Jbeil old town, May 7, 2022. (Credit: Layal Dagher/ L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — The United States and the United Kingdom have both issued urgent warnings to their citizens in Lebanon amid growing regional tensions. The United Kingdom advised against all travel to certain regions of the country unless absolutely necessary.
In a statement Friday, the U.S. Department of State called on its citizens to "exercise increased caution" while in Lebanon, citing previous episodes of instability that led to travel disruptions and heightened security risks for Americans in the region. The advisory also recommended U.S. nationals enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and updates, and to prepare emergency contingency plans.
The U.K. updated its travel advisory for its citizens across the region following the Israeli strikes on Iran, with the U.K. continuing to advise against travel to parts of Lebanon unless it was absolutely necessary.
So far, neither the European Union nor Arab countries have issued similar travel guidance to their citizens, though the Spanish embassy in Beirut calls it citizens to "caution."
Governments rely on embassy reports, intelligence assessments, and local developments to evaluate risks and update their warnings accordingly. These advisories often vary in severity and can influence travel behavior, airline operations, and diplomatic relations.
The warnings come as Israel attacked at least six military bases around Tehran, including Parchin, as well as residences within two ultra-secure compounds housing military commanders, in addition to several apartment buildings in Tehran, on Friday morning.
Iran is planning to deliver a harsh response to the Israeli attack, an Iranian security source told Reuters.
Correction: The article initially said that the U.K. was urging its citizens to leave Lebanon and avoid travel to Lebanon rather than for its citizens to exercise caution.