Blog post | 01-10-2024 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assistance for Dutch nationals to leave Lebanon

Update 1 October 15.54
It is becoming increasingly difficult for Dutch nationals to leave Lebanon, a situation we have anticipated for some time now in the travel advisory bulletin. The security situation has become even more uncertain, and ground troops are now engaged in combat in southern Lebanon.

We will actively help Dutch nationals leave the country by means of a repatriation operation using military assets. In the coming days the Netherlands will be providing military air transport. We will also continue our efforts to assist people leaving on commercial flights, and we are in close contact with other countries that are arranging flights of their own. 

Dutch nationals who need assistance in leaving the country are requested to register for this. Those who have already signed up to  the information service will receive more information later today.

The Dutch embassy in Beirut is open and remains ready to assist Dutch nationals in need. You can contact the Dutch embassy in Beirut 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the NetherlandsWorldwide contact centre by calling +31 247 247 247. or sending a WhatsApp message to +31 6 82 38 77 96.

Minister Veldkamp on the situation in Lebanon

Update 30 September, 02.34
Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp on X: ‘Seriously concerned about recent developments in Lebanon. The death of terrorist Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, as a result of an Israeli airstrike, is a measure of justice for many.

My sincere condolences to the civilian victims of this attack. We need a ceasefire and diplomatic solution to restore security and stability for the Israeli and Lebanese people.

The Netherlands is monitoring the situation closely and I contacted my counterparts both in Israel and Lebanon, as well as UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis.’

Message to Dutch nationals in Lebanon via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Serivce

Update 28 September, 17.44

Dear Dutch people in Lebanon,

With this message we want to inform you of the latest developments.

Airstrikes and shelling continue in Lebanon, both on the border with Israel and in other parts of the country, such as the Bekaa Valley and north of the Litani River. And yesterday and today again in the southern suburbs of Beirut. We sincerely hope that you are in a safe place.

On Thursday we informed you that Middle East Airlines (MEA) in particular still operates flights. More than 30 passenger flights departed from Beirut yesterday and several MEA flights also departed today. It is currently impossible to predict whether flights will continue to operate. The European Union today advised European airlines to avoid the airspace of Lebanon and Israel. Airlines ultimately make their own safety assessment as to whether or not they fly. Our advice remains: leave the country if it is safe to do so. Continue to check directly with airlines, such as MEA, for available flights. Keep an eye on the latest news via the (local) media and carefully consider whether you can travel safely to the airport.

Below we repeat some important parts of last Thursday's message. You can read the entire message in a previous update (26 September, 12.31).

Information service

You are receiving this message because you have registered with the Foreign Affairs Information Service. Has anything changed in your situation? Were you able to leave the country? Or will something change in your contact or residence details? Please report this as soon as possible via the Information Service. Go to the website and use the yellow button ('Eerder aangemeld?'). Do you know Dutch people in Lebanon who have not yet registered? Then ask them to do so via the Information Service.

Are you in need? The Dutch embassy in Beirut can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the Netherlands Worldwide contact center on telephone number +31 247 247 247 or via WhatsApp: +31 6 82 38 77 96.

An evacuation organized by the Dutch government is not currently on the agenda. At the same time, the Netherlands, in close cooperation with our allies, is prepared for various possible scenarios.

Yours sincerely,
The Dutch embassy in Lebanon

Message to Dutch nationals in Lebanon via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service

Update 26 September, 12.31
Dear Dutch nationals in Lebanon,

The heavy Israeli airstrikes are continuing. This is having a big impact on the people of Lebanon and undoubtedly also on you. In this message we want to share information and advice with you at this difficult time.

Since 20 October 2023 the Dutch travel advice for all of Lebanon has been red. Red means: do not travel to Lebanon. If you are in Lebanon, leave the country.

Information service

You are receiving this message because you registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service. If your situation changes, if you leave the country or if your contact details or whereabouts changes let us know as soon as possible via the Information Service. Go to the website and click the yellow button (‘Eerder aangemeld’). If you know Dutch nationals in Lebanon who may not have registered, ask them to do so by going to: https://informatieservice.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/registration/extended

Embassies

The Dutch embassy in Beirut is open. Now more than ever, it’s important for the Netherlands to have eyes and ears on the ground and to keep diplomatic channels open to call for de-escalation. Naturally, we are also available to assist Dutch nationals in need, insofar as the security situation allows.

The embassy is open to provide regular consular services. Find out what you can arrange at the embassy in Beirut and how to make an appointment.

If you need emergency assistance, you can reach the Dutch embassy in Beirut 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Netherlands Worldwide contact centre by phone on +31 247 247 247 or WhatsApp on: +31 (0)6 8238 7796.

Yours sincerely,
The Dutch embassy in Lebanon

Minister Veldkamp: 'If you get the chance, leave Lebanon immediately'

Update: 26 September, 00.06
Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs, reports on X (in Dutch): "The situation in Lebanon is dangerous and uncertain. This also applies to Dutch nationals who are still there. At the moment, there are very few flights to leave the country. However, the advice remains: if you get the chance, leave immediately.

Also, make sure to register with our information service to stay updated. The Netherlands, in close cooperation with our allies, is prepared for various possible scenarios."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs forms crisis team

Update 24 September, 15.35
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated the crisis structure due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The crisis team is prepared for all scenarios. Call teams are ready to remain in contact with Dutch nationals in case of emergency. Read more about how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates during a crisis (in Dutch).

Updated travel advisory for Lebanon

Update 24 September 14.52
The travel advisory for Lebanon (in Dutch) has been updated:

• The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has further escalated. There are airstrikes in parts of Lebanon. The situation is unsafe and unpredictable.
• The color code of the travel advisory for Lebanon is red. This means that, regardless of your situation, you should not travel to Lebanon. It is too dangerous. If you find yourself in trouble, the Dutch embassy cannot help you.
• If you are currently in Lebanon, leave while you still can. Keep in mind that airlines may suspend flights from and to Lebanon and flights may be fully booked or you may need to make multiple stopovers. There may be additional costs. 
• If you stay in Lebanon: The situation is unsafe and can get worse. Stay in a safe place. Make sure you have enough food, water, medicine and fuel.
• Are you in a crisis situation? Read what you can do to prepare for a crisis situation.

Previous updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated travel advisories, Dutch standpoints and diplomatic talks by the Minister of Foreign Affairs – these are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ most important updates of the past months on the situation in the Middle East:

• September 19. Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeats: do not travel to Lebanon. Are you already there? Stay safe and leave the country if possible. The Dutch embassy may not be able to help you. Register with the Information Service of Foreign Affairs (in Dutch) to stay informed of the latest developments.

• 1-2 September, Minister Veldkamp visited Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp visited Israel and the Palestinian Territories on 1 and 2 September. Prior to his visits, the minister reported on X: “In meetings, I will stress the need for regional de-escalation and an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This is important to secure the release of hostages and to ensure more humanitarian aid.” An overview of messages on X on the meetings with:
  •  Ron Dermer and Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs and the Israeli Minister of Defense.
  • Isaac Herzog, President of Israel.
  • Wael Zakout, Minister of International Cooperation of the Palestinian Authority.
  • Mohammed Mustafa, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian Authority.
  • Israel Katz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel.
• 28 August. Minister Veldkamp spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister.
  Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp spoke on the phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Minister Veldkamp: “We discussed the situation in the region. I expressed my concern about further escalation and urged for restraint. I emphasized the importance of a Gaza ceasefire.” Read the full message on X. On 10 August, Veldkamp already spoke with acting Iranian Foreign Minister Bagheri Kani.
• 16 August. Minister Veldkamp responds to settler violence in the West Bank. Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp condemns last night’s violence of extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. “The perpetrators must be held accountable. The Israeli authorities need to take measures to protect communities and to prevent violence.” Read the message on X.
• 12 August. The Netherlands endorses diplomatic statement on ceasefire. The Netherlands endorses the statement by France, Germany and the United Kingdom, calling for a resumption of negotiations about an immediate ceasefire. 
• 5 August. Red travel advisory for Israel. Read the travel advisory for Israel. (in Dutch). Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. Do not travel to Israel. As of 5 August 2024 the color code of the travel advisory for Israel is red. This means that, regardless of your situation, you should not travel to Israel. It is too dangerous. If you find yourself in trouble, the Dutch embassy cannot help you. The travel advisory for Lebanon (in Dutch) has been red since 20 October 2023.

Previous updates on the situation around Gaza and Dutch nationals who stayed there can be found in the blog dating from 16 November 2023 to 22 March 2024.