Lebanon protests: Arab states urge citizens not to travel to country

Several Arab states called on their citizens to avoid travelling to Lebanon after mass protests against the government and economic conditions in the country. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation warned UAE citizens not to travel to the country until further notice due to recent security developments. Khalid Belhoul, under-Secretary in the ministry, advised Emiratis currently in Lebanon to contact the UAE Embassy in Beirut to arrange for their safe return home. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry told its citizens on Friday not to travel to Lebanon, state news agency SPA said. It also advised Saudis in Lebanon to be extremely cautious and to call the kingdom's embassy in Beirut if they need assistance. Bahrain urged its citizens on Friday to leave Lebanon immediately. The country's foreign ministry also stressed on its previous warnings that Bahrainis must not travel to Lebanon under any circumstances for their own safety. Meanwhile, Kuwait's embassy in Lebanon asked citizens wishing to travel to Lebanon to wait because of the current protests and unrest. Egypt's embassy in Beirut called on its nationals in the country to avoid protest areas, Egyptian state news agency Mena said on Friday. "The embassy calls on all Egyptian citizens in Lebanon to avoid the areas of gatherings and protests, to be careful in their movements and to abide by the instructions of the Lebanese authorities in this regard," Mena said.

Lebanon protests: Arab states urge citizens not to travel to country

Travel warnings come in the wake of protests over proposed new taxes amid an economic crisis