site.btaForeign Ministry Urges Bulgarian Citizens to Leave Lebanon

With a statement on its website on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry “strongly recommends” avoiding any travel to Lebanon due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region. Bulgarian citizens should leave the country immediately by taking advantage of all currently available safe options, including civilian flights from Beirut Airport, the Ministry urged.

The Foreign Ministry recommended that Bulgarian citizens in Lebanon who need assistance contact the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Beirut at +961 5 453 658, as well as the emergency telephone numbers outside working hours: +961 81 302 552 and +961 76 697 766. Reports may also be submitted via the email address of the consular service at the embassy: Consular.Beirut@mfa.bg

Reports and requests for assistance from Bulgarian citizens in disaster situations are also received around the clock via the telephone lines of the Situation Centre Directorate: +359 2 948 24 04 and +359 2 971 38 56, or by email at crisis@mfa.bg.

On Tuesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Velizar Shalamanov said at a briefing that 38 people had expressed interest in being evacuated from Lebanon. However, an evacuation has not begun, as the assessment is that it is not necessary at this stage.