Lebanon travel warning

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) continues to warn against all travel to Lebanon following the violent political crisis that erupted on May 7th 2008 over the election of a new president.

Although Beirut International airport re-opened on May 15th and commercial flights are now operating, the situation remains volatile.

The FCO reports that levels of violence have "decreased over recent days" but "could flare up again without warning".

Roads from Lebanon to Syria are open but the FCO says travel may be subject to delays, blockages and congestion in places.

"People attempting to leave Lebanon by road should be ready to turn back if they feel their safety is at risk," the FCO warns.

British nationals can get a visa to travel to Syria at the border with Lebanon and Aleppo and Damascus airports have flight services to the UK and all major destinations.

Southern Lebanon is a particularly dangerous place, with a tense situation in areas south of the Litani River and in Palestinian refugee camps.

The FCO also notes the serious risk of unexploded ordnance, including cluster bombs, in this region.

Travellers in Lebanon should carry their identity papers at all times.