The State Department has started to contact American citizens who have registered with the Embassy to begin the evacuation process from Lebanon.  If you or a loved one have not been contacted by the embassy, please contact the Arab American Institute at (202) 429-9210 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we will assist you in reaching the proper officials at the State Department.

Details of the State Department’s evacuation plan, including special arrangements for those in the South, and the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions are available below.

The most updated information can be found at the State Department’s website at http://www.travel.state.gov

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The Arab American Institute (AAI) has received hundreds of e-mails from American citizens trapped in Lebanon as well as their family and friends.  As the State Department continues to finalize plans for their evacuation, the State Department’s emergency task force on Lebanon has provided AAI with answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding the government’s evacuation plan. 

Q. What is the best way for American citizens in Lebanon to register with the US Embassy?

A. 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.  Registration can be completed by family or friends for their American relatives in Lebanon.

Q. What details are available for the evacuation?

A. The U.S. Department of State continues to work with the U.S. Department of Defense on a plan to help American citizens safely depart Lebanon.  Americans who wish to depart Lebanon should prepare important travel documents such as a valid U.S. passport, birth certificates, and other civil documents such as marriage certificates, and medical records.

Once U.S.-sponsored travel arrangements are in place, travelers will each be allowed only one small suitcase. The State Department will give priority to U.S. citizens but will consider departure assistance to Legal Permanent Residents accompanying a U.S. citizen immediate family member. We understand that neither Lebanese nor Americans need a visa to enter Cyprus. Pets will not be allowed to travel.

Q:  There are thousands of Americans trapped in southern Lebanon, which has been heavily bombed, and is significantly more dangerous than the rest of the country.  What advice does the State Department have for Americans in south Lebanon?

A: Embassy Beirut and personnel including consular and US AID officers have identified to places in Southern Lebanon were Americans may gather.  The Embassy is also planning on providing transportation to run buses from these gathering points to the port of Beirut.  This plan will be tested on Wednesday and the State Department hopes to continue them as long as necessary to evacuate all American citizens who wish to leave.  The State Department urges Americans to use their best judgment when making travel decisions. 

Q: Will green card holders be included in the evacuation?

A: Unfortunately, green card holders will only be eligible for evacuation in certain situations.  If a green card holder is part of a family unit, that green card holder will be evacuated with their US citizen relatives, so as not to separate the family.  In the case of a US citizen who is a minor, one non-citizen (green card holder or otherwise) may evacuate with that minor.  After the evacuation of American citizens, there may be opportunities for those with green cards to evacuate. 

Q: What is the status of green card holders if they are unaccompanied minors?

A: Permanent residents who are unaccompanied minors should contact the embassy and they may be included in the evacuation plan. 

Q: What happens if a child is an American citizen and his/her parents are not?

A: US citizens who are minors can be accompanied by one adult chaperone.  If the adult chaperone is not a green card holder, he/she will be considered a “visitor.”  The guardian must have a valid passport and a U.S. visa if traveling to the U.S.

Q: What is the process for payment of the evacuation flight out of Lebanon?

A:  Persons evacuating Lebanon will be charged by the US government the standard commercial rate for a flight from Lebanon to the United States.  The exact amount has yet to be specified.  Upon evacuation, individuals will sign a promissory note.  No financial transactions will take place at the time of evacuation.

Q: What should an American citizen do if they do not have proper identification? 

A: Before going to the designated evacuation point, individuals without identification may have to go to the US Embassy to verify their status as US citizens.  The Embassy can verify citizenship using a database which includes the passport photos of US citizens. 

Q: Can Americans find refuge at the US Embassy?

A: The US Embassy does not have the capacity to provide shelter for American citizens. 

Q: What is the treatment of individuals who are dual Lebanese and American citizens?

A: Dual citizens are provided all of the rights of American citizens.