Lebanon

Use High Level of Caution

Avoid Travel to the following provinces: North Lebanon and Beirut

Avoid Travel to the following municipalities: Rachaya, Hermel, Baalbek, Marjayoun, and Hasbaya

The Republic of Lebanon is located in the Middle East between Syria and Israel and has a long coastal border on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon's population is about 4.1 million people.

The government is a republic, with a special system referred to as confessionalism. This system strives for fair representation of the country's 18 recognized religious groups. The chief of state is a president, and the head of government is a prime minister.

Prior to the 15-year civil war (1975-1990), Lebanon was stable and prosperous, along with a strong economy fueled by tourism, banking, and agriculture. The capital, Beirut, was once known as “the Paris of the Middle East,” and the country was known as the “Switzerland of the East.” After the civil war, the Lebanese made great efforts to rebuild the country and renew the economy. Lebanon again had stability until 2006 when the Israel-Lebanon conflict led to much civilian death and heavy damage to the country's infrastructure.

Lebanon recovered from this conflict; and while the world was experiencing global economic crises, Lebanon experienced economic growth of about 7 percent in 2009 and 2010 along with a huge increase in tourism.

Recent incidents in the southern area of Lebanon continue to threaten the country's safety and security.

Currency	LBP: Lebanese pound
Language	Arabic. Also widely spoken are French, English and Armenian.
Capital	Beirut
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	July 16, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Lebanon (16 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Lebanon. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Lebanon through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Lebanon.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Lebanon, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Leishmaniasis Leishmaniasis occurs most commonly in the north in the Akkar region. The risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night, when sand flies typically feed.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Lebanon.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Lebanon.

None required.

Safety and Security in Lebanon

Emergency Numbers

112

140

175

Personal Safety

The security situation in Lebanon is unpredictable and there is a strong security forces presence in Lebanon. Travellers should carry their documentation with them at all times and obey security personnel. Petty crime, such as car theft and break-ins, occurs in Lebanon. Ensure valuables and travel documents are secure at all times.

Kidnapping of foreigners occurs in Lebanon. Travellers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings and personal safety at all times.

Unmarked land mines are a threat in Lebanon, particularly in the south. Travellers should stay on roads and obey posted landmine warnings.

Travellers should be aware that some areas are controlled by groups other than Lebanese authorities. Exercise caution in these areas.

Recent sectarian conflict in northern Lebanon between groups that support and oppose the government in the Syrian civil war has decreased personal security for all travellers.

The incidence of road accidents is high in Lebanon. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, traffic congestion and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution if driving at night as road lighting is not common, especially in rural areas. If choosing to drive on mountainous roads, exercise caution as roads may be hazardous due to heavy snow or ice during the winter. Do not use public transportation as safety standards are poor. Arrange for a reliable taxi in advance, avoid hailing one on the street.

Do not take photos of government or military installations.

Lebanon is located in an active seismic zone; earthquakes can occur.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress conservatively to respect local customs.

LGBTI travellers should note that same-sex behaviours and relations are illegal in Lebanon. LGBTI travellers risk arrest or detention.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid travelling to Beirut and North Lebanon (Northern Governorate) due to the threat of terrorism and unpredictable violence.

Avoid travelling to regions near Syria, including Hasbaya, Marjayoun and Rachaya due to the presence of landmines and armed conflict.

Avoid travelling to the Northern Bekaa Valley, Hermel, Baalbek and Palestinian refugee camps due to the risk of unpredictable violence.

Avoid travelling to areas south of the Litany river as it is highly militarized. Access may be severely restricted. Border disputes in this area occur often.

Extreme Violence

The risk of terrorism is high in Lebanon. Attacks have occurred throughout the country in the past few years, involving residential armed conflict, grenade attacks, bombings, assassinations, shelling, and unofficial roadblocks and checkpoints. These attacks have occurred in public places and commercial establishments frequented by foreigners. Travellers should remain vigilant and maintain a high degree of caution as terrorist incidents can occur without warning.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and armed conflict occur often in Lebanon. Travellers should avoid these and all other political gatherings as they can become violent with little warning.

Travellers should monitor the local security situation in Lebanon as it is subject to change.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 16, 2021