Issues

Lebanon

Every American Who Wants to Depart Will Be Helped

US Embassy in Beirut Press Release
Posted on Thursday July 20, 2006

“Helping Americans Depart Safely is our First Priority.”

The U.S. Government is using all resources possible to facilitate the speedy and safe departure of American citizens currently in Lebanon using every means available. The departure of every single American citizen who wishes to leave Lebanon is the first priority for the U.S. Government. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense are ensuring that all available military, civilian, and private sector resources in the region are being directed to accomplish this goal. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has made possible the departure of over 1,500 American citizens via helicopter and cruise ship in the past four days. Urgent medical need cases are still the first priority.

Today, the U.S. Embassy with support from the Department of State and the Department of Defense will assist more than 2,300 American citizens to depart Lebanon. The Embassy requests that American citizens do not come to the U.S. Embassy unless they have been specifically instructed to do so. Every American who wants to will be able to depart.

Because of the high-volume of Americans at the departure processing center, Embassy Beirut has transitioned from a reservation-based system to an open system for assisting Americans in departing Lebanon. For departures on Friday, July 21, Americans wishing to travel proceed to the DBAYEH BRIDGE IN BEIRUT, specifically the Mobile Forces Barracks (Marina Khoury) facing the water station pump near Dbayeh Port. As very large numbers of people are likely to gather at the departure processing center, Americans should be prepared for an extended wait and should bring supplies of food and water.

Americans wishing to depart Lebanon should monitor the local radio – 105.5 FM – or the Embassy website, http://lebanon.usembassy.gov, for the latest information on when and how to depart Lebanon. Americans that have not yet registered with the Embassy in Beirut, especially Americans in southern Lebanon, should do so immediately at https://travelregistration.state.gov or by fax +961 4 544 209 or +961 4 544 037.

Americans proceeding to the processing centers should bring their U.S. passport or green card (as appropriate), money, credit cards, and any other essential documents. Lebanese nationals should also bring their Lebanese national ID, particularly if they have acquired a new U.S. passport during their stay in Lebanon. They will need to show their Lebanese ID to the Lebanese immigration authorities in order to obtain an exit stamp in their passport.

Each person should bring only one small carry-on, maximum weight 15 kg. In that bag, travelers should bring a change of clothes for 2-3 days, essential medication, glasses/contact lenses, toiletries, water and snack food. If bringing children, it is advisable to bring along one toy for each child, diapers and formula as appropriate, etc. No pets will be allowed.

The initial screening will involve verification of American citizenship and eligibility for travel. To ensure security and that of other travelers, a security screening will also be conducted. Once these steps are completed, travelers will be taken by bus to the port. All passengers will pass through Lebanese immigration procedures at the port, before boarding the ship.

More than 1,600 travelers have arrived in Cyprus already. Travelers will be met by U.S. consular officers in Cyprus who will assist in moving people to staging sites for preparation for onward travel to the U.S. Those going to Cyprus will board U.S. Government-chartered aircraft to Baltimore International Airport in Maryland. Once in the U.S., travelers will be able to make onward arrangements to return home.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has directed the State Department to waive the normal requirement for American citizens departing Lebanon to reimburse the Department of State for their travel costs to the first port of entry in the U.S. The U.S. Embassy with support from the U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense will everything possible to facilitate the departure of American citizens from Lebanon.

The Department of State continues to work around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. The U.S. Embassy encourages Americans who have not yet registered to phone the Department of State at 202-501-4444 from overseas, or at 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. Embassy reaffirms the firm, enduring and non-negotiable commitment of the United States to Lebanon and the Lebanese people.