Risks of Irregular Travel

Attention! All services and assistance of UNHCR and its partners are free of charge!

UNHCR understands that recent hostilities in Lebanon are forcing families to make difficult decisions for the safety of their families. At the same time, the economic crisis continues to negatively affect refugee and Lebanese communities across the country.

We are aware of increased numbers of people attempting to leave Lebanon irregularly and know that those who do often face serious risks. 

UNHCR strongly advises against travelling irregularly by sea and through irregular routes in general due to the high risks involved. If you, your family member or someone you know is considering undertaking such a journey or is facing pressure to undertake a journey involuntarily, please contact UNHCR National Call Center at 📞 04726111 for counselling and information on the support available in Lebanon.

For more information on the risks related to irregular journeys, see these key messages from UNHCR.

If you are aware of a boat or persons at sea in danger, you can contact the Lebanese emergency services at 📞112 or 📞999 and the Lebanese Joint Rescue Coordination Centre at 📞 01629026 to report the incident. You are not obliged to disclose your personal information when reporting an emergency.

If you are in the European Union (EU) and wish to report a boat in distress, you can call 📞 112 to be connected with the relevant emergency services.

For any questions or concerns when in Lebanon:

🔷Call the UNHCR National Call Center at 📞04726111

🔷Contact us through the 🗎 Online Contact Form

🔷Visit a community center near you


Related Information

⬇️Watch this video to understand the risks of irregular journeys ⬇️

⬇️Watch this short video to know about a man who lost everything at the hands of smugglers ⬇️

⬇️Watch this video to raise your awareness about the physical safety risks involved with irregular journeys ⬇️

⬇️Watch this short video about a family that attempted an irregular sea journey ⬇️

Please check here to see the key messages on the dangers of irregular onward movements from Lebanon.