Global Affairs Canada: Message to Canadians on deteriorating situation in Lebanon and assisted departure

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services during an active conflict, including evacuation of citizens, may be limited. Emergencies may require that individuals shelter in a place with a robust supply of food, water and medications.

We have informed Canadians in Lebanon that if the armed conflict in the country were to intensify, it could impact their ability to leave the country by commercial means. 

Canadians should not rely on the Government of Canada for assisted departure or evacuation.

The best time to leave a country is before a crisis if at all possible.

They should leave by commercial means now if they can do so safely.

Government assisted evacuations of civilians from a foreign country are rare.

There is no guarantee the Canadian government will evacuate private Canadian citizens and their family members in a crisis situation. 

In the event of an evacuation, Government of Canada assisted departures will only be available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Lebanon, as well as their accompanying spouse, dependent children, or in the case of a minor, their accompanying guardian.

All travellers will require valid travel documents for their assisted departure.

If Canadians or any members of their family do not have valid travel documents for Canada, they need to complete the appropriate application as soon as possible.

For Permanent Residents please see Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document. Non-Canadian spouses and dependent children who are not Permanent Residents will require a valid Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization.

The required onward travel to Canada from a safe third location will be at their own expense. Pets will not be part of an assisted departure. Strict baggage limits will be enforced.

We urge all Canadians in Lebanon to sign up for the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service, so that we can provide them with direct, important updates as the situation evolves.

Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should e-mail the Embassy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre (EWRC) in Ottawa directly:

1. by calling: +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available).
2. by text message at: +1 613-686-3658
3. via WhatsApp at: +1 613-909-8881   
4. via Telegram at: Canada Emergency Abroad
5. via Signal at: +1-613-909-8087
6. by e-mail at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.