UK updates travel advice for Lebanon, Israel

23 May, 2007

The Foreign Office of the United Kingdom has updated it travel advice for Lebanon and Israel.

Travelers have been advised against all travel to Tripoli and the Palestinian refugee camps following fighting between the Lebanese Army and militants at the Nahr al-Barid Palestinian refugee camp.

The Foreign Office has also updated travel advice for the border area of the Gaza perimeter with Israel following a series of rocket attacks.

The relevant section of the summary of the travel advice for Lebanon reads thus:

Advice against all but essential travel to Lebanon due to the 2006 conflict between Hizbollah and Israel and the ongoing political instability within the country.

Against all travel to Tripoli and to the Palestinian refugee camps following significant fighting between the Lebanese Army and militants in the Nahr al-Barid Palestinian refugee camp outside Tripoli, Northern Lebanon on May 20, 2007.

Against all travel south of the Litani River. A major conflict broke out on July 12, 2006, between Hizbollah and Israel in which over 1,000 people died and hundreds of others were injured. There is a serious risk of danger from unexploded bombs being accidentally detonated. Local advice should be heeded in areas which have not been declared safe from unexploded ordnance.

Since January 23, 2007, there have been a number of violent clashes across Lebanon between opposing groups. Travellers are advised to avoid all public demonstrations.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Lebanon against Western interests, which includes a threat that Westerners may be kidnapped.

Those in Lebanon should exercise extreme caution and register with the British Embassy. They should keep abreast of the latest developments by listening to BBC and other English language-broadcasts and heed local advice.

Travelers should carry identity papers with you at all times.

It is strongly recommended that travelers obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling to Lebanon. Any exclusions should be checked and one should ensure that the policy covers one for the activities one wants to undertake.

The relevant section of the summary of travel advice for the border area of the Gaza perimeter with Israel:

Advice against all travel to the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajar on the border with Lebanon because of ongoing military operations. Also against all but essential travel to areas within 5 kilometres of the Gaza perimeter, including Sderot, because of rocket fire from Gaza.

A high threat from terrorism in Israel remains. The most recent terrorist attack took place in January 2007 at the Red Sea resort of Eilat. Following renewed Israeli military action in Gaza in May 2007, Palestinian militant groups have threatened attacks in Israel.