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Lebanon

Review the latest State Department Travel Advisory about Lebanon. Do not travel to Lebanon for any reason. U.S. citizens are at risk due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, and limited health facilities.

Learn more about U.S. and Lebanon relations at State.gov

Travel advisory - Lebanese Republic

Level 4 - Do not travel

Date issued: May 06, 2026 -
  • Crime (C)
  • Terrorism (T)
  • Unrest (U)
  • Kidnapping or Hostage Taking (K)
  • Other (O)

Do not travel

to Lebanon for any reason due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict. 

Advisory summary

On February 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to depart Lebanon due to safety risks.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions 

  • U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel are restricted from personal travel throughout Lebanon without advance permission.
  • Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.
  • Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Lebanon.
  • The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Lebanon due to safety risks.
  • The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.

Aviation Safety

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Damascus Flight Information Region (FIR).
  • The FAA advises caution for flights operating in the airspace within 200 nautical miles of the Damascus FIR due to heightened military activity in or around Syria.
  • For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Crime

  • There is risk of non-violent crime throughout Lebanon.
  • Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Lebanon. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

  • Terrorist groups, including Hizballah, IRGC, ISIS, and Hamas, continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. 
  • Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

Kidnapping and hostage-taking

There is an ongoing risk of kidnapping and hostage-taking in Lebanon. Local authorities have warned that foreign nationals may be targeted.

  • Americans and other travelers – including tourists, humanitarian workers, journalists, and business professionals – may be viewed as targets of opportunity. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, the reason for you being in Lebanon is unlikely to offer protection.

Unrest

  • Drone and missile strikes can occur throughout Lebanon, including in Beirut.
  • Hostilities can disrupt commercial flights, up to and including the infrastructure for accessing the international airport.

Landmines

  • Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Lebanon.
  • Areas of greatest risk are the border with Syria, south of the Litani river, and refugee settlements.
  • The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize. 

Risks in specific areas

Expand all

Level: 4 - Do not travel

Southern Lebanon

Southern Lebanon is very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

The border with Syria

The border with Syria is very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict.

The Dahiyeh and areas of southern Beirut

The Dahiyeh and areas of southern Beirut are very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict.

Refugee settlements

Refugee settlements are very dangerous due to risk of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict.

For U.S. citizens in Lebanon:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Lebanon.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Do not accept drinks from strangers at bars and nightclubs.
  • Choose one family member to serve as the point of contact. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, that person can communicate with kidnappers or hostage-takers, media, U.S. or foreign government agencies, and members of Congress.
  • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Consider hiring a professional security organization.
  • Review our information on travel to High-Risk Areas, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Lebanon.
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  • Prepare a will and end of life disposition instructions.
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
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Travel advisory levels
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  1. Exercise normal precautions
  2. Exercise increased caution
  3. Reconsider travel
  4. Do not travel
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About Lebanon

Lebanon is located in Asia, in the Northern Hemisphere. It has maritime borders with the Mediterranean Sea. It also shares land borders with Israel and Syria.

Lebanon is about one-third the size of Maryland. There is 1 time zone. Lebanon is 7 hours ahead of Washington, D.C. during Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Travel requirements

Tourist visa requirements

  • A tourist visa is required. You must apply for a visa before you travel.
  • No Israeli stamps or visas.

Vaccinations

  • No vaccinations are required.

Valid passport requirements

  • Your passport must be valid at the time of entry.
  • Must have 90 days validity beyond your arrival date.
  • 1 blank page available per stamp.

Currency on entry and exit

  • No entry or exit currency restrictions.

Tips from the U.S. embassy

  • U.S. travelers with passports showing visas or entry/exit stamps for Israel cannot enter Lebanon. They may be subject to arrest or detention. Travelers may be arrested or held if past visits to Israel become known, even if their travel documents do not indicate prior travel to Israel.
  • Do Not Travel to Lebanon for any reason due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict.
  • Visit our website for information on travel to High-Risk Areas.
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Travel guidance for Lebanon

Explore our travel guidance topics to prepare for your trip abroad.

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Entry, exit, and visa requirements

Helpful resources

Traveling with children

  • Always bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate or other evidence of your legal relationship to each child.
  • If a parent is traveling alone with a child, you must provide a notarized consent letter from the absent parent. Otherwise, you must show proof of sole custody.
  • If you have concerns that your child may be abducted abroad by their other parent or guardian, review our information on how to prevent an international parental child abduction. You can also review our information on Parental Child Abduction in Lebanon.
  • Review our information on Traveling with Minors.

HIV and AIDS restrictions

  • The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV and AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Lebanon.

Currency

  • The Lebanese Pound is the official currency of Lebanon, but the economy is largely dollarized.
  • Many tourist establishments accept credit cards, usually requiring a large additional fee.  Be prepared to pay bills in cash.

Safety and security

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

  • Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
  • Places of worship
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Shopping malls and markets
  • Commercial flights
  • Public transportation 

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place without prior notification, in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

  • Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
  • Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Crime rates in Lebanon are moderate but increasing.

  • Violent crimes and sexual assaults are uncommon but can happen.
  • Petty theft is more common in busy public places. It includes pickpocketing and purse snatching.
  • The economic crisis has caused an increase in crime. Home break-ins and car thefts are on the rise.
  • Police respond to incidents, but they often struggle to resolve them effectively.

Safety tips:

  • Do not carry large amounts of cash while on streets.
  • Keep important documents such as passports and valuables in hotel safes or other secure locations.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Scams are common in Lebanon. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

  • People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
  • People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
  • Romance and online dating
  • Money transfers
  • Property sales or offers
  • Grandparent and relative targeting
  • Free trip or luggage
  • Lotteries
  • Inheritance notices
  • Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.

The U.S. embassy can:

  • Replace a stolen or lost passport.
  • Help you find medical care.
  • Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
  • Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
  • Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
  • Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
  • Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

  • U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for help.
  • Report these crimes by visiting the nearest police.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

  • Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
  • Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
  • Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
  • Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

  • Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
  • Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
  • Staff may not be trained or certified.
  • If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
  • First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
  • U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
  • Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.

  • In certain areas, taking photos of government or military buildings or other infrastructure has led to questioning and detention.
  • Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Lebanon can be significant. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and large fines.
  • You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law.  Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
  • Before you start a business or a profession in Lebanon seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

  • People linked to the former South Lebanon Army (SLA) militia and who left Lebanon should be aware that authorities have detained alleged former SLA members upon their arrival. They faced safety threats, even after Lebanese officials and lawyers promised them a safe return.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

  • They may be illegal according to local laws.
  • Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
  • You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

Gay and lesbian travelers

Same-sex relationships in Lebanon are criminalized. They are punishable by up to 1 year in prison.

  • Authorities have arrested gay and lesbian individuals for minor offenses. They then charged them with violation of same-sex relations laws.
  • There has been a rise in anti-gay and anti-lesbian rhetoric from political and religious leaders. There is also an increase in online harassment, violence, and threats of violence.
  • Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

  • The law in Lebanon prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is not enforced.
  • Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure. 
  • Accessibility is common in the Beirut area. Some transportation companies do provide accessible services.  Events and activities are rarely accessible.
  • The best way to find assistance is to contact organizations for people with disabilities. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to receive a list of providers.
  • Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

Women travelers

  • In marriage, child custody, inheritance, and divorce, personal status laws treat women unequally.  Different confessional court systems often discriminate against women.
  • Nationality law also discriminates against women. It may not grant citizenship to their spouse and children.
  • Review our information for Marriage, Women Travelers, and Victims of Crime.

Human rights

  • Reports widely describe prison conditions as harsh and dangerous, involving food shortages, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions.
  • Authorities sometimes use various laws, including cybercrime statutes, to prosecute individuals, journalists, and bloggers for what they expressed online. Review our travel tips for Journalists.
  • Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

Emergency phone numbers

  • Dial 112 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

  • Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
  • Injured or seriously ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own care to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

  • The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
  • U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
  • Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
  • Medical care is not free in Lebanon. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
  • Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
  • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthcare facilities

  • Health facilities are available in Beirut. It may be harder to find adequate healthcare in rural areas.
  • The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
  • Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
  • Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
  • Medical staff may speak little or no English.

Prescription medications

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

  • Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
  • Check with the Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Lebanon.
  • Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.

For more information:

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

  • Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Lebanon. For additional information, visit the Government of Lebanon’s website for information on Reproductive Health Services.

Water quality and food safety

  • Tap water is not safe to drink.
  • Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
  • Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
  • Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

  • Beirut streets and highway lanes are known for their heavy traffic congestion.
  • Lanes are generally unmarked. Roads outside of Beirut may not be well lit.

Traffic laws

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for visitors to Lebanon.
  • Drivers must carry a valid driver’s permit, registration, and proof of insurance while driving. 
  • Beirut roads have a pattern of aggressive driving. Drivers are not used to sharing roads with cyclists.

Taxis and ride-shares

  • Taxis and ride-share services are widely available.
  • Public transportation is safe. Buses operate throughout Lebanon.

Public and commercial transportation

Aviation safety oversight

  • The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Lebanon’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Damascus Flight Information Region (FIR).

Maritime Travel

The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of Lebanon. Mariners and passengers traveling through Lebanon’s ports should exercise caution and implement enhanced security measures.

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Lebanon should check the following:

Weather and natural disasters

Floods

Floods are most common during the winter months from November to March.  Heavy rainfall can lead to flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas and near riverbanks.

  • Emergency response is coordinated by the Disaster Risk Management Unit (DRMU).

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

Embassies and consulates

U.S. Embassy Beirut

Jmeil Street, Awkar
Beirut, Lebanon

Facing the Awkar Municipality Building

Main telephone:

+961-4-543-600

Emergency after-hours:

+961-4-543-600

Email:

BeirutACS@state.gov

Fax:

+961-4-544-209

Website: https://lb.usembassy.gov/

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Last Updated: May 14, 2026

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