Lebanon

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Airstrikes and military activity are ongoing — Missiles and drones have struck targets; airstrikes could resume across Lebanon, especially in Beirut's southern suburbs, southern Lebanon, Beqaa Valley, and Palestinian refugee camps.

Prepare: Build a contingency exit plan that does not rely on Canadian government assistance for departure.

• Terrorism threat is significant — Attacks involving explosives, rockets, and mortars have occurred; targets include airports, schools, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and sites frequented by foreigners, particularly in Beirut.

Prepare: Avoid large gatherings, mass events, and crowded public spaces; monitor local media for security updates.

• Southern Lebanon is highly militarized and inaccessible — UNIFIL peacekeepers control the area south of the Litani River; frequent strikes occur; the Blue Line border with Israel cannot be crossed; areas are often heavily mined.

Prepare: Do not attempt to enter southern Lebanon or travel near the Israeli border under any circumstances.

• Beirut's southern suburbs (Dahiyeh) experience heavy, frequent strikes — Armed groups control large parts; terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and violent clashes between armed groups are common.

Prepare: Avoid the southern suburbs of Beirut entirely.

• Syrian border region is volatile — Armed criminal groups operate in border areas; kidnappings, violent clashes, and military operations occur; the border is not clearly defined.

Prepare: Do not travel to any region bordering Syria.

• Palestinian refugee camps are tense and unpredictable — Violence is common, particularly in Ain el Helweh (near Saida) and Beddawi (near Tripoli); Palestinian authorities control security and may block Canadian consular access; camp perimeters are often unclear.

Prepare: Avoid Palestinian refugee camps; be aware you may inadvertently enter one in urban areas.

• Northeastern Beqaa Valley is volatile — Active risk of airstrikes, sporadic violence, organized crime, and kidnapping.

Prepare: Do not travel to the northeastern Beqaa Valley.

• Kidnapping risk exists nationwide — Most common in border areas with Syria and the Beqaa Valley, but can occur elsewhere, especially in areas controlled by criminal groups and the southern suburbs of Beirut; foreigners have been targeted.

Prepare: Maintain high vigilance; avoid isolated areas and those with visible armed group presence.

• Petty and violent crime are common — Pickpocketing, bag snatching, car theft, residential break-ins, shooting incidents at gas stations, and sexual assault occur regularly.

Prepare: Keep passport and valuables in secure places; avoid displaying wealth or jewelry; do not carry large cash amounts; avoid walking alone after night.

• Celebratory gunfire occurs during New Year's Eve and political events — Injuries and deaths from stray bullets happen at considerable distances from shooting locations.

Prepare: Stay indoors, away from windows, during New Year's Eve and known political events; avoid being outside during these occasions.

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a threat — Present south of the Litani River and in northeastern border regions (Beqaa and Baalbek-Hermel governorates).

Prepare: Look for posted warnings; do not walk or hike in affected areas.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest are frequent — Planned and spontaneous protests occur regularly, particularly in Beirut; even peaceful gatherings can turn violent and disrupt traffic and transportation.

Prepare: Avoid all areas where demonstrations are taking place; monitor local media; follow local authority instructions.

HEALTH

• No active major disease outbreaks are listed, but regional tensions may disrupt healthcare access.

Prepare: Consult a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to confirm all routine vaccines are current.

• Power outages are common and affect hospitals — Electricity rationing and disruptions can impact critical medical infrastructure, telecommunications, and banking.

Prepare: Carry sufficient personal medications for the entire trip plus a buffer; pack a basic first-aid kit and any prescription medications in original containers.

• Food and water safety standards are variable — Shortages of fuel and supplies may affect food distribution and water quality.

Prepare: Drink bottled or boiled water only; eat cooked foods; avoid ice and unpasteurized dairy.

• Medical evacuation may be difficult — The volatile security situation and restricted access limit consular assistance in many regions.

Prepare: Obtain comprehensive travel health and medical evacuation insurance before departure; ensure coverage includes evacuation during conflict.

VISA & ENTRY

• Passport validity requirement: 6 months minimum beyond your expected departure date from Lebanon.

Prepare: Check your passport now; apply for a renewal immediately if fewer than 6 months remain.

• Visa requirements are not specified in the official advisory — Entry rules vary by passport type; transportation companies may have stricter requirements than Lebanese authorities.

Prepare: Contact the Lebanese Embassy or Consulate in Canada and your airline directly to confirm visa type, cost, and application process before booking.

• Ebola screening measures may be in place — Some countries screen travellers who have recently visited affected regions; if symptoms are suspected, isolation or quarantine may be imposed.

Prepare: Monitor Ebola outbreak status before travel; ensure you carry any required health documentation.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• 2SLGBTQI+ persons face criminalization and violence — Lebanese law criminalizes sexual acts "contradicting the laws of nature" and cross-dressing; arrests, detention, and prosecution occur; incitement to violence and attacks on 2SLGBTQI+ persons are documented; authorities ban peaceful gatherings on 2SLGBTQI+ issues.

Prepare: If you are 2SLGBTQI+, carefully reconsider travel; use dating apps with extreme caution (users report threats, extortion, and blackmail); never share identifying information online; meet acquaintances only in secure, public locations.

• Photography and filming are heavily restricted — Taking photos, filming, or sharing images online of military installations, activity, or damage can result in severe penalties under local enforcement.

Prepare: Do not photograph, film, or post images of military sites, armed groups, damage, or security operations.

• Celebratory weapons fire is common but illegal — Firing into the air during New Year's and political events causes injuries and deaths.

Prepare: Stay indoors during New Year's Eve and major political events.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is Lebanese pound (LBP) — Severe shortages of fuel and foreign exchange affect prices and payment options; many establishments may not accept cards; ATMs may be unreliable.

Prepare: Bring Canadian dollars or euros to exchange locally; carry backup cash in small denominations; confirm ATM and card access with your bank before departure.

• Power outages and rationing are routine — Electricity is frequently unavailable; this affects telecommunications, banking, and critical services.

Prepare: Charge devices fully daily; carry a portable power bank; inform contacts of intermittent communication delays.

• Fuel shortages impact transportation — Gas stations experience temporary shortages; prices have risen significantly; this affects taxis, delivery, and movement generally.

Prepare: Book transport through reputable hotel-arranged taxi services; allow extra time for all journeys; stock essential supplies (food, water, medications) in advance.

• Road safety is poor — Congestion, aggressive driving, non-enforcement of traffic laws, poor lighting at night, and frequent high-beam use by drivers create serious hazards; road rage and accidents are common.

Prepare: Use only officially marked taxis arranged through hotels; avoid driving yourself; do not use shared or service taxis; do not hail taxis from the street.

• Public transportation is unsafe — Crowded buses and minibuses have been targets for armed robbery by drivers and passengers.

Prepare: Avoid all public transportation; arrange rides through your hotel or a reputable taxi company.

• Airport access is unpredictable — Sporadic road closures to Rafic Hariri International Airport occur due to airstrikes, clashes, and security reasons; access may be unavailable for extended periods.

Prepare: Allow extra time to reach the airport; monitor local media for closures; confirm your flight status before departing your accommodation.

• Mobile and internet services are operational but may be disrupted — Telecommunications can be affected by power outages and military activity.

Prepare: Obtain a local SIM card for voice/SMS if staying longer than a week; ensure your phone plan supports international roaming; download offline maps.

• Electrical outlets are Type C (European 220V, 50Hz) — Power cuts are frequent.

Prepare: Bring a Type C adapter and a voltage converter if your devices require 110V; carry a power bank.

• Tipping customs are not specified — Gratuity may be expected in some establishments but is not obligatory.

Prepare: Check receipts for service charge; offer 10% for good service if customary in your establishment.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Given the current security advisory, travel is not recommended at any time. Conditions are unsafe year-round due to ongoing military activity.

Prepare: Do not plan travel to Lebanon until the Government of Canada lifts the "Avoid all travel" advisory.

• Historically, the best season was spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) for mild weather, but this is not relevant given the current security situation.

TOP SIGHTS

Not recommended for travel — Given the "Avoid all travel" advisory and active military strikes, visiting sights is not safe. Historical attractions include:

• Baalbek — Ancient Roman temples in the Beqaa Valley, now in an active conflict zone with frequent airstrikes and military activity.

Prepare: Do not travel to Baalbek; the area is under ongoing threat and difficult for Canadian consular access.

• Cedars of God — Natural reserve in the northern mountains, but road access may be cut off by demonstrations or military operations.

Prepare: Do not attempt to visit; transportation routes are unstable.

• Beirut's Corniche — Waterfront promenade in the city center, now subject to potential strikes on nearby military or civilian targets.

Prepare: Do not visit; the area remains in active conflict territory.

WHERE TO STAY

Travel is not advised. If you are currently in Lebanon or have an exceptional reason for being there:

Beirut

• Hamra and Ras Beirut (Central Beirut) — Central areas with visible security presence and hotel infrastructure, but vulnerable to demonstrations and strikes on nearby targets. Power outages and fuel shortages affect accommodation.

• Downtown Beirut (CBD) — Business district with some hotels and restaurants, but traffic light interruptions due to power cuts create hazards; avoid after dark.

*Avoid: Dahiyeh (southern suburbs), all areas south of the Litani River, border regions with Syria, the Beqaa Valley, and Palestinian refugee camps.*

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy in Lebanon: Beirut office (address and phone numbers may change; verify before travel)
• Telephone: +961-1-420-247 (main) or +961-1-420-248
• For emergencies, contact the Global Affairs Canada Operations Centre: 1-800-387-3124 (24/7 from Canada)
• Note: Canadian consular assistance in many regions (southern Lebanon, camps, areas controlled by armed groups) is extremely limited or impossible due to access restrictions.

• Lebanese Emergency Services:
• Police: 112
• Ambulance: 140
• Fire: 175

• Global Affairs Canada (from outside Canada): +1-613-944-6788 (collect calls accepted).

• Registration of Canadians Abroad: Enroll at [travel.gc.ca](https://travel.gc.ca) to receive location-specific alerts and assistance information.