How safe is Lebanon for travelers?

The two advisories, stated in full

Global Affairs Canada, last updated 9 September 2026: avoid all travel to Lebanon because of the volatile security situation in the region, and "if you're in Lebanon, you should leave". That advice covers the entire country, Beirut included.

The FCDO, still current at 10 September 2026, advises against all travel to:

• areas of Beirut and its southern suburbs: Tariq el Jdideh and the area east of it, Ghobeiry and the area north of it, Chiyah south and west of the Rizkallah Semaan road, Haret Hraik, Burj Al Barajneh, Mraije, Laylaki, Jnah south of El Imam Mousa El Sader street, the Golf Club of Lebanon, and all other areas west of the Camil Chamoun Boulevard that becomes the Old Saida Road through Hadath to the airport, excluding Route 51 from central Beirut to the airport
• the South and Nabatiyeh Governorates, in their entirety
• the part of Beqaa Governorate east of the Masnaa to Rachaiya road, which is the area against the Syrian border
• the northern part of Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, north of the Danniyeh to Hermel road and east of the Baalbek to Qaa highway
• the part of Akkar Governorate against the Syrian border, north and east of the road from Qlayaat through Tal Keri, Kouaikhat, Aamriyeh and Qoubaiyat
• all 12 Palestinian refugee camps

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• the rest of Baalbek-Hermel Governorate
• southern Mount Lebanon, below the road running from Wadi El Zayni through Aanout, Gharifeh, Ainbal, Boqaata, Moukhtara and Maaser El Chouf
• the part of Beqaa Governorate south of the Kafraiya to Joub Jannine road and east of the Joub Jannine to Bar Elias road
• eastern Tripoli, east of the Bechara El Khoury road, including Abou Samra, Tabbaneh, Jessrin, Qoubbeh and Zaytoun

Travelling against FCDO advice can invalidate your travel insurance, and consular support is severely limited where it advises against travel.

The conflict, as the FCDO describes it

• A cessation of hostilities was announced in June 2026, and fighting and airstrikes have continued, particularly in the south, where an Israeli military presence remains.
• Israeli airstrikes have occurred mainly in the South, Nabatiyeh and Beqaa Governorates and Beirut's southern suburbs, but also outside those areas. Warnings are often issued before a strike, and often are not.
• Beirut airport is open and operational. Check the local security situation before travelling to it.
• Have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK or Canadian government. Both say so, in those words. Keep departure plans under review, keep documents current, and hold enough food, water and medication to shelter in place for several days.
• If you are told to take shelter, go indoors, to an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls and windows as possible. The FCDO's stated reason is that most of the risk is falling debris from intercepts.
• Local radio is a real source here: Virgin Radio Lebanon on 89.5 FM and Voice of Lebanon on 100.3 to 100.5 FM.

Terrorism and kidnap

• Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Lebanon, and groups intend to target foreigners. Activity has particularly centred on Tripoli, the Palestinian camps, the areas near the Syrian border around Hermel and Aarsal, and Beirut's southern suburbs.
• There is a threat of kidnapping and the Lebanese authorities have warned that foreigners could be targeted. The FCDO is explicit that being a tourist, an aid worker, a journalist or a business traveller will not protect you, and that the British government does not make substantive concessions to hostage takers.
• Additional security measures apply on flights from Lebanon to the UK and have done since March 2017.

Guns, protests and crowds

• Celebratory gunfire is illegal and common, and there are casualties every year from falling rounds, sometimes a long way from where the gun was fired. If you hear gunfire, get inside and away from windows.
• Weapons are widespread and arguments escalate. Groups including Hizballah hold arms beyond state control.
• Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings. They form at short notice, security forces use tear gas and rubber bullets, and confrontations can produce large numbers of casualties.
• Be especially careful during Ramadan and public holidays.

Crime

• Moderate risk of petty and violent crime. Vary your routine, keep jewellery out of sight, do not carry large amounts of cash in public.
• There have been reported incidents of sexual harassment and assault in public areas. Streetlights often do not work because of the power cuts, so think about whether a street is safe to walk alone and carry a torch.
• Criminal gangs run drugs in parts of the Beqaa, especially the north, with armed robbery, kidnap and frequent clashes with the security forces.

Laws that catch visitors

• Do not photograph or film military sites, personnel or equipment, government buildings, or anything in the southern suburbs, the Beqaa or the south. You can be detained for being seen doing it and arrested for photographing a military site.
• Flying a drone without permission is illegal.
• Drug offences, including small quantities, bring prison sentences. Canada notes that people charged are usually denied bail for a process that takes years.
• The Criminal Code's provision on acts "against nature" has been applied to same-sex sexual activity, punishable by up to a year in prison. Canada records blackmail and extortion of LGBT+ people through dating apps, and bans on peaceful LGBT+ gatherings. LGBT+ travellers should read both governments' advice before deciding to go.
• Dress codes are more relaxed than elsewhere in the region, but dress modestly at religious sites, and be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours.

Landmines and fires

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance are present and not always marked. Stay on well-used tracks, do not walk the edges, and avoid remote abandoned buildings.
• Forest fires are a heightened risk in summer. The fire service is on 175.