Travel support for members leaving, working, or staying abroad.

Lebanon - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travelto Lebanon due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict. Do not travel to Lebanon for any reason. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Lebanon due to the 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. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. U.S. citizens in Lebanon are advised to take similar precautions.  Due to safety risks, only family members 21 years of age or older may join U.S. government employees who work in Lebanon.   Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration FAA advises caution for flights operating in the airspace within 200 nautical miles of the Damascus Flight Information Region 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 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 your 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, 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.  Do not travel to these areas for any reason.  U.S. citizens in these areas should leave immediately.