Lebanon
Warnings and insurance
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 advises against all travel to the following areas of Beirut and its southern suburbs, excluding Route 51 from central Beirut to Rafic Hariri International Airport:
- Tariq el Jdideh and the area
southeast of(butTariqnotelincluding)Jdideh,SaebsouthSalamofstreetJalloulbetweenStreet,RamlehwestalofBaydaHourch andOmartheBeyhumwarstreetcemeteryon(not including thenorthernwarsidecemetery),ofandHorshsouthparkoftotheTayounehSouliemanroundaboutBastani - Ghobeiry and the area north of Ghobeiry but south of Yarmouk street, the war cemetery and Horsh park (not including Horsh park and the cemetery and Yarmouk street)
- Chiyah (south and west of the Rizkallah Semaan road)
- Haret Hraik
- Burj Al Barajneh
- Mraije
- Laylaki
BastaBachouraZekakJnah,AlsouthBlatBarbourKhandakof ElGhamikImam Mousa El Sader streetJnah- The Golf Club of Lebanon
- all other areas west of the Camil Chamoun Boulevard (south of Forn el Chebbak) that becomes the Old Saida Road through Hadath to Beirut airport
theAreaofBirHassanborderedbythefollowingroads:WestofHighway51;EastofBeirutSaidaHighway;SouthofGhobeiryRoad;NorthofAbbasElMousawi
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
The area of Mount Lebanon Governorate south of (including)of (but excluding) the road from Quobbeh infrom Wadi El Zayni in the west (and extending to the Mediterranean Sea), which travels through the villages of Aanout, Yanar, Bechamoun,Gharifeh, AinAinbal, El Remmah andBoqaata, Aley and southMoukhtara, ofMaaser (excluding) HighwayEl 30Chouf to Dahr Elto Baydar, at the Mount Lebanon-Beqaa Governorate boundary in the east.east
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate.
Areas in the South and Nabatiyeh Governorates
FCDO advises against all travel to South and Nabatiyeh Governorates.
Areas in the Beqaa Governorate
FCDO advises against all travel to:
The area of Beqaa Governorate to the Beqaaeast Governorate.
Areasof in(but not including) the Baalbek-HermelMasnaa-Rachaiya GovernorateRoad
from Masnaa, Dahr El Ahmar to the Beqaa-Nabatiyeh boundary in the south.
FCDO advises advises against all but essential travel toto:
The Baalbek-Hermelarea of Beqaa Governorate to the south of (but not including) the road from Kafraiya to Joub Jannine, east of (but not including) the road from Joub Jannine to Bar Elias and south of the road from Bar Elias to Deir Zenoun.
Areas in the NorthBaalbek-Hermel Governorate
FCDO advises against all travel toto:
The thearea cityof Baalbek-Hermel Governorate north of Tripoli(but andnot toincluding) the restDanniyeh-Hermel ofRoad Northernfrom governoratethe Baalbek-Hermel Governate boundary in the west to Hermel in the east.
The area north of (but not including) the roadHermel-Ras runningBaalbek Road from ChekkaHermel to Arizthe viaBaalbek-Qaa Kousba,Highway, Ehdenand and Bsharrithe (butentire notarea includingeast of the roadBaalbek–Qaa itself).Highway (excluding the highway itself), extending south to the Beqaa Governorate boundary.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the NorthernBaalbek-Hermel Governorate.Governate:
Areas in the North Governorate
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area of Tripoli to the east of the Bechara El Khoury road from Bohssas in the south to Beddaoui in the north – including the neighbourhoods of Abou Samra, Tabbaneh, Jessrin, Qoubbeh and Zaytoun.
Areas in the Akkar Governorate
FCDO advises against all travel to:
The area of Akkar Governorate north of (but excluding) the road from Qlayaat in the west (and extending to the Mediterranean Sea) to Tal Keri, Kouaikhat, Aamriyeh, and Qoubaiyat. And east of the same road and from Qoubaiyat to Qatlabah to the boundary of Akkar Governorate.and Baalbek-Hermel Governorates in the south.
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.
Register your presence
Let the UK government know you’re in Lebanon, register your presence if you’re in Lebanon for further updates.
Regional tensions
The situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable.
British nationals should:
- read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
- follow advice from the local authorities
- sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
- monitor local and international media for the latest information
- stay away from areas around security or military facilities
- keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
- if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure
Leaving Lebanon
Conflict in Lebanon has escalated in response to regional events and the situation is fast-moving. There are a limited number of commercial flight options available, from Beirut Airport. If your presence in Lebanon is not essential, you should consider departing now - if you judge you can access these options safely. Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities. If you are travelling by air do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.
If you decide to stay, we cannot guarantee we will be able to help you. 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.
Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel. Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel to or within Lebanon is at your own risk. and you should have a personal emergency plan which does not rely on the UK government.
Conflict affecting Lebanon
Since 2 March, conflict in Lebanon has escalated in response to regional events. Airstrikes and rocket attacks between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah have increased. Widespread evacuation warnings have led to a mass movement of people from conflict-affected areas.
Israeli airstrikes have occurred primarily in the South, Nabatieh and Beqaa Governates and Beirut’s southern suburbs, but have also occurred outside these areas. The IDFIsraeli regularlymilitary often releases evacuation warnings before airstrikes, but many have also taken place with no advance notice.
A cessation of hostilities was announced onin 16June April 2026 but fighting and airstrikes have continued particularly in southern Lebanon, where an Israeli military presence remains. The dynamic nature of the conflict means the situation may change quickly. British nationals should follow local, international and social media to keep up to date with official alerts.
We advise you to keep up to date with the latest situation, including using multiple media sources to understand frequency and location of strikes, as these may change rapidly. There are various mapping sources available online.
Access to Beirut airport
Beirut airport is open and operational. If you are travelling to the airport, check the local security situation before you travel. 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
Our embassy is operating as normal.
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
2026-08-10 14:51
FCDO has changed the areas of Lebanon where it advises against all travel or all but essential travel. FCDO no longer advises against all travel or all but essential travel to some parts of Lebanon. FCDO continues to advise against all travel and all but essential travel to other areas of Lebanon.
2026-05-21 10:11
Updated information about regional tensions and conflict affecting Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2026-04-10 11:12
FCDO now advises against all travel to parts of Lebanon. FCDO continues to advise against all travel and all but essential travel to other parts of Lebanon. Updated information about conflict affecting Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2026-04-01 16:10
Updated information about regional escalation (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2026-03-12 14:19
Addition of information about leaving Lebanon (see ‘Leaving Lebanon’ on ‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2026-03-08 20:21
New information that we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw some of our staff and their dependents from Lebanon. Our embassy continues to operate as normal (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2026-03-05 19:04
Register your presence if you’re in Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2026-03-04 23:43
FCDO now advises against all travel or all but essential travel to all areas of Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page). Updated advice on conflict affecting Lebanon and increase scope of the area to which we advise against ‘all travel’.
2026-03-01 19:32
FCDO now advises against all travel or all but essential travel to some areas of Lebanon (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2026-03-01 18:33
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Lebanon (Warnings and insurance pages)
2026-02-27 22:30
Updated information about the risks of regional escalation (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2026-01-14 21:23
There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2025-12-16 10:20
This travel advice has been reviewed for accuracy, with edits made throughout.
2025-12-10 13:10
New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2025-07-01 12:05
New information on areas where FCDO advises against travel, including parts of the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Governorate of Nabatiyeh (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2025-06-22 12:35
Update on regional risks following US military strikes against Iran on 22 June (‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-06-19 18:55
There is a risk of disruptions to air travel to and from Beirut airport due to ongoing hostilities in the region which could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. Separately,the risk of air strikes in areas of Lebanon, including in southern suburbs of Beirut, remains. (‘Warning and insurance’ page)
2025-06-13 12:38
Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region (‘Safety and security’ page).
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)