‍

The German Embassy in Beirut is once again calling on Germans registered on the ELEFAND crisis preparedness list to leave Lebanon urgently and immediately. In the letter, the embassy points out that the risk of military escalation in the region has increased once again following developments in recent days.

Precaution for several weeks

The embassy also provides advice on conduct to anyone who decides to stay in Lebanon despite the tense situation. Accordingly, if the situation worsens further, those affected could be left to fend for themselves for a longer period of time in the crisis area. The embassy urges people to stock up on food, water, medicines and cash for several weeks in this case.
‍

In addition, the embassy is warning Germans in Lebanon: The cancellation of flights, the temporary closure of the airport or the absence of other exit options will not automatically trigger an immediate evacuation.

Evacuation is not free

The message writes: “An evacuation operation is also associated with risks and uncertainties and is not at all problem-free: It is not possible to pick it up from home; even in the event of an evacuation, you must come to the specified point of departure yourself. Participating in an evacuation is not free of charge. ”

All visa requirements remain in place. Transportation is only possible with complete and valid travel documents. The journey as part of an evacuation could take a long time, possibly even several days.

Only very little luggage may be carried per person, far less than on a normal flight. Pets are not allowed.

“We therefore once again urgently call for independent departure as long as this option still exists - even if detours or more expensive flight connections have to be accepted,” says the letter from the German Embassy in Beirut.

False sense of security

At the government press conference, a foreign office spokesperson said: “We have the problem that citizens who are in Lebanon are turning to us and saying: Why should I leave? In a few days, the air pickup will come and get us out of here anyway. ”

The AA is warning of a false sense of security among people who are still in Lebanon now, which hinders possible plans to leave.

2900 people on the list

“So once again: An evacuation operation is not a package holiday with travel cancellation insurance. An evacuation operation involves dangers and uncertainties. Against this background, we continue to urge all Germans who are in Lebanon to leave the country. We see that more and more Germans are now contacting us and signing up to our crisis preparedness list. ”

Last Monday, 2500 people were registered; on the previous Monday, there were only 1300 people. “There are now 2900 people on this crisis preparedness list. That is why I would like to appeal once again from here to all these people: Now is the time to leave Lebanon and take advantage of the commercial opportunities that still exist! ”

“ELEFAND” crisis prevention list

All Germans staying abroad for a short or long term can register their stay electronically on the “ELEFAND” crisis prevention list at the German embassy or German consulate in the respective country. “ELEFAND” stands for: Electronic recording of Germans abroad (Elektronische Erfassung von Deutschen im Ausland).

If necessary, registration makes it easier to be involved in necessary crisis preparedness or crisis response measures by the Federal Foreign Office. Inclusion in the crisis prevention list is password-protected online.

Registration in the crisis preparedness list is done via the page https://krisenvorsorgeliste.diplo.de

Red.‍