public annoucements and warden messages
Updated Lebanon Situation
August 2, 2006No Further Ships Anticipated
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut advises Americans in Lebanon that, following the July 28 departure of a ship for Cyprus, we do not anticipate further ship departures. Most Americans who wished to depart Lebanon with U.S. government assistance have done so. American citizens who still need departure assistance should maintain contact with U.S. Embassy Beirut, which is doing everything possible to facilitate the departure of Americans from Lebanon. The Department of State urges American citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon and Americans currently in Lebanon to leave.
Last US-Sponsored Flights from Cyprus, Turkey
The last U.S.-sponsored flight from Larnaca, Cyprus for American citizens who have departed Lebanon with U.S. Government assistance will depart in the early hours of Wednesday, August 2. We anticipate that this flight will accommodate all those American citizens and their documented family members who wish to return to the U.S. with U.S. Government assistance. Persons who choose to remain after this flight departs, or who are awaiting decisions by the Department of Homeland Security on the status of their undocumented, non-American family members, will be responsible for their own arrangements for accommodation in Cyprus and onward travel.
The last U.S.-sponsored flight from Turkey departed on Sunday, July 30. All American citizens who chose to travel on this flight have returned to the U.S.
USG Assistance – Return to Standard Consular Services and Procedures
The Department of State, through its Embassies in the region, will provide consular assistance to American citizens who have left Lebanon due to the crisis. Repatriation and other financial assistance will be provided on a reimbursable basis, in accordance with standard procedures. The Secretary’s waiver of reimbursement for travel costs applied only to U.S.G.- arranged transportation in the form of U.S. military or USG-chartered ships and aircraft.
Persons traveling to the U.S. must contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, prior to making traveling arrangements, if they have critical medical or other needs and will require special assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) upon arrival in the U.S. The Embassy or Consulate will assess the individual’s needs prior to making a request to HHS for assistance, in keeping with standard procedures. Please be advised that HHS assistance is in the form of a loan payable to the U.S. Government. HHS is unable to provide such support without advance notice and request from the Department of State.
Americans in Lebanon Should Maintain Contact with U.S. Embassy Beirut
The U.S. Embassy is continually assessing reports of a small number of remaining American citizens who may still need assistance with departure. Americans should monitor the local radio (105.5 FM), local media, and the Embassy internet website http://lebanon.usembassy.gov for updates and future guidance. The U.S. Embassy, with support from the U.S. Department of State, will do everything possible to facilitate the departure of American citizens from Lebanon. American citizens who have not already done so may register with the Embassy online by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs.
The U.S. Embassy is able to advise Americans in southern Lebanon on a case-by-case basis depending on their specific location and circumstances. American citizens in southern Lebanon who require U.S. government assistance in departing Lebanon should remain in contact with the U.S. Embassy for further guidance. Family members in the United States of these individuals may contact the Department of State if they have information on their specific location.
U.S. Embassy Beirut in Ordered Departure Status – Impact on Consular Services
Due to the ongoing security concerns in Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut has been granted ordered departure status, which means family members and non-emergency American employees have been ordered to depart Lebanon. The Embassy is maintaining normal hours of operation in order to carry out vital political, humanitarian and consular duties. Until further notice, the Embassy will provide only emergency consular services and will not process immigrant or non-immigrant visas. Information on visa services for applicants in Lebanon is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions/questions_2997.html
The Department of State continues to work closely with the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to provide assistance to any Americans still in Lebanon who want to depart and to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. The Department of State urges anyone with information on American citizens remaining in Lebanon to contact the U.S. Embassy in Beirut or the Bureau of Consular Affairs at 1-202-501-4444 (if calling from overseas) or at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. and Canada.
