The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• Palestinian refugee camps
• within 5km of the border with Syria
• the Hermel Area, including the towns of Arsal, Ras Baalbek, Qaa, Laboué and Nahlé

In particular, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• southern suburbs of Beirut defined as: south of the sports stadium and the Adnan Al Hakim road which heads west from the stadium to the Beirut-Saida (Sidon) road - down to the airport. This area includes the neighbourhoods of Bir Hassan, Ghobeiry, Chiyah, Haret Hraik, Burj Al Brajne, Mraije, Er Rouais and Laylake. It excludes the main airport highway, the Beirut-Saida road and west of there to the coast, and the area between the airport highway and the coast south of Abbas El Mousawi Road, including the Golf Club of Lebanon
• Akkar district between 5km from the Syrian border and the Aabdeh, Halba and Qoubaiyat highway
• the city of Tripoli
• the Rayak-Baalbek highway (from the junction at Riyak along the highway to Baalbek), the areas around it and towns along it, including Baalbek, and also the area East of the highway up to 5km from the Syrian border and South of Nahlé town
• the towns of Rachaiya, Hasbaiya, and Khiam in the Beqaa Valley, and the area between these towns up to 5 km from the Syrian border
• within 500m of the Ain el Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Saida
• south of the Litani River except the main Naqoura-Tyre-Saida-Beirut highway and areas to the west of it

Lebanon is experiencing a prolonged and severe economic crisis. The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning. If you are in Lebanon at this time, or considering travel, you should read our Safety and security page.

Basic commodities (fuel, medicines, food) are available but may be expensive or difficult to obtain. Electricity in Lebanon is also limited. The availability and quality of medical treatment is affected by the economic crisis and fuel shortages. See ‘Shortages’ and ‘Local medical care’ for further information and how to prepare yourself.

Whilst consular assistance is available 24/7 by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited in parts of Lebanon where we advise against all travel and limited where we advise against all but essential travel. In the event of deterioration in the political or security situation, the British Embassy may be increasingly limited in the assistance that it can provide. Do not rely on the FCDO being able to evacuate you in an emergency.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Crime, including bag theft, property crime and sexual harassment in public spaces, has increased as a result of the economic decline in Lebanon. This includes in Beirut. See Safety and security.

A conflict with Israel could spark with little warning and lead to a rapid escalation in violence. There have been exchanges with the Israeli Defence Forces across the Blue Line in the South of Lebanon. This has included cross-border shelling, rocket fire and air strikes on Lebanon. See Security situation

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Lebanon. You should be vigilant at all times, avoid crowds and crowded places and follow the advice of the Lebanese authorities. Previous attacks have targeted the security forces, as well as locations where Western visitors may congregate. You should follow the advice of the local authorities, and check local news and this travel advice regularly. See Terrorism

There’s a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation. Additional security measures have been in place on flights departing from Lebanon to the UK since March 2017. You should co-operate fully with security officials.

Groups within Lebanon, including Hizballah, are proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Counter Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Offences committed under the act – including funding and supporting proscribed organisations – may be liable to prosecution in the UK.

On 4 August 2020 a large explosion occurred in the port area of Beirut causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure in the city and surrounding areas. Many of the buildings have not been repaired yet. You should exercise caution in affected areas as buildings may not be safe.

There is a high risk of forest fires in Lebanon, particularly during the summer months. See Natural disasters

There are unexploded ordnance and land mines in many places. You should avoid travelling away from established paths, especially when hiking. This is particularly a concern in southern Lebanon. See Local travel

You can contact the emergency services by calling 112.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.