Lithuania’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has strengthened its advisory against travelling to Lebanon due to the continued conflict between Israel and Hamas organisation.
The authority also advised its citizens who are currently in the country to leave its territory as soon as possible, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends against all travel to Lebanon for any purpose, and all Lithuanian citizens in this country should leave due to the extremely unstable security situation, the high risk of terrorist attacks, and possible military action.
As LRT reports, while the Middle East conflict continues, the scope of attacks, shelling, and terrorist incidents along the Israeli-Lebanese border and throughout the nation is broadening. Incursions and acts of terrorism may potentially occur in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, and various other urban centres.
Moreover, the Ministry also strongly urges against travelling to particularly dangerous regions, including the following ones:
- Near the Israeli border
- South of the River Litani
- Southern Beirut
- Tripoli
- The northern portion of the Bekaa Valley
- The Hermel area
- Palestinian refugee camps
- Areas adjacent to Syria
According to the Ministry, there is also an increased risk in Beirut, Sidon, and the southern part of the Bekaa Valley.
As the same explains, people in Lebanon are strongly encouraged to promptly complete a travel registration form to ensure that the diplomatic mission can be reached for consular support if it becomes necessary. At the same time, should the need for consular assistance arise, people are advised to contact the Lithuanian Embassy in Egypt.
Similar to Lithuania, Norway has also advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Lebanon due to the conflict, which has had regional repercussions and exacerbated the security situation in this country.
In this regard, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a stronger travel advisory for the area, urging against all non-essential travel and stays throughout the country.
Moreover, the Ministry advises against travelling within ten kilometres of the Syrian border, including towns like Arsal and Hermel, and within five kilometres of the “blue line” towards the Golan Heights.
It further emphasised that its citizens should avoid travelling to the Palestinian refugee camp Ain el Hilweh. In the case of the southern suburbs of Beirut, commonly known as Dahiyeh, all travel is strictly prohibited except for access to the international airport and the main road leading to it.
Estonia warned its citizens not to travel to Israel, too. Through a statement, it has come to light that the Estonian Foreign Ministry has communicated with 60 Estonian citizens in Israel, of whom 17 have successfully left the country.