Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Southern suburbs of Beirut (see Advisory)

Large parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs are controlled by armed groups, including Hezbollah, in addition to the Lebanese government’s security forces. These neighbourhoods are targets for terrorist attacks causing deaths and injuries. Tactics used by terrorists include car bombing, suicide bombing and rocket fire.

Roadblocks and demonstrations are also common; the latter may turn violent with little notice. When incidents occur, monitor local news reports, avoid affected areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.

North Lebanon (see Advisory)

While Lebanese security forces have conducted operations in northern Lebanon to improve the security situation, the region remains unstable. Tripoli, particularly the neighbourhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen, has experienced inter-communal violence that can spread to outlying areas. Heavy weapons fire (machine guns, grenades and rocket-propelled grenades) and sniper activity have occurred, particularly during the 2013–14 spike in Tripoli.

Extremists have sought refuge in northern Lebanon, including throughout Akkar District.

Border region with Syria (see Advisory)

The security situation in regions bordering Syria has deteriorated as a result of the ongoing conflict. Armed groups such as Hezbollah, Al-Nusra Front and Daesh, as well as the Lebanese and Syrian military have carried out operations resulting in deaths and injuries. Tensions between armed groups have also increased in border areas, resulting in kidnappings (see Kidnapping, below) and violent clashes.

The border is not always clearly marked.

Northern Bekaa Valley (see Advisory)

The security situation in the northern Bekaa Valley is volatile and there is an ongoing risk of sporadic violence, organized crime, and kidnapping.

Palestinian refugee camps (see Advisory)

The security situation in Palestinian refugee camps and surrounding areas remains tense and unpredictable. Violence is common in some camps—particularly Ain el Helweh, near Saida, and Beddawi, near Tripoli.

Refugee camps are often located close to urban centres and are not always visibly demarcated. Exercise caution and remain aware of your whereabouts at all times in order to avoid unknowingly entering a camp. Palestinians control security in most camps and may delay or prevent Canadian officials from assisting Canadians in these areas.

Areas south of Litani River (see Advisory)

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) maintains additional peacekeepers south of the Litani River near the border with Israel as a result of the unresolved border situation. This region remains highly militarized and volatile. Rocket launches and border incidents occasionally occur, provoking retaliatory attacks in this region and elsewhere in Lebanon, and causing injury and death.

Forces other than the Lebanese authorities exert significant control over parts of this region. Access restrictions may delay or prevent Canadian officials from providing assistance to citizens in these areas.

Lebanon and Israel have not agreed on an international border. UNIFIL enforces the Blue Line, which separates the two countries but has not been fully demarcated. Areas adjacent to the Blue Line are often heavily mined. The areas of Ghajar, Kfar Shouba Hills and Shebaa Farms are inaccessible from Lebanon. The border with Israel is closed.

If you are travelling to the city of Tyre, use only the main coastal highway. Please note that travel permits from Lebanese authorities and/or UNIFIL may be required in order to enter areas south of the Litani River that border Israel.

Security situation

The security situation in Lebanon is unpredictable. Pre-existing sectarian tensions, coupled with the spillover of the conflict in Syria, are playing a destabilizing role in Lebanon.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorist attacks, which could occur at any time and any place in Lebanon, including in areas frequented by foreigners, such as hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars, markets, tourist and religious sites, large outdoor events, shopping centres and supermarkets.

Security officials are on a high state of alert and carry out anti-terrorism operations across the country to prevent attacks.

Terrorist attacks on specific individuals or groups as well as targeting densely populated areas increase potential collateral risk to civilian areas. Bombings, grenade attacks, political assassinations, gun battles and vehicle explosions in commercial and residential districts in Lebanon have caused numerous deaths and injuries, particularly during the violence spike of 2013-14 in Beirut. The potential for such attacks and a rapid deterioration of the security situation remain across the country, including in Beirut. On November 12, 2015, two suicide bombers detonated explosive devices targeting the Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing 43 people and injuring hundreds.

Forces other than Lebanese authorities exert a large amount of control in some areas and they may delay or prevent Canadian officials from providing assistance to Canadians. Most notably, Hezbollah is headquartered in the southern suburbs of Beirut and maintains a strong presence in southern Lebanon, the northern Bekaa Valley and several other areas.

Demonstrations

Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.

Planned and spontaneous demonstrations related to the domestic and regional situations regularly occur in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut. Some demonstrations have led to roadblocks, burning tires and firing weapons. Security forces have erected checkpoints and barricades to manage protests and used water cannons, tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Further demonstrations could occur.

The road to Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is subject to sporadic closure, due to various factors including local sectarian clashes, civil unrest in Syria and protests against government policies. Access to the airport can be unavailable for extended periods when the security situation deteriorates.

Monitor current developments closely when travelling within Lebanon, as local conditions may change rapidly and without warning, compromising your mobility and safety. You should also observe all warnings issued by Lebanese authorities and take appropriate precautions.

Kidnapping

Kidnappings have occurred in the border areas with Syria and in the Bekaa Valley. In the southern suburbs of Beirut, foreigners and residents have been held against their will. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times. Although most incidents of kidnapping typically involve Lebanese residents, foreigners have also been kidnapped.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose a threat in some parts of the country, including south of the Litani River and near the northeastern border region, despite progress in demining activities. Watch for posted landmine warnings, stay on paved roads and avoid walking or hiking in these areas.

Crime

Street crime, such as purse snatching and pick pocketing, car thefts and residential break-ins, can occur. Violent crime and sexual assault are rare but can occur. Exercise vigilance and appropriate safety precautions.

Road safety

Congestion and aggressive driving are serious problems throughout the country, where drivers have little regard for traffic laws.

Road accidents and serious road rage incidents causing injury or death are common in Lebanon.

Road lighting is sporadic and unreliable in urban areas and virtually non-existent in rural areas. At night, many drivers use their high beams exclusively, often creating a serious hazard due to blinding glare.

Mountain roads may be affected by fog, heavy snow, ice and other hazardous conditions during winter months.

Lebanese drivers are unaccustomed to sharing the road with bicycles, and it is rare to see cyclists around the country. Exercise a high degree of caution if cycling.

Pedestrians should be extremely careful at all times.

Public transportation

Avoid public transportation, which is crowded, unsafe and unreliable. Do not use shared or “service” taxis. Uber is illegal in Lebanon, and Lebanese authorities advise that it is not safe to use the service. Foreigners using shared transportation have been victims of armed robbery, either by the driver or other passengers.

Always pre-arrange transportation with a safe and reliable taxi company, do not hail taxis off the street and avoid using any unmarked taxi services. Most major hotel chains will have an agreement with a reputable taxi company and can arrange the taxi for you.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

General safety information

Ensure that your personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure. Keep photocopies of all your documents in safekeeping facilities.

There is a highly visible security presence throughout the country. Carry personal documentation with you and obey the instructions of Lebanese security authorities.

Entry/exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Lebanese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Lebanon.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Lebanon. Visas are available at Lebanese diplomatic missions abroad or at any port of entry into Lebanon.

Make sure your visa is valid for the duration of your stay. An expired entry visa must be extended by Lebanese authorities or you will not be allowed to leave the country.

Entry stamp

In order to exit the country, your passport must show a Lebanese entry stamp. Persons who acquire a new passport while in Lebanon must present their old passport containing proof of entry to authorities upon departure.

Travel bans

When local courts issue travel bans, the authorities at points of exit are instantly informed and will not allow a person to exit Lebanon, regardless of their nationality.

Find out more about travel bans.

Regional travel

Travel to or from Israel is illegal in Lebanon. Canadians may be arrested, detained, questioned and refused entry into Lebanon if their passport bears an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel, as such a stamp could indicate the traveler has been to Israel).

South of the Litani River

Travel permits from Lebanese authorities and/or UNIFIL may be required to enter areas south of the Litani River bordering Israel.

Children and travel

Children travelling with only one parent may be required to provide an authorization letter from the other parent to exit Lebanon.

More about travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Medical services and facilities

Modern medical care facilities and supplies are widely available in Beirut and its surrounding areas. Such facilities are not always available in outlying areas. Medical services can be very expensive, and payment in advance is almost always required.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Child custody and travel bans

Canadian custody documents, including Canadian court orders pertaining to custody, are not recognized in Lebanon. Family law matters in Lebanon, including child custody and divorce-related decisions, are settled according to local religious laws. If you are involved in custody or other family disputes, consult a lawyer for advice on how religious law in Lebanon may affect your family situation.

Authorities may prevent family members from leaving Lebanon, even if they are Canadian citizens or dual nationals. Relatives (mainly spouses and grandparents) frequently place travel bans on Canadians, including married women, children and mothers with children, to prevent them from leaving Lebanon. The legal process of removing a travel ban is complicated, requires rigorous legal representation and can take months or years. Lebanese courts rarely rule to remove or overturn a travel ban, even if the subject has been a victim of abuse or if their life is in danger. The Government of Canada cannot prevent or overturn the issue of a travel ban (or stop order) on a Canadian citizen.

Illegal or restricted activities

It is prohibited to photograph or videotape government buildings or military personnel, equipment and installations. Canadians have been detained for questioning after taking photographs in areas with a Hezbollah presence. In such situations, Canadian officials may face delays and obstacles in providing assistance.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Individuals charged with drug offences can expect to remain in jail and to be denied bail while judicial authorities prepare their case for prosecution. This process often takes years.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required.

Ensure your travel insurance is valid for driving in Lebanon.

LGBTQ2 travellers

Lebanon’s law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Some areas and neighborhoods may appear more tolerant; however, any behavior or perceived behavior between persons of the same sex may result in arrest or detention. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Lebanon.

General safety information and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Lebanon.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Lebanon, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Canadians of Lebanese descent carrying Lebanese identification documents will be treated as Lebanese nationals by security officials. Dual Canadian-Iraqis, -Palestinians and -Syrians may face additional questioning.

Dress and behaviour

The dress code in Lebanon is more relaxed than in most Middle Eastern countries. Nonetheless, you should dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2019, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around May 5.

Money

The currency is the Lebanese pound (LBP). Most establishments will accept payment in U.S. dollars but may return change in LBP. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted and will not be changed by local financial institutions.

ATMs are widely available in Lebanon. Use ATMs located inside, or adjacent to, bank branches for greater security and to be able to retrieve a lost card faster.

Natural disasters & climate

Lebanon is located in a seismic zone. There have been several minor earthquakes in recent years.

In the winter months, mountain roads, including the main Beirut–Damascus highway, may be temporarily blocked or become impassable due to heavy snowfall. Flash floods can occur, rendering roads temporarily dangerous or impracticable.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Beirut and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.