Lebanon travel warning: Smartraveller issues updated advice urging Australians to ‘leave immediately’

Smartraveller has updated its advice for Lebanon, telling Australians to take “the first available flight” out of the troubled area of the Middle East as “military action has increased in southern Lebanon”.

On Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website warned Australians about the developing situation.

“We’ve reviewed our advice and continue to advise that Australians do not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further,” Smartraveller said.

“Australians in Lebanon should leave immediately while commercial flights remain available.

“You should take the first available flight and not wait for a preferred route.”

“Some airlines have postponed or cancelled some flights. Further flight cancellations and disruptions could occur with little or no notice.

“Daily military action has increased in southern Lebanon, including rocket and missile fire, as well as air strikes.

“The conflict could continue to escalate quickly or spread to other areas in Lebanon, including Beirut, with little notice.

“Beirut airport could close, and you may be unable to leave for an extended period.

“Airlines may cancel more flights or set high ticket prices for any remaining flights.

“Terrorist attacks could occur anytime and anywhere, including in Beirut.

“The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave in such circumstances.”

Smartraveller first issued a “do not travel” warning in October 2023 as volatility developed.

A “leave immediately” warning was then issued in July.

Since July, unrest has worsened, with tensions between Israel, Lebanon, Hamas, and Iran at an all-time high.

On Thursday, Israeli forces killed six Palestinian militants in the town of Tubas and a nearby refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the military says, as a major operation in the territory stretches into a second week.

The deaths came just days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would only agree to a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip if it guaranteed the border area between the enclave’s south and Egypt would never be used as a lifeline for Hamas.

The updated advice comes as fierce protests continue in Israel, as citizens urge Mr Netanyahu to accept a deal and break Israeli hostages home while they are still alive.

If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Lebanon, you can register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal.

- With Reuters