Warden Message

Recent events in Lebanon highlight ongoing security concerns throughout the country.  The U.S. Embassy in Beirut reminds U.S. citizens of the need for vigilance regarding personal security while in Lebanon, particularly from September 24 to November 30.

The Embassy remains concerned that the recent conflict in Nahar el-Bared in northern Lebanon and the assassinations of well-known political figures, including that of Antoine Ghanem in Beirut on September 19, indicate the continued threat of violence and civil disturbance in Lebanon.

Additionally, there is the potential for political violence during the upcoming presidential election round in Parliament.  The election round will begin on September 25, 2007 and is scheduled to last until November 24. 

The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens who live, work, or are traveling in Lebanon to exercise responsible security practices.  Those practices should include awareness of the environment and potentially threatening events such as demonstrations or other public gatherings.   U.S. citizens should also take care that they maintain a low profile in public and avoid predictable or habitual behavior.

As always U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy for updated security information and to report unusual or suspicious occurrences.  

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov/, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Lebanon. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However, American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the Embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209.  Website:  http://lebanon.usembassy.gov/.