Canada renewed its advice to Canadians in Lebanon to take advantage of commercial flights to leave the country, reminding that citizens will not be able to rely on the government for evacuation if the conflict intensifies.
• Read also: An expert says that Israel is targeting the entire Lebanese people
• Read also: A new peacekeeper soldier was injured in southern Lebanon, the fifth in two days
• Read also: Israel urges residents of southern Lebanon not to return
“The Government of Canada is unable to guarantee the safety of people when they go to the airport. “It is the responsibility of travelers to assess the security conditions of their flights and follow the instructions of local authorities,” Global Affairs Canada said in a news release sent Saturday.
Global Affairs said fewer Canadians and permanent residents are requesting seats on flights coordinated by the Government of Canada.
“As the Government of Canada has advised since October 2023, if armed conflict escalates, it could impact the ability of individuals to leave the country by commercial means. Canadians should not rely on the Government of Canada for evacuation.”
If evacuation is necessary, it will only be provided to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Lebanon, in addition to their spouses and accompanying children. All eligible travelers must have valid travel documents and will be evacuated to a third secure location, at the traveler's expense, Global Affairs said.
He added: “Travelers will be responsible for evacuation-related expenses, including transportation, meals and accommodation, in addition to continuing travel to Canada from a safe third location.”
Since September 29, the Government of Canada has coordinated commercial flight options through group bookings with Middle East Airlines (MEA) and charter flights for a total of 13 flights, allowing more than 3,200 seats to be freed up and allowing a total of 1,411 passengers to fly to Istanbul (Turkey), Larnaca (Cyprus), Doha (Qatar).
More than 1,100 Canadians, permanent residents and their families have taken advantage of these departure options.
Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance in Lebanon should contact Global Affairs Canada by emailing [email protected]. Missions in the area will remain open 24/7 over the long weekend to assist Canadians.
