Lebanon

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Airstrikes are ongoing — missiles and drones have struck targets; airstrikes could resume across Lebanon, particularly in southern Lebanon, Beirut's southern suburbs (Dahiyeh), the Beqaa Valley, and Palestinian refugee camps.

Prepare: Do not travel. If already in Lebanon, register with Registration of Canadians Abroad and prepare an independent departure plan without relying on Canadian government assistance.

• Terrorism threat is active and widespread — attacks involving explosives, rockets, and mortars occur across the country; targets include airports, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, schools, and places frequented by foreigners, especially in Beirut.

Prepare: Avoid all public gatherings, crowded markets, and known tourist sites; stay in secure accommodation and monitor local media continuously.

• Armed groups control territory — the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and the border region with Syria are controlled by armed groups engaged in drug and weapons smuggling; kidnappings and violent clashes occur regularly.

Prepare: Avoid Beirut's southern suburbs entirely, do not travel to the Beqaa Valley, and do not approach the Syria border under any circumstances.

• Kidnapping risk is real — foreigners have been targeted in border areas with Syria, the Beqaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut; most incidents involve Lebanese nationals, but Canadians are not exempt.

Prepare: Maintain high visibility of your location; share your itinerary with someone in Canada and check in regularly.

• Violent crime, shooting incidents, and sexual assault occur regularly — petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching, car theft) is common; shooting incidents at gas stations have killed civilians; violent crime and sexual assault also happen.

Prepare: Keep valuables and passport secure; avoid walking alone after dark; do not carry large sums of cash; be aware of your surroundings in busy areas.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest are frequent and unpredictable — planned and spontaneous protests occur regularly in Beirut related to domestic and regional situations; peaceful gatherings can turn violent at any moment and cause airport and road closures.

Prepare: Avoid all areas with demonstrations; allow extra time for airport travel and monitor local media hourly for disruptions.

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain in the ground — these are present south of the Litani River and in the northeastern border regions (Beqaa and Baalbek-Hermel governorates).

Prepare: Do not walk, hike, or leave marked paths in these areas; look for and obey posted landmine warnings.

• Celebratory gunfire is common and deadly — firing weapons to celebrate occurs during New Year's Eve and political events; injuries and deaths from stray bullets have occurred at significant distances.

Prepare: During holidays and political events, stay indoors and away from windows; do not go outside during celebratory periods.

HEALTH

• No active disease outbreak requiring quarantine — the Ebola outbreak affecting certain African regions may trigger entry screening for recent travel to those countries, but Lebanon itself is not an affected zone.

Prepare: If you have recently visited an Ebola-affected country, inform Lebanese health authorities upon entry and be prepared for health screening.

• Routine vaccines are recommended — ensure tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and polio are current; yellow fever vaccine is not required unless you are arriving from an endemic country.

Prepare: Visit a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure and get a yellow fever certificate if required by Lebanon.

• Malaria risk is low to absent — malaria transmission is not a significant concern in Lebanon, particularly in urban areas like Beirut.

Prepare: No antimalarial medication needed; use insect repellent during evening and night hours to prevent other mosquito-borne illness.

• Medical care is limited by power cuts and fuel shortages — hospitals experience frequent power outages and may lack essential medicines and supplies due to economic crisis and ongoing conflict.

Prepare: Carry a full supply of any prescription medications, a comprehensive first-aid kit, and medical evacuation insurance; do not plan on obtaining routine medications in Lebanon.

• Water safety is compromised — municipal water supply is unreliable; drink only bottled water and avoid ice made from tap water.

Prepare: Buy bottled water before arriving and verify the seal is intact; use bottled water to brush teeth.

• Food hygiene standards are inconsistent — street food and restaurants in less-regulated areas carry higher risk of foodborne illness.

Prepare: Eat only at established, well-reviewed restaurants; avoid street vendors; wash hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer.

VISA & ENTRY

• Visa required in advance — Canadian citizens need a Lebanese visa; it is not available visa-free or on arrival.

Prepare: Apply for a visa at the Lebanese embassy in Ottawa or a Lebanese consulate well in advance; processing can be slow and unpredictable during periods of unrest.

• Passport validity of at least 6 months — your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date.

Prepare: Renew your passport now if it expires within 6 months of your planned travel.

• Airport access is unpredictable — Rafic Hariri International Airport experiences sporadic closures due to airstrikes, clashes, and security incidents; flights are frequently cancelled.

Prepare: Do not book non-refundable flights; purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation and evacuation; have an alternative exit strategy ready.

• Entry screening for Ebola exposure — if you have recently visited an Ebola-affected country, Lebanese authorities may screen you and impose quarantine or isolation if you show symptoms.

Prepare: Declare any recent travel to affected regions; carry proof of vaccination or a negative test if applicable.

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

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Photography of military installations is a serious crime — filming, photographing, or sharing online images of military installations, activity, or damage can result in severe penalties under local law enforcement.

Prepare: Do not photograph government buildings, military checkpoints, armed personnel, damaged structures, or any sign of military activity; delete any images taken accidentally.

• LGBTQ+ persons face severe criminalization and violence — Lebanese law criminalizes sexual acts "contradicting the laws of nature" and "a man disguising as a woman"; 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face arrest, imprisonment, discrimination, blackmail, and physical violence.

Prepare: If you are 2SLGBTQI+, reconsider this trip entirely; if you must travel, use extreme caution, avoid dating apps, do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity, and keep a low profile.

• Online dating and social media pose blackmail and extortion risks — predators use dating applications and websites to threaten, extort, and blackmail vulnerable individuals, including 2SLGBTQI+ persons.

Prepare: Avoid dating apps and do not meet online acquaintances; do not share personal details or images online.

• Alcohol is available but conservative Islamic customs apply — alcohol is legal and sold in restaurants and hotels, but public drunkenness is culturally offensive and may attract unwanted attention.

Prepare: Drink alcohol only in private settings or in established bars within hotels; never consume alcohol in public spaces.

• Modesty in dress is culturally important — while Beirut is relatively liberal compared to other parts of the region, modest clothing is expected in more conservative areas and religious sites.

Prepare: Wear long pants or long skirts and cover shoulders, especially outside Beirut.

• Religious holidays and customs are significant — Ramadan (fasting month), Eid, and Christian holidays affect business hours, restaurant availability, and public behaviour.

Prepare: Check the lunar calendar for Ramadan dates; expect reduced services and avoid eating or drinking in public during fasting hours in Muslim areas.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Lebanese pound (LBP), but the economy is in deep crisis — the pound has lost 95% of its value since 2019; inflation is extreme; the black market exchange rate differs drastically from the official rate.

Prepare: Carry US dollars (USD) in cash; exchange money only at banks or reputable exchange offices; expect prices to be quoted in USD in tourist areas; do not rely on credit cards as ATM access and card acceptance are unreliable.

• Power outages are frequent and prolonged — electricity is rationed and subject to frequent blackouts lasting hours; telecommunications, banking, and hospitals are affected.

Prepare: Keep a torch (flashlight), portable phone charger, and backup power bank; charge all devices during daylight or when power is available.

• Mobile phone and internet service is available but unreliable — local SIM cards are available from providers like Alfa and Touch, and eSIM may be available; service drops during power cuts and periods of heavy military activity.

Prepare: Buy a local SIM upon arrival for backup communication; register with your embassy and carry a satellite communicator or backup phone if staying long-term.

• Tipping is expected but not mandatory — 10% is standard in restaurants if a service charge is not included; round up for taxis.

Prepare: Carry small bills in USD or LBP for tipping; ask if a service charge is already added.

• Public transportation is unsafe; use only reputable taxis — shared "service" taxis and buses are crowded, unreliable, and targets for armed robbery; foreigners have been robbed by drivers and passengers.

Prepare: Use only officially marked taxis from reputable companies arranged through your hotel; do not hail taxis on the street or use shared taxis.

• Road safety is extremely poor — aggressive driving, lack of traffic law enforcement, poor lighting, and power cuts affecting traffic lights create hazardous conditions; road rage incidents and accidents are common.

Prepare: Avoid driving; do not rent a car; hire a driver through your hotel or a known company if you must travel outside your accommodation.

• Fuel shortages are common; gas stations may close unexpectedly — prices are high and supplies sporadic due to conflict and economic crisis.

Prepare: Ask your hotel to arrange all transportation in advance; do not plan on spontaneously finding a gas station or refueling.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Summer is extremely hot (July–August exceed 35°C / 95°F); winters are mild but wet — spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable weather.

Prepare: If you insist on traveling, plan for April–May or September–October; pack light, breathable clothing and sunscreen for summer; bring rain gear for winter.

• Do not visit at this time — the active military conflict makes any travel unsafe regardless of season.

Prepare: Postpone all travel indefinitely until the Government of Canada lifts the "Avoid all travel" advisory.

TOP SIGHTS

Given the current security situation, sightseeing is not advisable. The following sites are historically significant but are inaccessible or dangerous under present conditions:

• Cedars of God (Cedars of Lebanon National Park) — UNESCO World Heritage site in the northern mountains featuring ancient cedar forests; currently inaccessible due to road closures and military activity.

• Baalbek (Heliopolis ruins) — Roman temple complex in the Beqaa Valley; currently in a conflict zone with ongoing military activity and is off-limits.

• Byblos (Jbeil) — ancient Phoenician port city north of Beirut with a medieval Crusader castle; road access is unpredictable and the site is not secure.

• National Museum of Beirut — houses artifacts spanning Lebanese and Mediterranean history; located in central Beirut but closed or operating irregularly due to security concerns.

• Corniche and Pigeon Rocks (Beirut waterfront) — scenic coastal walk and limestone rock formations; historically popular but now unsafe due to nearby armed group presence and potential for stray gunfire.

WHERE TO STAY

Beirut

• Downtown Beirut (Central District) — the reconstructed city centre with hotels, restaurants, and shops; relatively more secure than southern suburbs but remains a target for terrorism and is subject to demonstrations and road closures.
• Achrafieh — historically Christian neighbourhood east of downtown with established hotels and restaurants; more stable than some areas but demonstrations and airstrikes can still occur nearby.
• Hamra and Ras Beirut — predominantly residential neighbourhoods with some hotels and cafes, historically liberal; situated away from the southern suburbs but still exposed to city-wide security risks and power cuts.

Do not stay in: Southern suburbs (Dahiyeh), Palestinian refugee camps, or areas near the airport, as these are frequent airstrike targets and are controlled by armed groups.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy in Lebanon — Beirut; contact details are available at [Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca) under "Travel Advice and Advisories." During active conflict, consular services are severely limited and the embassy may not be able to assist with evacuation.

Prepare: Register with Registration of Canadians Abroad immediately; save the embassy phone number and email; do not rely on the embassy for departure assistance.

• Local Emergency Services:
• Police: 112
• Ambulance / Fire: 140

• Government of Canada 24/7 Emergency Line: 1-800-387-3124 (call collect from outside Canada if needed).

Prepare: Save all three numbers; call Canada's emergency line before attempting to contact local police, as the line can provide real-time guidance on the security situation and evacuation options.

FINAL ADVISORY: The Government of Canada strongly advises against all travel to Lebanon. If you are already in Lebanon, register with the Canadian embassy and prepare an immediate departure plan that does not rely on government assistance. Conditions can deteriorate without warning. Do not travel.