Travel Warnings & Advice

For the latest travel advice and warnings, contact the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Travel Advice Unit
Consular Directorate
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Old Admiralty Building
London SW1A 2PA

Telephone: 0845 850 2829
Fax: 020 7008 0155

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently advising against all but essential travel to Lebanon, and against all travel south of the Litani River. A major conflict broke out in July 2006 between Hizbollah and Israel in which over 1,000 people died and hundreds were injured. Although the conflict ended in August 2006, the security situation remains uncertain and there remains much unexploded ordnance in Southern Lebanon.

Political gatherings and demonstrations (many of them anti-USA) are potentially violent hotspots. There have been a number of violent clashes across Lebanon between opposing groups since the beginning of 2007, and visitors are advised to avoid all public demonstrations. There is a high threat of terrorism in Lebanon, including a threat that Westerners may be kidnapped.

The heat is also high in the many Palestinian refugee camps dotted around different parts of the country. These are definite no-go zones for the traveller.

There are approximately 13,000 landmines in Lebanon. Although some are marked with a warning sign (a rusty red upside-down triangle with 'Al-Ghram' written in Arabic script), not all landmines have been found, let alone marked. Hikers should consult locals on the safety of off-road areas and avoid straying from well-used roads.

Despite all of the alarming mentions above, the main holiday areas still feel secure and the Lebanese people in most regions are carrying on as normal. The rule of thumb is to exercise extreme caution, keep abreast of the latest developments and heed local advice before heading away from the well-touristed tracks.

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