The Foreign Office today stepped up its travel advisory for Lebanon, advising against all travel to the country following the recent Israeli air attacks.

"Following the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers on the border between Israel and Lebanon on 12 July 2006, and the subsequent Israeli strikes on sites across Lebanon, we are advising against all travel to the country," read the amended advice.

British citizens in Beirut were advised to "stay put for the time being, exercise caution, keep in touch with the embassy and heed local advice".

"We are keeping the situation under close review but you should get ready for departure at short notice if the situation changes, including by having travel documents in order," the Foreign Office statement said.

Travellers were also advised against "all travel within 2km south of Israel's border with Lebanon" due to the firing of rockets and mortars and exchange of fire.

The government also updated its advisory on travel to Israel and the Occupied Territories in the light of the exchanges of fire.

"We advise against all but essential travel to any areas within 25km south of Israel's northern border due to long-range missiles currently being fired from Lebanon. Anyone in these areas should follow security-related instructions given by the Israeli authorities," its advisory said.

In addition, travellers were warned: "We advise against all but essential travel close to the Israeli side of the Israel/Gaza Strip border. You should take care at crossing points between Israel and Jordan."

· Foreign Office travel advice can be obtained online at www.fco.gov.uk/travel or by calling 0845 850 2829.