Middle East and North Africa

Lebanon
Still current at: 25 November 2009 Updated: 04 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and the Terrorism section (rocket fired from Wadi al-Jamal towards northern Israel). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

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Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

Travel to some areas of Lebanon requires caution. We advise against all travel to Palestinian refugee camps and against all but essential travel to south of the Litani.
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.
Although the situation overall in Lebanon is calm, it is fragile. On several occasions in recent years, the security situation has deteriorated quickly. Anyone travelling to Lebanon should keep themselves well informed and closely monitor political and security developments.
36 British nationals required consular assistance in Lebanon in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (10 cases), hospitalisations (2 cases), and arrests, for a variety of offences (8 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (17 cases).
If you choose to travel to Lebanon we recommend that you register with the British Embassy. You can do this online at LOCATE . See the general (registration) section of this advice for more details.
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. See the terrorism section of this advice for more details.
If you decide to travel to Lebanon we recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance. You should check your travel insurance covers visits to Lebanon, and all the activities you want to undertake. See the general (insurance) section of this advice and the travel insurance for more details.