Retaliatory strikes are occurring across the Middle East region following military strikes on Iran. There are ongoing military strikes on Southern Lebanon and Iran. There is a risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation of military conflict across the region. See our general advice on protecting your safety during an armed conflict. The situation could deteriorate with no warning. More airstrikes could happen without warning.
Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice, including shelter in place instructions. Sheltering in place remains your safest option at this time. Sheltering in place means stay indoors as much as possible. Be aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities, and US diplomatic locations. Monitor local warning systems and if warned of an imminent attack move to an enclosed hardened shelter, ideally underground or close to ground level if available. If these are not available seek an inner room without windows.
Consider a commercial option to depart if you can secure one and it is safe to do so. You should consider recent attacks in your area and that airports and aircraft are more vulnerable to these strikes. You should verify the status of any border crossing before you travel by air, land or sea. Make sure you have access to food, water and essential medicines. Consider that airlines may cease operating at short notice and you may need to find accommodation. Availability of accommodation may be limited.
US Embassies in the Middle East are issuing local security alerts. We encourage you to monitor US security alerts in your location and follow this advice (see ‘Safety’).
Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave. Subscribe to Smartraveller to receive email alerts.
There was a temporary loss of services for mobile networks in Lebanon and other destinations in the region. Phone lines for the Embassy are being diverted to the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra. If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
We now advise:
Do not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
