Lebanon

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

On January 3, 2020, an Iranian senior commander and Iraqi paramilitary leaders were killed in a US airstrike near Baghdad International Airport. On 8 January, Iran fired missiles against two military bases in Iraq. Iranian authorities have also acknowledged responsibility for the shooting down of a Ukrainian International Airlines flight shortly after take-off from Tehran on 8 January. Be alert and monitor media for the latest update.

Political changes in the region and international events may prompt large demonstrations or violence. Planned and on-the-spot demonstrations happen.

The ongoing conflict in Syria is affecting stability in Lebanon. Violent incidents related to Syria occur across Lebanon, including:

• car bombs
• improvised explosive device (IED) attacks
• rocket attacks

Anti-government protests occur. Some have escalated into clashes between protesters and security forces.

Authorities use various measures to break up crowds, including:

• water cannons
• tear gas 
• live ammunition

This has resulted in injuries.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. You could be caught in violence directed at others.

During civil unrest:

• avoid all crowds, protests and demonstrations
• pay close attention to your personal security
• monitor the media and other sources for news on planned and possible actions
• avoid areas where violence has occurred or is likely to occur
• plan your activities to avoid potential unrest on days of national significance
• be prepared to change your travel plans in case of disruptions

If you’re in an area affected by clashes:

Stay indoors during celebratory gunfire, which often happens during and after political speeches.

If transport disruptions affect your travel plans, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.

Leave Lebanon if you’re concerned about your safety.

More information:

Beirut

In Beirut, protests sometimes close main highways. Groups protest against:

• government policies
• the situation in Syria
• the security environment

Civil unrest can affect the highways between central Beirut and the international airport.

Southern suburbs (Dahiyeh region) of Beirut

Reconsider travelling to the Dahiyeh region, including:

• the area between the Camille Chamoun Sports Stadium and the airport
• east of the main airport road
• west of the airport highway to the coast
• south from Adnon El Hakim Road to Abbas El Mousawi Road

This area does not include the main airport road (Hafez El Assad).

In November 2015, 2 suicide bomb attacks occurred outside a mosque and a bakery in Borj el Barajne. At least 43 people died. More than 200 were wounded. Security in the area is still unstable.

Palestinian refugee camps

Don’t visit Palestinian refugee camps in any part of Lebanon.

Extremist groups operate inside camps. The security situation is uncertain and could get worse without warning.

The Lebanese state has no formal security presence in the camps. Armed clashes between rival groups happen. Violent crime is common.

Tripoli and northern Lebanon

Don’t go to Tripoli’s Jabal Mohsen and Bab-al-Tabbaneh neighbourhoods. Violent clashes in the early stages of the Syrian conflict killed more than 200 people. Although violence mostly ended in late 2014, the risk of civil unrest is still high.

In 2019, a lone wolf terrorist attack in Tripoli killed four members of the security service.

Lebanese authorities say extremists have taken refuge in northern Lebanon, including throughout the Akkar district.

North-eastern Beka’a Valley

Avoid the north-eastern Beka’a Valley region, extending east and north from Rayak. This includes:

• Hermel-Baalbek region
• the towns Arsal, El Qaa and Ras Baalbek

Clashes between Lebanese security forces and militants are possible.

The conflict in Syria has led to regular violent incidents in these areas, including:

• suicide bombings
• air raids
• rocket attacks
• IED attacks
• kidnappings

Other parts of the Beka’a Valley

Take extra care in the Beka’a valley, south of Zahle and Rayak, where the security environment is uncertain.

In August 2016, a roadside bomb exploded in Zahle. It killed 2 people and injured many others.

Regions within 5km of the Syrian border

Don’t travel within 5km of the border with Syria, including:

• north of the Halba-Qoubaiyat road northern Akkar
• Arsal
• Hermel Wadi Khaled
• the Golan Heights
• Shebaa Farms

The conflict in Syria has led to repeated violent incidents in these areas.

Southern Lebanon

Don’t travel south of the Litani River, except to the city of Tyre. The threat of armed conflict is high.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) maintains peacekeeping activities south of the Litani due to ongoing tensions.

Tyre has experienced recent security incidents. If you visit Tyre:

• pay close attention to your personal security
• monitor the media for changes
• follow the advice of local authorities

When entering and exiting Tyre, don’t stray from the main highway north of the city.

Israeli forces are in the southern border town of Ghajar. There are still tensions in the surrounding region, including the Shebaa Farms. Shelling has been reported.

Although the presence of Lebanese Armed Forces and United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon has improved security, more clashes could occur. The situation could change quickly.

You could be caught up in violence directed at others.

Avoid areas where military activity is ongoing. Be ready to leave at short notice.

Sidon

Be extra careful in the city of Sidon. It has a history of violence between Lebanese armed forces and local militia.

Don’t visit the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein El-Hilweh. Use of heavy weapons and snipers has been reported there. Many people have been killed or injured.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government