About Lebanon

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• Palestinian refugee camps
• within 5km of the border with Syria
• the Hermel Area, including the towns of Arsal, Ras Baalbek, Qaa, Laboué and Nahlé

In particular, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• southern suburbs of Beirut defined as: south of the sports stadium and the Adnan Al Hakim road which heads west from the stadium to the Beirut-Saida (Sidon) road - down to the airport. This area includes the neighbourhoods of Bir Hassan, Ghobeiry, Chiyah, Haret Hraik, Burj Al Brajne, Mraije, Er Rouais and Laylake. It excludes the main airport highway, the Beirut-Saida road and west of there to the coast, and the area between the airport highway and the coast south of Abbas El Mousawi Road, including the Golf Club of Lebanon
• Akkar district between 5km from the Syrian border and the Aabdeh, Halba and Qoubaiyat highway
• the city of Tripoli
• the Rayak-Baalbek highway (from the junction at Riyak along the highway to Baalbek), the areas around it and towns along it, including Baalbek, and also the area East of the highway up to 5km from the Syrian border and South of Nahlé town
• the towns of Rachaiya, Hasbaiya, and Khiam in the Beqaa Valley, and the area between these towns up to 5 km from the Syrian border
• within 500m of the Ain el Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Saida
• south of the Litani River except the main Naqoura-Tyre-Saida-Beirut highway and areas to the west of it
• 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.
• the Saida city road starting at the junction between Takkeyeddine El Solh road and Courniche El Baher up until the Sanic Bridge. This includes the areas east of this road to the Ain el Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp.

On 6 April, there were a series of rocket and artillery strikes around the ‘blue line’ between the borders of Lebanon and Israel. Tensions remain high and could escalate without warning. British Nationals are advised to monitor Travel Advice for further updates.

On 30th July, there was an escalation in violence between armed groups within the Ain el Hilweh Camp. The fighting between groups has continued with a number of deaths and injuries. There have been confirmed reports of stray bullets from small arms fire hitting a civilian vehicle along the main Saida Highway. As a precaution, the Lebanese Armed Forces have closed the main highway that runs parallel to the camp and redirected traffic to alternative routes. Tensions remain high and could escalate without warning. British nationals are advised to check this travel advice for updates.

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.

Lebanon is experiencing a prolonged and severe economic crisis. The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning. If you are in Lebanon at this time, or considering travel, you should read our Safety and security page.

Basic commodities (fuel, medicines, food) are available but may be expensive or difficult to obtain. Electricity in Lebanon is also limited. The availability and quality of medical treatment is affected by the economic crisis and fuel shortages. See ‘Shortages’ and ‘Local medical care’ for further information and how to prepare yourself.

Whilst consular assistance is available 24/7 by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited in parts of Lebanon where we advise against all travel and limited where we advise against all but essential travel. In the event of deterioration in the political or security situation, the British Embassy may be increasingly limited in the assistance that it can provide. Do not rely on the FCDO being able to evacuate you in an emergency.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Crime, including bag theft, property crime and sexual harassment in public spaces, has increased as a result of the economic decline in Lebanon. This includes in Beirut. See Safety and security.

A conflict with Israel could spark with little warning and lead to a rapid escalation in violence. There have been exchanges with the Israeli Defence Forces across the Blue Line in the South of Lebanon. This has included cross-border shelling, rocket fire and air strikes on Lebanon. See Security situation

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Lebanon. You should be vigilant at all times, avoid crowds and crowded places and follow the advice of the Lebanese authorities. Previous attacks have targeted the security forces, as well as locations where Western visitors may congregate. You should follow the advice of the local authorities, and check local news and this travel advice regularly. See Terrorism

There’s a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation. Additional security measures have been in place on flights departing from Lebanon to the UK since March 2017. You should co-operate fully with security officials.

Groups within Lebanon, including Hizballah, are proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Counter Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Offences committed under the act – including funding and supporting proscribed organisations – may be liable to prosecution in the UK.

On 4 August 2020 a large explosion occurred in the port area of Beirut causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure in the city and surrounding areas. Many of the buildings have not been repaired yet. You should exercise caution in affected areas as buildings may not be safe.

There is a high risk of forest fires in Lebanon, particularly during the summer months. See Natural disasters

There are unexploded ordnance and land mines in many places. You should avoid travelling away from established paths, especially when hiking. This is particularly a concern in southern Lebanon. See Local travel

You can contact the emergency services by calling 112.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Lebanon on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You should contact local authorities for information on testing facilities.

International travel

Commercial flights are operating to and from Lebanon. Check with your travel company for the latest information.

Beirut International airport remains operational. All passengers are required to have their tickets with them when transferring to and from the airport. Some exemptions to COVID-19 restrictions are applied to aid workers. For further clarification, aid workers should contact their employer for advice.

See Entry requirements for more information on COVID-19 measures before departure and on arrival into Lebanon.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Lebanon.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is responsible for COVID-19 testing at the airport and will inform you by text if you tested positive on arrival. If you test positive you will be expected to self-isolate in your accommodation. The MOPH or hospital where you got tested will pass on your details to the local authorities, and you may get contacted by the local municipality and offered support, but this is not guaranteed. We would not expect unaccompanied minors to be treated any differently from others.

Measures within Lebanon

COVID-19 measures can change at short notice. Contact the Lebanese embassy for more information if you are not sure about COVID-19 measures in Lebanon.

Shops may require you to wear masks and tourist and entertainment venues may also require you to show proof of a negative PCR result or vaccination. Fabric masks covering the mouth and nose must be worn when in vehicles (unless travelling alone).

Lebanese authorities may issue fines, impose road blocks, or imprison those violating these measures for up to three years. You should comply with all measures introduced by the Lebanese authorities and obey the instructions of the security forces. These measures may be changed at short notice.

You are advised to phone ahead to check any restrictions. Keep up to date with information from your tour operator, transport or accommodation provider on the impact on any existing travel plans.

Accommodation

Hotels and private rentals are available. You should check that accommodation is open and receiving guests before booking, and request information on the measures being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and on their fuel situation. Many businesses have closed due to the economic crisis.

Healthcare in Lebanon

For contact details of English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers. If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms you should self-isolate. You should call the Lebanese Ministry of Health Coronavirus Hotline on 1787 (from a local number) if you require further advice. The 24 hour number for those with COVID-19 who require hospitalisation is +961 (0) 1832 700. British nationals in Lebanon should comply with local restrictions and monitor local media for updates.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.

View Health for further details on healthcare in Lebanon. See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

The Lebanese authorities have put in place a number of measures to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The detailed measures are changing on a regular basis.

Security situation

The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and can deteriorate quickly. Be especially vigilant during periods of religious significance (including the holy month of Ramadan) and public holidays; there have been previous incidents, including early April 2023 where tensions have escalated resulting in rockets and artillery being fired across the Lebanon/Israel border.

Violence between the security forces and protestors, between supporters of political groups and over scarce or subsidised resources is highly likely to occur, often without warning, in particular at existing flashpoints. These confrontations have previously resulted in large numbers of casualties. Security forces may use tear gas and rubber bullets during clashes.

There were heavy clashes in the areas of Tayouneh, Chiyah and Ain el Roumanneh, within Beirut on 14 October 2021. These clashes involved exchanges of live fire and resulted in fatalities and injuries. The situation remains tense, and there is the potential for further violence.

You should avoid large crowds and political gatherings. Weapons are common in Lebanon and groups such as Hizballah retain arms that are beyond state control. Arguments can quickly escalate into violence, including the use of weapons, typically firearms and bladed weapons. Serious escalation can happen with little warning. There have been several reports over the past year of firearms being used during arguments in bars. Celebratory gunfire into the air is common throughout Lebanon. If you find yourself in an area where there’s celebratory or other gunfire, take cover in a building and move away from windows.

As well as internal Lebanese issues, regional and international developments can have an impact on the local security situation. This includes tensions with Israel, which could escalate with little warning. Events in Syria and Iraq may also impact Lebanon. You are therefore advised to monitor the regional situation whilst in Lebanon.

In the event of widespread disturbances or a deterioration in the security situation, there may be limits to the assistance that the British Embassy Beirut can provide. Read further information and advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas. Make sure that you are content with your own and your family’s security arrangements and keep yourself up to date with developments, including by regularly monitoring this travel advice. Be prepared to “shelter in place” or hunker down for several days, should the security situation require it. This means having adequate essential supplies, such as food, water and medicine, at the place where you are staying. You should ensure you have correct and up-to-date travel documentation, including a passport and visa where necessary, in case a sudden deterioration in the situation on the ground requires travel out of Lebanon. Do not rely on the FCDO being able to evacuate you in an emergency.

Shortages

Many hospitals and other medical services are affected by fuel shortages. See Local Medical Care

Basic commodities (fuel, medicines, food) have become increasingly scarce due to the economic crisis. Make sure you have supplies of any medicines you need with you in Lebanon. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription medication you should carry a medical certificate confirming that the medication has been prescribed for a medical condition.

Petrol can be difficult to access, with restrictions of supply at short notice. There are frequent, prolonged closures of fuel stations. You should plan ahead and ensure you have sufficient fuel in your car before travelling. Arguments at fuel stations have sometimes become violent and involved the use of weapons. You should always ensure that your vehicle is positioned to be able to leave a fuel queue quickly if tensions rise.

Diesel is increasingly difficult to access, leading to frequent unplanned closures of power generators. Lebanon’s power plants continue to produce only limited electricity for the national grid. This has led to prolonged power cuts across the country, with an impact on services, such as transport, internet, water and waste collection, and shops, cafes and restaurants. You should check before travelling to a business, hotel or restaurant in case they are closed due to fuel shortages. Have a torch to hand at night and know how you would leave your accommodation in the dark in case of emergency.

Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport is sometimes affected by fuel shortages, which can cause air conditioning or lighting to be turned off in the terminal buildings. Fuel shortages may affect the reliability of taxis to and from the airport. You should pre-book and confirm prior to travel.

The economic situation may affect your ability to pay for goods and services. There is a very high rate of inflation. Banks and exchange houses can close for long periods during protests, and have been the target of a series of raids in summer 2022 by depositors in summer 2022 by depositors, see more under Crime. While ATMs are generally stocked with Lebanese Pounds, there may be limits on daily withdrawals so check with your bank before travelling. It is very difficult to access US Dollars locally. Many companies no longer accept credit/debit cards so you should ensure that you have adequate cash.

Political situation

There is a high level of tension in Lebanon due to the economic and political situation. Protests, which may become violent, can occur without warning. Protests have centred on the main cities of Beirut, Tripoli and Saida, but have occurred at various locations and may take place nationwide.

You should exercise a high degree of caution, monitor local media for developments and avoid areas where demonstrations may be held, or where there are large gatherings of people. Keep up to date with developments via this travel advice and local media, including:

• TV: LBCI, New TV, NBN, Future News, OTV

• Radio: Radio One 105.5 FM, Voice of Lebanon 93.3 FM, Radio Orient 88.3- 88.6 FM, Sawt El Ghad 97.1- 96.7 FM, BBC Arabic 93.1 FM

• News websites: Naharnet, Now Lebanon, The 961,L’Orient Today (all in English), BBC Arabic (in Arabic)

Local travel

The government may restrict movements, including at short notice, to control the spread of coronavirus. For more detailed information see the coronavirus page.

Protests and roadblocks may mean that travel is restricted at short notice. Major roads in and out of Beirut and across the country, including the roads to and from Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport, have become blocked at short notice. If you’re travelling to or from the airport, check your flight status before leaving and allow extra time for your journey. If roads from the airport are blocked, wait there until the authorities confirm access roads are open.

Palestinian refugee camps are volatile environments where the Lebanese state has limited capacity to impose law and order. There has been a long pattern of violent clashes in particular in Ein El Helweh camp near Saida in southern Lebanon. On 30th July, there was an escalation in violence between armed groups within the Ein El Hilweh Camp. The fighting between groups has continued with a number of deaths and injuries. There have been confirmed reports of stray bullets from small arms fire hitting a civilian vehicle along the main Saida Highway. As a precaution, the Lebanese Armed Forces have closed the main highway that runs parallel to the camp and redirected traffic to alternative routes. Tensions remain high and could escalate without warning. British nationals are advised to check this travel advice for updates.

There is a UN peacekeeping presence in the area south of the Litani River.

Land mines and other unexploded ordnance are present in Lebanon and are not always clearly marked. Use only well-travelled tracks and do not stray from their edges. Avoid remote abandoned properties. Use local guides and seek local knowledge if you are unsure.

Border with Israel

The situation on the ground could change quickly. On 7 April 2023, Israel carried out strikes against targets in southern Lebanon in response to rockets launched on 6 April 2023 from southern Lebanon into Israel. On 20 July 2020 there was an exchange of fire between the militant group Hizballah and the Israeli Defence Force across the Blue Line. You should keep up to date with the news and this travel advice while travelling.

There is a UN peacekeeping presence in the area south of the Litani River.

There is a military checkpoint located approximately 7km south of Tyre on the Naqoura-Tyre-Saida-Beirut highway. A pass from the Lebanese Armed Forces office in Saida is necessary to continue your journey further south towards the Israeli border. However, as the office is located in an area of Saida where we have specific security concerns, you should carefully consider whether your need for a pass is essential before you travel.

Crime

The risk to tourists from petty or violent crime remains moderate. However crime has increased due to the declining economic situation. Incidents of theft, vehicle theft and robbery in particular have risen this year. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Consider your route and vary daily routines. Conceal expensive looking jewellery which could draw unwanted attention. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs.

A number of depositors have held up banks across Lebanon in order to access their savings, using both real and replica firearms. This may well continue. Be alert when in or near banks, and follow “run, hide, tell” guidance if incidents occur.

There has been an increase in reported incidents of sexual harassment and assault in public areas, including whilst walking in Beirut. Consider whether it is safe to walk alone, particularly in less busy areas. Due to the lack of electricity, working street lights are uncommon so streets are very dark at night. You should consider taking a torch with you when you are out of the house at night and ensure your phone is charged in case of an emergency.

There have been incidents of armed robberies and physical attacks against passengers in shared taxis (known locally as service taxis) with passengers being attacked by either the driver or other passengers. Don’t use shared taxis or taxis hailed on the street. Only use taxis from recognised companies. Hotels can advise on firms with cars that are recognised as being safe and well-maintained.

In December 2017, the Lebanese Interior Minister advised people in Lebanon not to use Uber taxis.

Criminal gangs operate in parts of the Beqaa Valley, especially northern Beqaa, involved in drug cultivation and smuggling. Car theft gangs are prevalent and can steal vehicles by force of arms, particularly along sections of the international highway towards Baalbek. Vehicle thefts have grown significantly and are often targeted by type. Other armed crimes, such as robbery and kidnap, can occur in these areas. There are also frequent armed clashes between gangs, and operations by the security forces.

You can report suspicious activity to the police by dialling 112. If you or another British citizen become the victim of crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest British embassy or consulate. You can find more information on how we can support you in our Support for British Nationals Abroad guide.

Road travel

Roads are subject to closure without notice.

You must hold either an International Driving Permit (IDP), which must be certified by the Lebanese authorities on arrival, or a temporary local licence to drive in Lebanon. Temporary local licences are likely to be more time consuming and expensive than an IDP.

Driving standards are poor and the accident rate is high. Traffic lights are often switched off and not always observed. It may be better to hire a car with a driver if you’re inexperienced. You must wear a seat belt (if fitted). Avoid travelling at night outside towns if possible. Vehicles with diesel engines are banned

Carry ID with you at all times and be prepared to stop at check points to show your papers. The army have set up check points on major and minor roads.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Lebanon. Islamist extremist groups will seek to target the Lebanese state, security services, and civilians, and have the intent to target foreigners inside Lebanon.

Attacks could take place in areas visited by foreigners, in Beirut and elsewhere, including hotels, restaurants and bars, markets, tourist and religious sites, large outdoor events, western-style shopping centres and supermarket chains. You should be particularly vigilant in these areas and follow any specific advice of the local security authorities.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Extremist groups have in particular been known to operate within the city of Tripoli, Palestinian refugee camps and in areas close to the Syrian border - including around Hermel and Aarsal.

Politically motivated terrorist attacks also remain likely. A number of such attacks have taken place in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Recent terrorist-related incidents include:

• 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.
• on 18 August 2020, following the arrest of an individual suspected of preparing to conduct terrorist attacks in Beirut, there were police and military casualties in two security incidents linked to the disruption of further terrorist cells.
• on 21 August 2020, 3 municipal police officers were shot and killed in Kaftoun, Koura in the north of the country.

Subsequently, a series of counter-terrorism operations were conducted in the North of Lebanon until 26 September 2020, resulting in a number of deaths and arrests of suspected terrorists. During one of these arrest operations, which took place in Beddawi (also Beddaoui) close to Tripoli, 4 members of the Lebanese Armed Forces were killed. A further two LAF soldiers were killed when their check point was attacked in Arman. Investigations continue. Lebanese security authorities are at a high state of alert and are conducting security operations across Lebanon. You should be vigilant at all times and follow the advice of the Lebanese authorities. Avoid large crowds, demonstrations, political gatherings and the use of shared public transport.

If you notice or suspect a security incident is underway, you should immediately leave the area. Suspects have detonated explosions to avoid arrest. Keep clear of affected areas in the immediate aftermath of any attacks. Bystanders have been killed in a number of terrorist attacks in recent years.

Monitor media reports and keep up to date with travel advice. Remain alert to both regional tensions given Lebanon’s links and proximity to Syria, and to the potential for sectarian attacks.

Kidnap

There’s a threat of kidnapping in Lebanon. The Lebanese authorities have warned that foreigners, including westerners could be targeted by kidnappers and other militant groups. Criminal kidnappings have occurred in the Beqaa Valley, the Syrian border regions and Beirut, but could take place anywhere in Lebanon.

Terrorist kidnappings are also possible and Daesh and other terrorist groups view those engaged in humanitarian aid work or journalism as legitimate targets.

The long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Lebanon’s people are diverse, with many different Muslim and Christian sects represented. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

In many areas you will find dress codes more relaxed than in other countries of the region, but you should still dress modestly when visiting religious sites and when it’s clear that local people expect it.

Possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs including small quantities are all serious offences in Lebanon. You can expect a prison sentence if you are caught.

Photography should be limited to tourist sites. Photographing military sites may result in your arrest. Flying drone cameras without permission is illegal.

The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning ‘every sexual act against nature’. Lebanese courts consider that this provision includes homosexuality. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel. You can also view resources for LGBT people from the Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health.

Child abduction and travel bans

One of the most common requests for consular assistance in Lebanon is from British mothers seeking help in overturning travel bans placed on their children or themselves by their fathers or husbands. Lebanese family law is very different from UK law and particular care is needed if child custody becomes an issue.

If you have concerns about child custody you should seek advice before travelling to Lebanon about ‘travel bans’ that can be imposed by male heads of family. Even if you or your child holds a British passport you may be subject to Lebanese laws and regulations.

Any child travelling from Lebanon without their father (even if the mother is accompanying them) may need to provide proof that permission to travel has been given by the child’s father.

If you’re a British national involved in international parental child abductions or custody disputes, you should contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for consular assistance. This leaflet on International Parental Child Abduction includes information on how the FCDO can help, and contact details. The FCDO strongly advises against attempting to remove your child yourself, as this may be considered abduction (or ‘re-abduction’). This may be illegal and can put your child at risk.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Lebanon set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Lebanon’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

British citizens can normally apply for a free single entry tourist or family visit visa on arrival.

British Overseas Citizens and British Protected Persons will need to get a visa before travelling to Lebanon.

Persons of Palestinian origin may also require a visa before travelling, or may be required to carry additional documentation with them when travelling.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Passengers are considered fully vaccinated if they have:

• Received three doses of any COVID-19 vaccine, or:
• They have received the second dose of any COVID-19 vaccine (or single dose for vaccinations comprising of one dose only) within the past six months.

All fully vaccinated passengers are exempt from pre-departure tests.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

On 27 September 2022, the Government of Lebanon announced that passengers who are not fully vaccinated are exempt from pre-departure tests.

Children and young people

There are no specific requirements for children and young people.

If you’re transiting through Lebanon

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

You should contact your airline for guidance on vaccination and testing requirements if you plan to transit through Lebanon.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Lebanon.

If your passport is lost or stolen during your stay in Lebanon and you require an ETD to leave, you will need to visit the Public Prosecution in Adlieh building (central Beirut) to report the loss or theft. Once the police report is finalized, you will need to obtain an Exit visa prior to your departure in order to leave the country, either from the General Security’s Department of Passport and Immigration or from the General Security Office at the airport. You will need to show the police report and the ETD. You should factor the time this will take into any new travel plans.

If your passport contains an Israeli stamp you may be refused entry to Lebanon even if you hold a valid Lebanese visa.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

British citizens can normally apply for a free single entry tourist or family visit visa on arrival. British Overseas Citizens and British Protected Persons will need to get a visa before travelling to Lebanon. Persons of Palestinian origin may also require a visa before travelling, or may be required to carry additional documentation with them when travelling. Entry requirements are subject to change, so you should check with the Lebanese Embassy before you travel.

Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter. You may be refused permission to leave until a fine has been paid.

Previous travel to Israel

If your passport contains an Israeli stamp you may be refused entry to Lebanon even if you hold a valid Lebanese visa. If you are visiting Lebanon, your passport should be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the date you arrive.

Stop matches

Lebanese Immigration Authorities check all visitors’ names on arrival against a database of those wanted for, or convicted of, offences in Lebanon. If a name matches against an entry on the database the individual may be detained (or on occasion allowed entry upon surrender of their passport) until they can prove that the record does not relate to them. It’s often possible to do so by producing a copy of a birth certificate or other official documentation that allows parents’ names to be checked against the database. You should consider carrying this kind of supporting documentation.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Health Risks

There have been reported cases of cholera in Lebanon, details of which can be found on NaTHNaC . Further guidance is also available in their Cholera factsheet.

Local medical care

The availability and quality of medical treatment available in Lebanon is being affected by the economic crisis and the fuel shortages. For example, air conditioning and lighting may be turned off, non-essential medical treatment may be cancelled and hospitals may refuse to take patients if they are unable to treat them. The provision of emergency and life-saving care, including life support care, could be severely impacted.

Medical care in Lebanon can be expensive and most medical providers and hospitals are insisting on significant cash deposits before admitting patients, including in emergency situations. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Doctors are generally well qualified, though nursing standards vary. The economic crisis has caused a number of health care professionals to leave the country, this may affect staffing levels. The majority of medical staff speak French and English.

Medical supplies are increasingly hard to find in country. You should therefore bring any medicines you need with you to Lebanon. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription medication you should carry a medical certificate confirming that the medication has been prescribed for a medical condition.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. A list of medical facilities is available here.

Earthquakes

Lebanon is in an earthquake zone, but there have been no damaging tremors in recent years. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Forest fires

There is a heightened risk of forest fires in Lebanon, particularly during the summer months. Forest fires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. The authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.

If you are travelling in Lebanon, you should familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures, remain vigilant, and follow the advice of the local authorities.

For information on the risk of forest fires, visit the Disaster Risk Management website, Facebook page and Twitter account.

If you see a forest fire, call the emergency services on 125 (for the Fire Brigade, call 175).

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send us a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.