Lebanon

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Terrorist attacks are likely and could occur throughout Lebanon. The greatest threat comes from extremist groups, whose presence is greatest in and around Palestinian refugee camps, in the Tripoli region, parts of the Bekaa valley and south of the Litani river. In the past, such groups have attacked Western interests and embassy officials and may do so again. Other potential targets include embassies, international hotels, businesses, fast food outlets and restaurants frequented by foreigners, including licensed premises. In November and December 2011, bombs exploded in front of two licensed restaurants and a liquor store in Tyre.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and Lebanese Government interests, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), are high priority terrorist targets. LAF and UNIFIL facilities and vehicles and places frequented by their personnel may also be targeted. In the past, there have been a number of attacks, some fatal, against both UNIFIL and the LAF. Separate attacks targeting UNIFIL vehicles occurred in May and July 2011,when roadside bombs damaged vehicles travelling in the vicinity of the southern city of Saida (between Beirut and Tyre), and a similar attack occurred in December 2011 in the vicinity of Tyre. Italian and French military personnel serving with UNIFIL were injured in these incidents.

Targets associated with the Lebanese Government, such as government institutions, senior politicians and officials, and infrastructure, including airports and public buildings, could also be attacked.

Australians could inadvertently be caught up in attacks directed at others.

In planning your activities, consider the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. In addition to the possible targets listed above, other targets could include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as buildings associated with foreign governments and companies and international organisations, embassies, Lebanese Government and military interests, hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centres, markets, promenades, bars, schools, places of worship, cinemas, outdoor recreation events, public transport and tourist areas.

Militants have mounted attacks in the lead-up to and on days of national and religious significance, but attacks could occur at any time.

Kidnapping

We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the Bekaa Valley due to the risk of kidnap. On 21 September 2011, Lebanese officials warned publicly that foreigners could be targeted and detained against their will, for ransom, by kidnappers or other militant groups, particularly in parts of the Bekaa Valley. In March 2011, seven Estonian nationals were kidnapped near Zahle in the Bekaa Valley. They were released unharmed in July 2011 but members of the group responsible are believed to remain at large. If you do decide to travel to the Bekaa Valley, you should keep to major travel routes, exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant at all times.

For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers paying ransoms increases the risk of further kidnappings.

We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Lebanon at this time due to the unpredictable security and political situation. Australians could be caught up in violence directed at others. You should pay close attention to your personal security, monitor the media for updates and follow the directions of local authorities. If you are in Lebanon, and have concerns for your safety, you should consider departing.

Violent incidents resulting in deaths and injuries have occurred throughout the country. During the period 2005-08 a number of bomb attacks and political assassinations took place throughout Lebanon. Targets included buses, an intersection and a shopping mall car park. In May 2008, dozens of people were killed in clashes between rival factions across the country. Other episodes of localised violence occurred throughout Lebanon in 2009 and 2010, resulting in injuries and deaths. In June 2011, clashes between rival communities in Jabal Mohsen and Bab el Tabbaneh (suburbs of Tripoli) resulted in a number of deaths and injuries. Further violence is possible due to ongoing political and sectarian tensions.

On 30 June 2011, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) delivered to Lebanon’s Prosecutor-General an indictment, which is reported to have contained arrest warrants for four men, all believed to be members of Hizballah. Previously, Lebanese political leaders and security officials have warned publicly that the indictments could lead to civil unrest. If you intend to travel to Lebanon you should monitor ongoing political developments, particularly in relation to the STL.

Political developments elsewhere in the region and international events may prompt large demonstrations or outbreaks of violence. Both planned and spontaneous demonstrations related to the domestic and regional situation do occur.

Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations: You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations as they may turn violent. You should stay indoors during celebratory gunfire, which often occurs after political speeches. Australians are advised to stay away from areas where violence is known to have occurred or is likely to occur. If you are in an area affected by clashes, you should stay indoors and monitor local information sources for updates on the security situation. If you become aware of nearby clashes, you should leave the area immediately if it is safe to do so.

Be prepared to depart Lebanon quickly: You should be aware that in the event of a crisis you are responsible for ensuring you are able to depart Lebanon. You should ensure that your travel documentation remains up-to-date to allow a rapid departure. This includes obtaining passports for children born in Lebanon and ensuring that any family members that wish to travel with you have a current passport. If violence escalates, departure options may be severely limited. You should not expect the Australian Government will be in a position to facilitate your immediate departure.

Southern Lebanon: We strongly advise you not to travel south of the Litani River. An exchange of rocket and artillery fire across the Lebanese/Israeli border occurred on 29 November 2011. Previously, a border clash between the IDF and LAF occurred on 1 August 2011. The security situation in the area of the Lebanon-Israel border could deteriorate without notice and further conflict could occur. Rocket attacks launched from Lebanon could provoke retaliatory attacks throughout Lebanon.

Israeli forces remain in the southern border town of Ghajar and there are ongoing tensions in the surrounding region. This has led to occasional cross-border artillery strikes. While the presence of the LAF and UN forces in southern Lebanon has led to a general improvement in the security environment, further clashes could occur. As highlighted by the conflict between Israel and Hizballah in 2006, the security situation could change without notice and Australians could be caught up in any violence directed at others. You should avoid any areas where military activity is ongoing.

Palestinian refugee camps: We strongly advise you not to travel to Palestinian refugee camps in any part of Lebanon. Extremist groups are known to operate inside the camps. The security situation in the camps is unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning. The Lebanese state has no formal security presence in the camps and they experience high levels of crime. There are frequent armed clashes between rival factions within some of the camps.

Although crime in Lebanon is moderate by international standards, crime rates have increased in recent times, particularly the incidence of vehicle crime, bag snatching (including by youths riding motorbikes), home break-ins and armed robberies. Petty crime has increased.

Caution should be exercised when travelling in service (shared) taxis. There have been reports of armed robberies of foreign passengers travelling in service (shared) taxis in which victims were diverted to isolated locations where they were robbed at gunpoint.

Before you travel, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which currency is most appropriate to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. Both US Dollars and Lebanese Lira (also known as Lebanese Pounds) are accepted throughout Lebanon.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

There are modest standards of dress and behaviour in parts of Lebanon, particularly at religious sites. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims during Ramadan.

Public displays of affection may cause offence in conservative and religious areas.

Some hotels may refuse accommodation to couples who are unable to provide proof of marriage.

Lebanon recognises dual nationality, but Lebanese citizenship takes precedence over the second nationality. If you are an Australian/Lebanese dual national you will be treated as a Lebanese national by Lebanese authorities. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Lebanese dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

Dual citizens re-entering Lebanon on their Lebanese passport/identity document should ensure their Lebanese documentation is in order and that all entry requirements are met. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Lebanon for the most up-to-date information.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Lebanon is in an active earthquake zone.

Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months in Lebanon (usually June to September), particularly in heavily forested areas. You should avoid fire affected areas and monitor the media for the latest information.

Sand and dust storms are common and may pose health risks, especially to people with respiratory problems.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas, we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.