US authorized the departure of non-essential embassy staff and their families from Beirut.
The decision to lower the advisory level to three indicates a nuanced approach by the US authorities in adapting to the dynamic security situation in Lebanon and the broader region, addressing both ongoing risks and changes on the ground.