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Public Announcement: Lebanon

U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman

This information is current as of today, Sat Nov 24 10:23:42 2007.

LEBANON

November 23, 2007

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to safety and security concerns related to the presidential election in Lebanon.  This Public Announcement expires on January 30, 2008.

The U.S. Department of State is concerned that the current presidential election season in Lebanon may pose security issues for U.S. citizens in Lebanon.  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud’s term of office is scheduled to end on November 24, 2007.  On November 23, President Lahoud declared a state of emergency and asked the Army to take control of the country’s security.

There is a strong possibility for demonstrations and unrest during this period.  The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens who live, work, or are traveling in Lebanon to exercise responsible security practices.  Be aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially threatening events such as demonstrations or other public gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens should maintain a low profile in public and avoid predictable or habitual behavior.

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. American citizens may register with the embassy online by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. Information on consular services and registration can also be found at http://lebanon.usembassy.gov or by phone at the above telephone numbers between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday local time.

Updated information on travel and security in Lebanon may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the U.S. and Canada or, from outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  Additional details can be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Lebanon, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement and “A Safe Trip Abroad,” all of which are available on the Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.