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Message for U.S. Citizens: Departure of Non-Emergency Embassy Staff (March 27, 2020)
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March 27, 2020

Event: All non-emergency Embassy personnel have departed Lebanon.  Routine consular operations remain suspended.  The Consular Section is staffed to provide limited emergency services to U.S. citizens on a case-by-case basis.  U.S. citizens with emergencies may contact BeirutACS@state.gov.

The Lebanese Government confirmed 368 cases of COVID-19 and six related deaths in the country as of March 26, 2020.  Additional informationcan be found  at the Lebanese Government’s relevant website as well as from the WHO.  Individuals in Lebanon who are feeling unwell are instructed to call 1214 or 76-592699 before reporting to hospitals.

Lebanon has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Current measures restrict gatherings in places, such as dining and entertainment venues, and limit the number of public sector employees reporting to their workplaces.  Private businesses – including hotels, restaurants, apartment buildings, or supermarkets – have closed, restricted access, or mandated temperature checks.  The Lebanese government has also introduced a curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut has tentatively extended its closure to commercial passenger flights through at least April 12.  U.S. citizens who wish to leave Lebanon may be able to book outbound flights at that time.  The U.S. Embassy is also evaluating the feasibility of providing repatriation assistance to U.S. citizens stranded in Lebanon.  Determining factors include demand for assistance, availability of charter aircraft, and open flight routes.  Seats would be offered to U.S. citizens first-come, first-served on a reimbursable basis.  Please send an email to BeirutACS@state.gov by 10 p.m. Lebanon time Saturday, March 28, if you need help returning to your home in the United States.  Citizens who have already contacted us need not do so again.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice and a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Europe advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Europe.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19, or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification.  On March 18, the Department of State authorized the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to go on “ordered departure” status, which reduces personnel to emergency staffing levels.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

  • U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon
    Awkar – Facing the Municipality, Main Street
    Beirut, Lebanon
    +961-4-542600 or +961-4-543600
    BeirutACS@state.gov
    https://lb.usembassy.gov/
  • U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
    +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

For further detailed information regarding travel and security in Lebanon: