The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Lebanon and recommends that Americans exercise caution while traveling there. During Lebanon's civil conflict from 1975 to 1990, Americans were the targets of numerous terrorist attacks in Lebanon. While there have been very few such incidents in recent years, the perpetrators of these attacks are still present in Lebanon and retain the ability to act.

The local security environment in Lebanon can limit the movement of U.S. officials in certain areas of the country. This factor, plus limited staffing, may prevent the U.S. Embassy from performing full consular functions and providing timely assistance to Americans in Lebanon. Dual nationals and spouses of Lebanese citizens can encounter particular difficulties and should see the Department of State Consular Information Sheet on Lebanon. All Department of State employees and their families, and all U.S. Government employees and their families under the authority of a Chief of Mission abroad, are restricted from unofficial travel in Lebanon without prior approval by the Department of State. American air carriers are prohibited from use of Beirut International Airport (BIA) due to continuing concern about airport and aircraft security arrangements. Official U.S. Government travelers take extraordinary security measures when using the BIA airport.

The Department of State keeps the security situation in Lebanon under close review and will address additional risks and take any other appropriate steps as necessary. In particular, U.S. citizens who travel to Lebanon should exercise caution when traveling in parts of the southern suburbs of Beirut and portions of the Biqaa' Valley. Palestinian camps are outside the control of the Lebanese Government, and all camps should be avoided. Dangers posed by land mines and unexploded ordnance throughout south Lebanon are significant. Travelers should be aware of posted mine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where mines and unexploded ordnance may be present. Conditions in areas along the Israel-Lebanon border can be subject to change. There have been isolated incidents resulting in civilian injuries, including those from accidental detonation of mines and confrontations across the border with Israeli forces in the immediate area of the border line, particularly at the now closed Kfar Kila/Fatima Gate crossing. The security situation may change rapidly, and visitors to Lebanon should monitor the news for reports of incidents that might affect their personal safety.

U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Lebanon are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 to 11:00 am. Contact with the U.S. Embassy on specific registration requirements may take place by phone, fax, or mail. The Embassy is located in Antelias, P.O. Box 70-840, Beirut, Lebanon. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, 544-310, 544-130, 544-140, and fax 544-209. Additional details can be found in the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Lebanon.

This replaces the Travel Warning issued July 9, 1999 to update the security situation.