Middle East and North Africa

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Lebanon. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as hotels and restaurants. Previous terrorist attacks have taken various forms, including vehicle bombs, hand grenades and small, improvised bombs. There is a risk that Western and British interests may be targeted as well as areas where large numbers of people congregate. You are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance in public places, including tourist sites. For more general information see terrorism abroad.

On 27 October, a rocket was fired from Wadi al-Jamal, an area between the villages of Al-Houla and Mays al-Jabal in southern Lebanon towards Kiryat Shimona in northern Israel. The Israelis responded by firing seven mortar shells towards Al- Houla. No casualties or injuries were reported.

On 11 September 2009, two rockets were fired from a location south of Tyre, southern Lebanon into Akhziv, north of Nahariya in northern Israel. The Israelis responded by firing a number of shells near rocket launch site. No casualties were reported on either side.

Since 2004 a number of Lebanese and Palestinian politicians and officials have been assassinated. Civilians have also been killed and wounded in these attacks as well as in random bombing incidents. A car bomb killed a senior politician in the Chouf Mountains east of Beirut on 10 September 2008 and bomb attacks in Tripoli on 13 August and 29 September 2008 against the army, killed and injured a number of people.

Since March 2009 the Lebanese army has been taking action against armed criminal gangs in the Beka’a valley involved in drug smuggling and car thefts. The army has been the target to reprisals. Four soldiers were killed in an incident on 13 April.

There has also been a number of attacks against UN troops in Lebanon. In June 2007, a roadside bomb killed six Spanish peacekeepers in south Lebanon. On 8 January 2008 a roadside bomb near Sidon targeted a UN convoy injuring two peacekeepers.

For further information read the terrorism abroad.

Crime

The risk to tourists from petty or violent crime is low by international standards, though vehicle crime and bag snatching continues to be relatively high. In addition there are increasing reports of armed robberies taking place in shared taxis (known locally as Service taxis) with passengers being robbed by either the driver or other passengers. It is advisable to only use taxis from recognised companies and to not use shared taxis or taxis hailed on the street. Normal precautions should be taken.

 

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Lebanon country profile

Parliamentary elections held on 7 June 2009 passed off peacefully. The political situation remains calm as the constitutional process for forming a new government takes place, but events can change dramatically. Anyone travelling to Lebanon should try and keep themselves well informed and closely monitor political and security developments.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, which remain in a state of tension and where the Lebanese state has limited capacity to impose law and order.

There has long been a pattern of violent clashes in particular in Ein El Helwe camp near Sidon in southern Lebanon. There is a risk that this instability in Ein El Hilwe could directly affect Sidon itself. Beddawi camp near Tripoli has also experienced particularly high levels of tension.

We advise against all but essential travel south of the Litani River. Although a large scale de-mining operation has made a big impact on the large amount of unexploded ordnance, including cluster bombs remaining from the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah this still poses a danger to civilians in the more remote areas. Since 2006 the UN have deployed extra peacekeepers in the area south of the Litani which has led to a period of relative calm between Israel and Lebanon. However, the situation remains unpredictable.

Care should also be exercised if travelling to Tripoli where clashes have erupted between rival groups in the past leading to the death and injury of a number of people. Areas around Bab el Tabaneh and Jebel Mohsin are particularly tense.

Road Travel

An international driving licence is compulsory in Lebanon. This must be certified by the authorities on arrival.

Driving standards are poor and the accident rate is high. Traffic lights are not always observed. Self-drive hire is best left to the experienced. Seat belts must be worn (if fitted). Taxis are not always in good condition or safe; hotels can advise on firms with cars that are recognised as being safe and well maintained. Night driving should be avoided if possible, especially outside well-lit urban areas. Should you choose to drive your own car to Lebanon you should be aware that vehicles with diesel engines are now banned. Anyone attempting to enter the country in a diesel car will be required to leave the vehicle at the Syrian border.

You should carry identity papers with you at all times and be prepared to stop at check points and to show your papers. Since 20 May 2007 the army have been setting up temporary check points on major and minor roads.

For more general information see driving abroad.