Genvisec advises that travel can continue to Lebanon after a security brief and risk review.

 

We advise against all travel to:

• Tripoli 

• Palestinian refugee camps 

• the Hermel Area, including Arsal, Baalbek 

• the Bekaa Valley east of the Baalbek El Hermel high way to the Syrian border and to the east of the main road which runs south through Rayak, by-passing Masnaa, Rachaiya, Hasbaiya and Marjayoun and El Khaim, to the border

• Akkar district

• areas of Liban-Nord district north of the southern city limits of Tripoli and east into the Bekaa Valley

• southern suburbs of Beirut east of the airport road, defined as: south of the sports stadium to the airport, to east of the main airport highway including the neighbourhoods of Ghobeiry, Chuya, Haret, Hraik, Burj Al Brajne, Mraije, Er Rouais and Laylake

• southern suburbs of Beirut west of the airport road, defined as: west of the airport highway to the coast, south from Adnan El Hakim Road to Abbas El Mousawi Road.

 

We advise against all but essential travel to:

• Bekaa Valley west of the Baalbek El Hermel high way 

• Saida 

• south of the Litani River

 

Demonstrations continue across Lebanon due to the ongoing rubbish collection crisis. Some protests have turned violent. Security forces sometimes use roadblocks, water cannon and tear gas to manage protests. Further demonstrations could occur at short notice. You should avoid all demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.

 

Crime

The risk to tourists from petty or violent crime is moderate. There is a risk of vehicle crime and bag snatching. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. 

There have been incidents of armed robberies and physical attacks against passengers in shared taxis (known locally as service taxis) with passengers being attacked by either the driver or other passengers. Don’t use shared taxis or taxis hailed on the street. Only use taxis from recognised companies. Hotels can advise on firms with cars that are recognised as being safe and well maintained.  

Local travel

There are higher than usual levels of air pollution in parts of Beirut due to a build up of rubbish in the streets, which is being burnt in some places, and the use of ‘lime’ powder to manage bad smells and rats. If you’re in an area that’s affected, take suitable precautions to limit exposure to the polluted air.

 

There is a UN peacekeeping presence in the area south of the Litani River. Although de-mining operations have been carried out unexploded ordnance, including cluster bombs, remain in remote areas.

 

There is a high threat from terrorism. There is a high risk of attacks by Islamist extremist groups, which could be indiscriminate and affect Lebanese security authorities, checkpoints and places visited by foreigners like hotels, restaurants, tourist sites western-style shopping centres and supermarket chains.

 

Security authorities are at a high state of alert and conducting security operations across Lebanon. Suspects have detonated explosions to avoid arrest and attacks could take place in areas not previously targeted.

If you notice that a security operation is underway you should immediately leave the area.

 

Crime

 

The risk to tourists from petty or violent crime is moderate. There is a risk of vehicle crime and bag snatching. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

 

There are increasing reports of armed robberies in shared taxis (known locally as service taxis) with passengers being robbed by either the driver or other passengers. Don’t use shared taxis or taxis hailed on the street. Only use taxis from recognised companies. Hotels can advise on firms with cars that are recognised as being safe and well maintained. 

 

Local travel

 

There have been an increasing number of violent incidents in the north-eastern Bekka Valley. Armed incursions and shelling across the Syria border have occurred in several locations including Wadi Khaled, Al Qaa, Hermel, Baalbek and Aarsal. These have resulted in a number of casualties. Since early August there have been clashes between extremist groups and Lebanese security forces in and around the town of Arsal. This resulted in the deaths of 18 soldiers and over 50 gunmen, a number of soldiers are now being held captive by the militants.

 

Tension in the city of Tripoli is high. Over the past year sectarian clashes resulted in a number of deaths. Further clashes are likely. On 7 August, a homemade explosive device was detonated in the al Khanaq area of Tripoli which resulted in 1 death and 11 people injured.

 

Palestinian refugee camps are volatile environments where the Lebanese state has limited capacity to impose law and order. There has been a long pattern of violent clashes in particular in Ein El Helwe camp near Saida in southern Lebanon.

 

The deployment of UN peacekeepers in the area south of the Litani River has led to a period of relative calm between Israel and Lebanon. However, the situation remains unpredictable. Between 11 and 15 July there were 4 separate exchanges of rocket fire between southern Lebanon and northern Israel. No casualties were reported on either side. Although de-mining operations have made a big impact, there is still a large amount of unexploded ordnance, including cluster bombs, in remote areas.

 

There have been armed clashes and exchanges of gunfire in recent months in Saida resulting in injuries and fatalities. Road blockages and protests in the city are a regular occurrence. There is a possibility of further clashes and violence in the town. The southern suburbs of Beirut have seen a number of explosions in recent months.

 

Road Travel

 

Roads, including the Beirut airport road, are subject to closure without notice. There are no current reports of problems on the Airport Road.

 

You must hold an International Driving Permit to drive in Lebanon. This must be certified by the Lebanese authorities on arrival.

 

Driving standards are poor and the accident rate is high. Traffic lights are not always observed. It may be better to hire a car with a driver if you’re inexperienced. You must wear a seat belt (if fitted). Avoid travelling at night outside towns if possible. Vehicles with diesel engines are banned.

 

Carry ID with you at all times and be prepared to stop at check points to show your papers. The army have set up temporary check points on major and minor roads.

 

Political situation

 

The security situation can deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest can occur at short notice and often turn violent. Regional developments can have an impact on the local security situation. Monitor local media and avoid all protests.

 

Local laws and customs

Lebanon is part Muslim, part Christian. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

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 religious sites and when it’s clear that local people expect it.

 

Possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs including small quantities are all serious offences in Lebanon. You can expect a prison sentence if you are caught.

Photography should be limited to tourist sites. Photographing military sites may result in your arrest.

 

The Lebanese Criminal Code includes 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 by a prison sentence of up to a year.

 

Child Abduction

 

One of the most common requests for consular assistance in Lebanon is from British mothers seeking help in overturning travel bans placed on their children or themselves by their fathers or husbands. Lebanese family law is very different from EU law and particular care is needed if child custody becomes an issue.

 

If you have concerns about child custody you should seek advice before travelling to Lebanon about ‘travel bans’ that can be imposed by male heads of family. Even you or your child holds a foreign passport you may be Lebanese automatically by descent and subject to Lebanese laws and regulations.

 

Any child travelling without their father (even if the mother is accompanying them) may need to provide proof that permission to travel has been given by the child’s father.

 

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism. There is a high threat of attacks by Islamist extremist groups, which could be indiscriminate and affect Lebanese security authorities, checkpoints and places visited by foreigners like hotels, restaurants, tourist sites, western-style shopping centres and supermarket chains. Security authorities are at a high state of alert and conducting security operations across Lebanon. Suspects have detonated explosions to avoid arrest and attacks could take place in areas not previously targeted. If you notice that a security operation is underway you should immediately leave the area. You should exercise extra vigilance. Bystanders have been killed in a number of terrorist attacks in recent years. Attacks have involved car explosions and grenades. On January 23, 2015 a suspected suicide bomber confessed to authorities that future targets included Casino du Liban in Jounieh, and Le Royal Hotel in Dbayeh. Further attacks are likely.

 

Politically motivated terrorist attacks have become more frequent. A number of attacks have taken place in the southern suburbs in recent months. Attacks have involved car bombs,grenades and explosive belts.

 

Extremist groups have also been known to operate within Palestinian refugee camps and areas close to Syria, including the city of Tripoli, the Hermel area and within 5 km of the Syrian border. Maritime terrorism cannot be ruled out. We advise you to exercise extreme vigilance. Monitor media reports and keep up to date with the travel advice covering your location. Avoid large crowds, demonstrations, political gatherings and the use of shared public transport. Remain alert to regional tensions given Lebanon’s links and proximity to Syria, and to the potential for sectarian attacks. Keep clear of affected areas in the immediate aftermath of any attacks.

 

Recent attacks have included:

 

on 10 January 2015, 9 people were killed and over 30 wounded in a suicide bomb attack in the Jebel Mohsen area of Tripoli

on 25 June 2014, there was an explosion in the Duroy Hotel in the Raouche neighbourhood of Beirut which resulted in 1 death and 11 people injured

on 24 June 2014, a car bomb exploded at an Army checkpoint in Tayyouneh in south Beirut. Reports indicate that 1 person was killed and at least 12 people watching a World Cup match in a nearby cafe were injured

on 20 June 2014, a car bomb exploded in Dahr El-Baydar on the Beirut to Damascus highway; at least 1 person was killed and around 32 injured

on 19 February 2014, there were 2 explosions in the Bir Hassan area in the southern suburbs of Beirut which targeted the Iranian Cultural Center; at least 8 people were killed and over 120 injured

on 3 February 2014, there was an explosion on a minibus in the Choueifat area of Beirut; at least 1 person was killed and several injured

on 2 January and 21 January 2014, there were car explosions in the Haret Hraik area of southern Beirut causing fatalities and injuries

on 16 January 2014, there was a car explosion in the north eastern town of Hermel; at least 5 people were killed, and over 40 injured

on 27 December 2013, the former Lebanese finance minister was killed by a car explosion with at least 6 killed and 70 injured; the attack occurred in an area of central Beirut popular with international visitors

on 19 November 2013, there were 2 explosions at the Iranian Embassy with 22 people killed and over 100 injured.

Kidnap

 

There is a threat of kidnapping in Lebanon. The Lebanese authorities have warned that foreigners, including westerners could be targeted by kidnappers and other militant groups. Kidnappings have occurred in the Bekaa Valley, the Syrian border regions and Beirut, but could take place anywhere in Lebanon.

 

In 2013, 2 Turkish pilots were abducted near Beirut’s international airport and held in exchange for Lebanese nationals kidnapped inside Syria. The pilots were later released.

 

In September 2014, ISIL kidnapped members of the Lebanese security forces, and a number have been killed. ISIL and other terrorist groups view those engaged in humanitarian aid work or journalism as legitimate targets.

 

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. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

Lebanon is in an earthquake zone, but there have been no damaging tremors in recent years.

 

Visas

 

EU citizens can apply for a free single entry tourist or family visit visa on arrival.  Entry requirements are subject to change, so you should check with the Lebanese Embassy before you travel.

 

Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter. You may be refused permission to leave until a fine has been paid.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Lebanon.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, transit and exit from Lebanon.

 

Previous travel to Israel

 

If your passport contains an Israeli stamp you may be refused entry to Lebanon even if you hold a valid Lebanese visa.