Original document : https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/lebanon

Change description : 2025-03-27 15:00:00: FCDO no longer advises against all travel to the whole of Lebanon. FCDO continues to advise against all travel or all but essential travel to some areas of Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ pages). [Guidance and regulation]

Showing diff : 2024-12-09 13:49:35.459663153 +00:00..2025-03-27 15:00:43.641672845 +00:00

Foreign travel advice

Lebanon

! Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Lebanon.
! Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Lebanon.

Warnings and insurance

Download a more detailed map (PDF)

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

 Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate

FCDO continues advises against all travel to advisethe following neighbourhoods, excluding Route 51 from central Beirut to the airport:

  • Tariq el Jdideh
  • Bir Hassan (excluding the Rafiq Hariri hospital and the Ministry of Public Health)
  • Ghobeiry
  • Chiayah (south of the Rizkallah Semaan road and west of (but not including) the Old Saida road)
  • Haret Hraik
  • Burj Al Barajneh
  • Mraije
  • Laylake

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

The area of Mount Lebanon Governorate south of (but not including) the road from Khiam El Damour in the west (and extending to Lebanon.the IfMediterranean youSea), through Mghayreh, Kfar Him, Deir El Qamar, Maaser Beit Ed Dine, Batloun, Barouk and Maaser El Chouf, to where the Barouk-Joub Jannine Road crosses the Mount Lebanon-Beqaa Governorate boundary in the east.

Areas in the South and Nabatiyeh Governorates

FCDO advises against all travel to:

  • Areas south of the Litani River, from where it enters the Mediterranean Sea in the west to where it crosses the Qlayaa road in the east, and areas south of (but not including) the Nabatiyeh-Marjayoun Road between that point and Qlayaa. This area includes the cities of Tyre, Rachidiyeh and Naqoura.
  • The areas of Nabatiyeh Governorate that lie east of the town of Qlayaa, and east of (and including) the Rachaiya-Marjaayoun Road that runs north-eastwards through the towns of Marjaayoun, Kawkaba, and Marj El Zhour/Dnaibeh to the Beqaa Governorate boundary.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

  • Areas of South Governorate north of the Litani river.
  • Areas of Nabatiyeh Governorate north of the Litani river and west of (but excluding) the Rachaiya-Marjaayoun Road to the Beqaa Governorate boundary, passing through the towns of Marjaayoun, Kawkaba, and Marj El Zhour/Dnaibeh.

Areas in the Beqaa Governorate  

FCDO advises against all travel to:

  • Areas of Beqaa Governorate that lie east of (but not including) the Rachaiya-Marjaayoun Road, from where it crosses the Nabaityeh/Beqaa boundary, heading north-eastward along the Masnaa-Rachaiya Road, Beirut-Damascus International Highway, Bar Elias, and Houch Hala to (and including) Riyaq on the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate boundary. The towns of Khiam, Hasbaya, Rachaya, Al Masnaa, Aanjar and Riyaq are in Lebanon,this wearea.

FCDO encourageadvises youagainst all but essential travel to:

  • The area of Beqaa Governorate north and east of (but not including) the Aintoura-Zahle Road, from Darh El Harf on the Mount Lebanon/Beqaa Governorate boundary to leave(but bynot commercialincluding) means.Zahle, extending to the ‘Eastern Beqaa Governorate’ area.
  • The rest of Beqaa Governorate, except for:
    • The areas south and west of (and including) the Aintoura-Zahle Road, from Darh El Harf on the Mount Lebanon/Beqaa Governorate boundary to (and including) Zahle.
    • Zahle and the area that lies west of (and including) the Zahle-Baalbek Highway and Chtoura-Nabatiyeh Road, running southward from Zahle to the intersection with the Barouk-Joub Jannine Road.
    • The area north of (and including) the Barouk-Joub Jannine Road, from where it crosses the Mount Lebanon/Beqaa Governorate boundary to the intersection with the Chtoura-Nabatiyeh Road.

Areas in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate  

FCDO advises against all travel to:

  • The area of Baalbek-Hermel Governorate east of (and including) the Zahle-Baalbek and Baalbek-Qaa Highways, from where the Ali El Nahri Road joins the Zahle-Baalbek Highway near Riyaq, northward past Baalbek, and through Makneh and Laboueh to the intersection with the Hermel-Ras Baalbek Road.
  • The area of Baalbek-Hermel Governorate north and east of the roads between the intersection of the Baalbek-Qaa Highway and the Hermel-Ras Baalbek Road to the North Governorate boundary via (and including) Hermel and Zouaitini.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

  • All other areas of Baalbek-Hermel Governorate.

Areas in the North Governorate

FCDO advises against all travel to the city of Tripoli, along the city boundaries.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

  • The area of North Governorate north and east of the main roads from Bohssas to Ariz via Kousba, Ehden, and Kfarsghab, and north and east of the Ariz-Baalbeck Road until it meets the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate boundary,excluding  the city of Tripoli. This includes the areas south up to the Tripoli-Kousba road but not including the road or the towns which run along it stretching from Bohssas in the east, southwards to Kousba and then eastwards on the Amioun-Ehden Road to Ehden and on to Ariz and the cedar areas.

Areas in the Akkar Governorate 

FCDO advises against all travel to Akkar Governorate. 

Palestinian refugee camps

FCDO advises against all travel to the 12 Palestinian refugee camps. See Palestinian refugee camp locations on the UN Relief and Works Agency website.

For further information on why we advise against travel, see Conflict affecting Lebanon and Regional risks.

Conflict affecting Lebanon

AAlthough a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah came into force on 27 November, however, the security environment remains unpredictable. MilitaryIsraeli activity,Defence Forces continue to conduct airstrikes and artillery fire at targets in Lebanon, including airstrikes,the cannotSouth, benear ruledthe out.Israeli Tensionsand remainSyrian highborders, and in the situationNabatiyeh couldand deteriorateBeqaa withGovernates littlenorth warning.of the Litani River. The closure or disruption of roads and exit routes at short notice could affect your ability to leave the country. Do not rely on the the FCDO being being able to evacuate you in an emergency.

The security situation presents a range of serious risks to British Nationals in Lebanon, including the following.

Military activity across Lebanon

There are ongoing airstrikes, mortar and artillery exchangesexchanges across across Lebanon, primarily on the boundary with Israel.Israel Otherand areasthe ofBeqqa theValley, countrybut there have also been affectedsome includingin Beirut, the BeqaaSouth Valley and locationsin the Nabatiyeh Governates north of the Litani river. TheStrikes in other areas of the country cannot be ruled out. The FCDO is is aware that many people are returning to the south of Lebanon. Be aware that the Israeli Defence Force is continuing to tell people not to return to areas in the south close to the Blue LineLine. andThere are imposingreported curfews.incidences of the Israeli Defences Forces firing on people who get too close to locations where they retain a presence.

Further air-strikes in Lebanon cannot be ruled out. Strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of residential buildings. TheThere Washingtonare Institutealso providesstrikes anboth onlinein mappopulation ofcentres strikesand in Lebanonrural whichareas. mayWe beadvise helpfulyou to keep up to date with the latest situation including using multiple media sources to understand previouslyfrequency affectedand areas.location of strikes as these may change rapidly. There are various mapping sources available online.

Access to Beirut airport

There is a risk that access to the airport may be disrupted, whether by traffic congestion, temporary roadblocks or closure caused by Israeli airstrikes nearby. If you are travelling to the airport, check the local security situation and only make the journey if you judge it safe to do so. Remain alert to local conditions as these could change quickly.  

Civil disorder

Celebratory gunfire is common in Lebanon and there is a risk from gunfire being fired in residential areas in reaction to major regional developments. If you hear gunfire, take cover immediately. Protests related to regional events could also take place at short notice and may escalate quickly. Exercise caution, avoid demonstrations, and monitor local media for developments.

Local support

The Embassy remains open as normal and continues with essential work, including full services to British nationals. Due to the security situation, we have temporarily withdrawn family members of British Embassy staff.

Keep up to date with local and international media including TV and radio stations such as Virgin Radio Lebanon (FM 89.5) and Voice of Lebanon / Sawt Lubnan (FM 100.3 - 100.5) which may be useful sources of information on any developments.

You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. This may include the ability to leave quickly or to shelter in place if you judge it necessary and safe to do so.

Read FCDO advice on what to do if you’re affected by a crisis abroad and how to prepare.

Help and support in Lebanon

You can contact the emergency services by calling 112.

If you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +961 (0)1 960 800.

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Update history

2025-03-27 15:00
FCDO no longer advises against all travel to the whole of Lebanon. FCDO continues to advise against all travel or all but essential travel to some areas of Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ pages).

2024-12-09 13:48
Updated information about the security situation in Lebanon following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-10-30 15:54
Updated information about the reduction of diplomatic staff in Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-10-26 08:05
Information on an Israeli military attack on Iran (Warnings and insurance)

2024-10-18 16:53
Removal of information about ‘Register Your Presence’. The FCDO has removed this facility, but stands ready to re-launch it, should it be needed. (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)

2024-10-12 17:13
Updated information about leaving Lebanon (see “Access to Beirut airport” and “Local support” in “Warnings and insurance”).

2024-10-03 15:58
Updated information on the conflict affecting Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)

2024-10-02 04:14
Updated information on the conflict affecting Lebanon

2024-09-28 23:54
Updated information on the conflict affecting Lebanon (Warnings and Insurance Pages)

2024-09-28 23:37
Updated information on the Conflict in Lebanon (Warnings and Insurance Pages)

2024-09-27 15:58
Updated information about conflict affecting Lebanon and routes out of the country (see ‘Conflict affecting Lebanon’ on the ‘Warnings and insurance’ page). FCDO continues to encourage those still in Lebanon to “Register You Presence” (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-09-25 17:55
Information on registering your presence if you are in Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-09-20 19:06
Update on strike in southern Beirut (see “conflict affecting Lebanon”)

2024-09-17 20:30
Update on simultaneous explosion of communication devices on 17 September (See “Explosion of communication devices”).

2024-09-11 14:00
Closure of ‘Register Your Presence’ service in Lebanon (see ‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-08-09 16:11
Information on checking flight availability and keeping up to date with local media (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-08-04 18:11
Update to conflict affecting Lebanon – recommendation to leave Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-07-31 09:34
Information on Registering Your Presence if you are in Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-07-02 12:54
Updated information about: risks within Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ pages); help and support available (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Getting help’ pages); costs related to visas and residence permits (‘Entry requirements’ page); the impact of the economic crisis, the risks related to photography, and dealing with extreme weather and natural disasters (‘Safety and security’ page); and healthcare (‘Health’ page). The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon and encourage those in country to leave.

2024-04-26 12:36
Removal of some language on military activity in the region (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-04-19 15:02
Information on explosions in Iran, and unconfirmed reports of explosions in Syria and Iraq (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

2024-04-14 09:20
13 April 2024 – drones and missiles fired from Iran into Israel (‘Warnings and Insurance’ page)

2024-04-12 19:59
Information on regional risks (‘Safety and security’ page).

2024-03-01 23:09
Update to Warnings and insurance, Regional risks, Safety and Security pages

2024-01-12 00:11
Update to Safety and Security page

2024-01-02 18:32
Addition of information about an explosion in Beirut’s southern suburbs (Safety and Security). The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the whole of Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now while commercial options remain available. British nationals in Lebanon should register their presence with the FCDO through the link in Travel Advice. (Warnings and insurance)

2023-12-09 15:25
Updated information about British Embassy staffing. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the whole of Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now while commercial options remain available. British nationals in Lebanon should register their presence with the FCDO through the link in Travel Advice. (Warnings and insurance)

2023-11-06 06:32
Addition of information about the temporary withdrawal of some British Embassy staff from Lebanon. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the whole of Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now while commercial options remain available. British nationals in Lebanon should register their presence with the FCDO through the link in Travel Advice.

2023-10-24 19:22
Information about having the correct travel documents for you and any family members travelling with you to leave Lebanon, advice on what to do if you cannot leave Lebanon, and additional advice on keeping yourself safe. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the whole of Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now while commercial options remain available. British nationals in Lebanon should register their presence with the FCDO through the link in Travel Advice.

2023-10-18 20:04
You are advised against all travel to the whole of Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now while commercial options remain available. (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)British nationals in Lebanon should register their presence with the FCDO through the link in Travel Advice. (‘Warnings and insurance’ page.)Information added about visa validity (‘Entry requirements’ page).

2023-10-17 23:05
British nationals in Lebanon should consider whether they need to remain in Lebanon and, if not, leave by commercial means while they are still available. British nationals in Lebanon should register their presence with the FCDO through the link in Travel Advice. Lebanese tourist visas are now valid for one month, rather than three. Those departing Lebanon after more than one month are likely to be fined (‘Entry requirements’ page).

2023-10-16 14:06
British nationals in Lebanon should register their presence with the FCDO through the link in Travel Advice. The British Embassy has temporarily withdrawn family members of staff. It continues with essential work, including services to British nationals. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to some parts of Lebanon, including the areas south of the Litani River, and advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ page)

2023-10-15 11:58
British nationals in Lebanon should register their presence with the FCDO through the link in Travel Advice. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to some parts of Lebanon, including the areas south of the Litani River, and advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)

2023-10-13 18:23
Factual update about protests staged today in response to the events in Israel and Gaza. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to some parts of Lebanon, including the areas south of the Litani River, and advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Lebanon. (Warnings and insurance).

2023-10-10 16:40
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to some parts of Lebanon, including the areas south of the Litani River, and advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Lebanon.

2023-10-10 11:13
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Lebanon, and advises against all travel to locations south of the Litani River since the outbreak of violence between Israel and Gaza on 7 October and ongoing mortar and artillery exchanges in South Lebanon. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to parts of Lebanon listed in our travel advice.

2023-10-08 22:04
Following the attacks in Southern Israel, there were mortar and artillery exchanges between Lebanese Hezbollah and Israeli Defence Forces on 8 October (2023) across the Blue Line in South Lebanon. Tensions are high and events may escalate with little warning, potentially affecting exit routes. British Nationals should consider travel plans accordingly, monitor the regional situation and follow FCDO travel advice for updates. (Summary)

2023-09-08 14:58
Information on the fighting between armed groups in the Ain el Hilweh camp (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).

2023-08-24 14:44
Information on an increase in anti-LGBT+ rhetoric and a potential risk of inciting violence(‘Safety and security’ page).

2023-08-01 16:48
FCDO now additionally advises against all but essential travel to the Saida section of Highway 51 (Beirut-Saida highway and the Saida-Tyre Highway) between the permanent Lebanese security checkpoint at the Awali River and the bridge crossing at the Sayniq River and the Saida city road (starting at the junction between Takkeyeddine El Solh road and Courniche El Baher up until the Sanic Bridge) including the areas east of this road to the Ain el Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp. (‘Summary’ page).

2023-07-31 18:25
Road closures by the Lebanese Armed Forces in Sadia in response to an escalation in violence between armed groups within the Ain el Hilweh Refugee Camp, Saida.

2023-07-31 18:18
Road closures by the Lebanese Armed Forces in Sadia in response to an escalation in violence between armed groups within the Ain el Hilweh Refugee Camp, Sadia.

2023-06-22 11:09
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages

2023-04-20 19:01
Addition of information and advice on being vigilant during periods of religious significance and public holidays (Safety and Security page)

2023-04-08 14:40
Updated information following Israeli strikes against targets in southern Lebanon on 7 April (Safety and security)

2023-04-06 15:49
A series of rocket and artillery strikes around the ‘blue line’ between the borders of Lebanon and Israel. British Nationals are advised to monitor Travel Advice for further updates (‘Summary’ page).

2023-02-06 16:42
A major earthquake (7.8) hit the Gaziantep region of Southeast Turkey on 6 February 2023. A further earthquake (7.5) was felt later in the day. There have been several strong aftershocks reported in Lebanon and the risk of further aftershocks remains. (‘Summary’ page).

2022-12-19 16:59
The FCDO has updated travel advice for Lebanon to ‘see our advice before travelling’. The FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to some areas and advises against all travel to other areas in Lebanon (‘Summary’ page).

2022-12-19 16:19
The FCDO has updated travel for Lebanon to ‘see our advice before travelling’. The FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to some areas and advises against all travel to other areas in Lebanon (‘Summary’ page).

2022-10-24 14:36
Addition of information about reported cases of cholera in Lebanon (‘Health’ page).

2022-09-28 16:52
Updated rules for Covid-19 testing for passengers travelling into Lebanon, passengers who are not fully vaccinated are exempt from pre-departure tests (see ‘Entry requirements’ page).

2022-09-26 09:53
Addition of information on ensuring travel documentation including passports and visas are correct and up-to-date and on LGBT+ rights in Lebanon ( ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Local laws and customs’ pages).

2022-08-24 12:20
Updated information about the collapse of the northern Beirut grain silo in the port of Beirut (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).

2022-08-05 15:15
Updated information on the continued risk of further collapse of the grain silo in the port of Beirut (‘Summary’ page)

2022-08-03 15:54
Updated information on the continued risk of further collapse of the grain silo in the port of Beirut and the second anniversary of the Beirut port blast (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)

2022-08-01 15:55
Updated information on the continued risk of further collapse of the grain silo in the port of Beirut (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)

2022-07-31 17:26
Advice following the collapse of grain silos in the port of Beirut.

2022-07-26 16:31
New advice added from the Government of Lebanon on what to do if the Beirut grain silos collapse (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and Security’ pages).

2022-07-22 16:31
Updated contact information for emergency services (‘Natural disasters’ page)

2022-07-15 16:43
Addition of information on the risk of forest fires (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages)

2022-06-28 12:23
Terrorism – incidents:• On 23 February 2022, the Interior Ministry announced that the police uncovered a terrorist network who were planning three simultaneous attack in the southern suburbs of Beirut. • on 21 September 2021, the Lebanese armed forces announced that its forces had dismantled a cell supporting ISIS, which it says was behind the killing of a retired intelligence officer in August and was planning further attacks.

2022-06-09 11:04
Removal of information on the May parliamentary elections

2022-04-26 10:40
Information added on parliamentary elections, scheduled to take place across the country on 15 May 2022 (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).

2022-04-11 10:51
Updated information on COVID-19 measures within Lebanon (‘Coronavirus’ page). Removal of information on the MOPH platform (‘Entry requirements’ page).

2022-03-25 15:42
Update to information on entry requirements to Lebanon (‘Entry requirements’ page)

2022-03-09 13:30
Update to information on testing requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers to Lebanon (‘Entry requirements’ page)

2022-03-02 13:20
Updated information on entry requirements to Lebanon (‘Entry requirements’ page)