Travelling & Living Overseas

Middle East and North Africa

Lebanon Flag of Lebanon

Still current at: 02 December 2008
Updated: 29 October 2008

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section (revised HIV/AIDS statistics). The overall level of advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

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Travel Summary

  • We advise against all but essential travel to Lebanon.  A political agreement was reached on 21 May 2008 to elect a President and form a new unity government.  This followed a period of violent exchanges in Beirut and elsewhere, between opposition and pro-government groups. Although levels of violence have decreased they could flare up again without warning, there are particular areas of tension around Tripoli where there.  See the Political Situation section of this advice for more details.
  • We advise against all travel to Tripoli. There have been a number of serious clashes since May and tensions continue.  Serious bomb attacks occurred on 13 August 2008 and 29 September 2008. We advise against all travel to Palestinian refugee camps, as the situation in these camps remains tense.  We also advise against all travel south of the Litani River where there is a serious risk of unexploded munitions. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  • If you are currently in Lebanon you should exercise particular vigilance at this time.  You should ensure that you are content with your personal security arrangements and that your travel documents are up to date and readily available.  You should keep yourself up to date with developments, including by regularly monitoring this travel advice.
  • If you choose to travel to Lebanon we strongly 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.  Since May 2007 bomb attacks in and around Beirut and in other parts of the country have killed a number of people.  The most recent attacks wereon 13 August 2008 and  10 September.  See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  • If you decide to travel to Lebanon against this advice we strongly 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 page of the FCO website for more details.

Safety and security

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.

Since 2004 a number of Lebanese 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.

You should be aware that in the current tense political climate, places where members of the public and Lebanese officials congregate may be at increased risk of attack. Bomb attacks on 13 August and 29 September 2008,  in the northern city of Tripoli killed and injured a number of people.

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 is on the increase. Normal precautions should be taken.
 
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Lebanon Country Profile.

Tensions in Lebanon persist  following violent clashes in Beirut and other areas of the country between 7 - 12 May 2008.  A political agreement was reached on 21 May 2008 to elect a new President and form a unity government. On 25 May Michel Sleiman was elected as President and a National Unity Government was agreed on 11 July. But  The political and security situation could change quickly and affect your ability to move around safely and severely limit your options if you need to depart Lebanon at short notice.

We advise against all travel to Tripoli, which has seen a series of serious clashes between rival groups. Such clashes could resume without notice. A bomb attack in central Tripoli on 13 August and 29 September 2008 killed and injured a number of people.

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 instability in the nearby Ein El Hilwe Palestinian Refugee Camp could directly affect Sidon itself. And Beddawi camp near Tripoli has also experienced particularly high levels of tension.

Local Travel
We advise against all but essential travel to Lebanon, and against all travel to Tripoli, Palestinian refugee camps and south of the Litani river

There is a large amount of unexploded ordnance, including cluster bombs remaining from the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah. This poses a continued danger to civilians. Since 2006 the UN have deployed extra peacekeepers in the area south of the Litani and it has led to a period of relative calm between Israel and Lebanon.  However, the situation in this area remains unpredictable. There is a risk that militant groups may launch attacks UN troops, as they did in June 2007

Travel to the Akkar region to the north of Tripoli, where extremist groups are known to operate, also poses particular risks.

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.  Taxis are not always in good condition; hotels can advise on firms with cars that are 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.

Local laws and customs

Lebanon is part Muslim, part Christian. In many areas you will find dress codes more relaxed than in other countries of the region. But you should still dress modestly when visiting sites of religious significance such as mosques or churches – and also where it is clear that local people expect it.

You should respect the local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.  During Ramadan eating, drinking or smoking in public places between the hours of sunrise and sunset may cause offence in some areas.  For more general information see the "Travelling During Ramadan" page of the FCO website.

Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious offences in Lebanon, which carry custodial sentences.
 
Photography should be limited to tourist sites. Photographing military sites may result in your arrest.

The Lebanese Criminal Code contains a general provision concerning "every sexual act against nature".  Lebanese courts consider that this provision includes homosexuality.  A criminal offence under this provision is punishable with a custodial sentence of up to one year.
 
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Child Abduction

The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Lebanon in 2007 was from mothers seeking help in overturning travel bans placed on their children by their fathers. Lebanese family law is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue.

If you have concerns about child custody you should seek advice before travelling to Lebanon about 'travel bans' that may be imposed by male heads of family to prevent wives, children or female family members leaving Lebanon.  Even if a child holds a British passport they may be Lebanese automatically by descent and so be subject to Lebanese laws and regulations.
 
If children are travelling without their father accompanying them, proof that they have their father’s permission to travel may be requested by the immigration authorities.
 
Please see Child Abduction.

Entry requirements

Visas
 
British Citizens can apply for a single entry tourist or family visit visa on arrival at the port of entry.  British Overseas Citizens and British Protected Persons are still required to obtain a visa prior to travel.  Visa requirements are subject to change, so you may wish to contact the nearest Lebanese Embassy.
 
Overstaying without the proper authority is considered to be a serious matter.  You may be refused permission to leave until a fine has been paid.
 
If your passport contains Israeli stamps you will be refused entry to Lebanon, even if you hold a valid Lebanese visa.
 
Passport validity
 
Your passport should be valid for at least 9 months from the date of your in arrival Lebanon.

Health

Medical treatment in Lebanon can be expensive.  Most hospitals are well equipped.  Doctors are generally well qualified though nursing standards vary.  The majority of medical staff speak French and English.
 
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 3,000 adults aged 15 or over in Lebanon were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.  For more general information on how to do this see the "HIV and AIDS" page of the FCO website.
 
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Lebanon and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the  NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct 0845 46 47.

For more general information see Travel Health.

Natural disasters

Lebanon is in an earthquake zone. In February 2008 a tremor occurred that measured 5 on the Richter Scale. However there have been no damaging tremors in recent years

General

Insurance
 
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See Travel Insurance for further information.
 
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then see How We Can Help.
 
Things you should do
 
If you decide to travel to or remain in Lebanon we strongly advise you to:
  • Register with the British Embassy
  • Check this travel advice regularly.
  • Heed local advice in areas which have not been declared safe from unexploded ordnance.
  • Keep abreast of latest developments by listening to BBC and other English language broadcasts.
  • Avoid military sites, and entering any of the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, even if you are being accompanied by camp residents.
  • Exercise caution when travelling in the Northern Beka'a valley and the mountainous areas bordering Syria where extremist groups and smugglers continue to operate.
  • Avoid large crowds and public demonstrations, which have the potential to turn violent.
  • Exercise caution on the border with Syria, where the situation remains tense.
  • Carry identity papers with you at all times and be prepared to stop at check points and to show your papers.
  • Ensure that your travel documents are readily available in case you need to leave the country at short notice. Ensure that your passport and Lebanese Immigration and residency permissions are up to date, failure to do so could impede your exit from Lebanon.
Registration
 
We recommend that you register with our the British Embassy in Beirut if you intend to remain in Lebanon for any length of time.  This should be done via   LOCATE.  Help in registering is available by contacting our Embassy www.britishembassy.gov.uk/lebanon.  The Consular Section of our Embassy is open to the public from 08:30-12:30 and 14:00-15:00 Monday to Thursday and 08:30-12:30 on Friday.  Email: consularenquiries.bei@fco.gov.uk.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.  In case of emergencies out of offices hours you can call us on 00961 1 990400. Your name and contact details will be taken and passed to the duty officer

Contact Details
 
Address: Embassies Complex, Armies Street, Zkak Al-Blat, Serail Hill, PO BOx 11-471, Beirut.
 
Telephone: +961 (1) 9904 00 (24 hours)
 
Facisimile: +961 (1) 9904 20
 
Email: britemb@cyberia.net.lb
 
Office Hours GMT:
 
Mon-Thurs: 06:00-14:00
Fri: 06:00-12:00
 
Local Time:
 
Mon-Thurs 08:00-16:00
Fri: 08:00-14:00
 
Website: www.britishembassy.gov.uk/lebanon
 

Travel advice for this country

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contacts

Lebanon, Beirut, British Embassy

Address:

British Embassy
Embassies Complex Army Street, Zkak Al-Blat, Serail Hill PO Box 11-471 Beirut

Telephone:

(00) (961) (1) 990400 (24 hours)

Fax:

(00) (961) (1) 990420

Office hours:

GMT:
Mon-Thurs: 0600-1400
Fri: 0600-1200

Local Time:
Mon-Thurs: 0800-1600
Fri: 0800-1400

Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/lebanon


 

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