Lebanon travel warning: Anthony Albanese tells Australians ‘don’t go’ as Smart Traveller advice updated

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has doubled down on the Government’s travel warning, pleading that Australians ‘don’t go’ to the troubled area.

“The travel advice very clearly is don’t go to Lebanon,” Mr Albanese said on Tuesday.

“That is the travel advice, and also that people who are there, who are Australian citizens, should ensure that they take advantage of the commercial flights that are available out of Lebanon at this time.

“This is a troubling area. We have been issuing these travel warnings for many months now, and it is important that people are cognizant of those warnings.”

On Monday, Smart Traveller issued a new warning regarding travel to the Middle Eastern country.

“Do not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further,” the online advice reads.

“We continue to advise that Australians do not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further,” the update said.

“Australians in Lebanon should leave immediately while commercial flights remain available.”

The warning was issued due to fears that the security situation could deteriorate rapidly throughout Lebanon with little or no notice.

“Some airlines have postponed or cancelled some flights. Further flight cancellations and disruptions could occur with little or no notice,” the statement said.

“Beirut airport could close, and you may be unable to leave for an extended period.

“Airlines may cancel more flights or set high ticket prices for any remaining flights. There may also be other travel disruptions. The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave in such circumstances.”

The updated advice comes as opposition leader Peter Dutton is just a few hundred kilometres away from the travel ban.

Mr Dutton is expected to be in Israel until Thursday.

He is expected to meet members of its government and those affected by the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which killed 1200 people and led more than 200 to be taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.

“The connections between Australia and Israel are deep and abiding,” Mr Dutton said in a statement.

“It’s a relationship which will only grow stronger, built around our devotion to democracy in a world where our values and way of life faces old and new threats.”

Petter Dutton shared an image on X with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and wrote: “Thank you to President @Isaac_Herzog for a very friendly and productive meeting today in Jerusalem.”