Family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel were ordered by the Department of State to leave Lebanon due to its safety risks.

The travel advisory, posted on June 24 by the U.S. Department of State, classified Lebanon as a Level 4 risk, with officials urging tourists to “not travel” there.

“Do Not Travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines and the risk of armed conflict,” the advisory reads. “Some areas, especially near the borders have increased risk.”

Since Oct. 3, 2023, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hezbollah and Israel. Targets have sometimes been well north of the border region, according to the Department of State. A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon went into effect on Nov. 27, 2024. However, military activity has continued in some areas of Lebanon.

Therefore, the Lebanese government is unable to “guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.”

“Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning,” the statement reads.

Terrorist groups have been plotting possible attacks in Lebanon, “with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.”

Local security authorities in Lebanon have noted that violent crimes, including political violence is also on the rise, the agency said. Multiple unsolved killings in the country might be politically motivated.

Kidnapping, whether random or for political motives or family disputes, also occurs in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations, the Department of State wrote.

Unexploded landmines and explosive remnants of war are also a hazard along the border with Syria.

“Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape,” the travel warning says. “Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.”

The U.S. Embassy is strongly urging travelers to also stay away from this border due to clashes between Lebanese security forces and Syrian-based groups, as well as recent airstrikes. There’s also a risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syrian, including some flights to and from Beirut.

U.S. citizens are also urged to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests “as these have the potential to turn violent quickly and with little notice.”

Protests have blocked major roads, including thoroughfares between downtown Beirut and the area where the U.S. Embassy is located, between Beirut and the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Refugee settlements in Lebanon should also be avoided as they are prone to outbreaks of violence including shootings and explosions, the advisory states.

Those who travel to Lebanon are urged by the Department of State to:

Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with kidnappers or hostage takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and members of Congress if kidnapped or taken hostage

Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible

Not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance

Avoid demonstrations and crowds

Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners

Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust plans based on new information

In addition, if U.S. travelers go to Lebanon, they can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. embassy.