warden message

January 21, 2008

In light of the January 15 bombing of a U.S. Embassy vehicle, the Embassy has decided to further restrict the movement of Embassy personnel in Lebanon until further notice.  This policy will be under continual review and will be revised as necessary.  Americans residing in Lebanon should continue to maintain a high level of vigilance, especially when planning travel.  Americans are also advised to avoid popular gathering spots and to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement officials.
 
Americans living or traveling in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy 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 U.S. 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.  The Arabic language website is: http://arabic.lebanon.usembassy.gov/

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).