Following World War I, France gained command over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire’s province of Syria. The French separated out the region of Lebanon in 1920, and granted this area independence in 1943. A lengthy civil war (1975-1990) devastated the country, but Lebanon has since made progress towards rebuilding its political institutions. Under the Ta’if Accord (the blueprint for national reconciliation), the Lebanese established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater voice in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the end of the war, Lebanon has conducted several successful elections. Most militias have been reduced or disbanded, with the exception of Hizballah (designated by the US State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization) and Palestinian militant groups.

During Lebanon’s civil war, the Arab League legitimized in the Ta’if Accord the deployment of troops (a total of approximately 16,000 Syrian soldiers), based mainly east of Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000 combined with the September 2004 passage of UNSCR 1559 (a resolution calling for Syria to withdraw from Lebanon and end its interference in Lebanese affairs) encouraged some Lebanese groups to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as well. In February 2005, the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and the killing of 22 others led to massive demonstrations against the Syrian presence in Beirut (“the Cedar Revolution”), and Syria withdrew the remainder of its military forces in April 2005. In May-June of 2005, Lebanon held its first legislative elections (free of foreign interference) since the end of the civil war, handing a majority to the bloc led by Sa’ad Hariri, the slain prime minister’s son.

In July 2006, Hizballah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, leading to a 34-day conflict with Israel, during which approximately 1,200 Lebanese civilians were killed. UNSCR 1701 ended the war in August 2006, and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) was deployed throughout the country for the first time in decades. The LAF was charged with securing Lebanon’s borders against weapons smuggling and maintaining a weapons-free zone in south Lebanon, with the help of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). From May to September of 2007, the LAF battled Fatah al-Islam (a Sunni extremist group) in the Nahr al-Barid Palestinian refugee camp. The LAF won a decisive victory, but destroyed the camp and displaced 30,000 Palestinian residents.

Lebanese politicians were unable to agree upon who would succeed Emile Lahud when he stepped down as president in November 2007. This dilemma resulted in a political vacuum, until the May 2008 election of LAF Commander General Michel Sulayman, followed by the formation of a new unity government in July 2008. In June 2009, legislative elections were again victorious for the bloc led by Sa’ad Hariri; however a period of prolonged negotiation over the composition of the cabinet ensued. A national unity government was finally formed in November 2009, and approved by the National Assembly the following month. In January 2010, Lebanon assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-2011 term.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Modern medicines and medical care are widely available in Beirut and surrounding areas. However, such facilities are not always available in outlying areas. Medical services can be very expensive, and payment in advance is often required.

Due to frequent electrical power disruptions and their effects on refrigeration, it is highly recommended to maintain increased awareness when eating and drinking.

Avoid Non-Essential Travel

On January 12, 2011, Lebanon’s unity government collapsed following the resignation of 11 opposition ministers. A number of demonstrations relating to the current political situation have taken place since. While there have been no reports of injuries, some demonstrations have, in the past, led to roadblocks, the burning of tires, and the firing of weapons. In some instances, the Lebanese Armed Forces have erected checkpoints to manage protests.

Incidents in the past few years have included the formation of unofficial road barricades and checkpoints, gun battles in residential neighborhoods, grenade attacks, targeted vehicle explosions, bombings, assassinations, and shelling. Attacks have occurred in residential areas as well as places frequented by foreigners, such as commercial establishments, public places, major thoroughfares, and hotels.

Terrorism

Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats of terrorism around the globe, put foreigners at a greater risk. Travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, including those against civilian targets. There is always the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In recent years, bombings, grenade attacks, and political assassinations have taken place in different areas of Lebanon (including commercial and residential districts in and around Beirut), resulting in numerous deaths and injuring more than a hundred people. Similar incidents could occur without warning, particularly in places frequented by foreigners, such as commercial establishments, public places, hotels, and tourist sites, as well as in residential areas.

Avoid All Travel

It is advised against all travel to the following regions:

Tripoli Neighborhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al Tabbaneh

These neighborhoods are prone to inter-community violence which has resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries.

South of the Litani River (especially in areas which border Israel) 

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has deployed 15,000 peacekeepers south of the Litani River. Despite the cessation of the open conflict in 2006, this region remains highly militarized and volatile. Rocket launches occasionally occur, causing injury and death, and provoking retaliatory attacks here and elsewhere in Lebanon.

Travel permits from Lebanese authorities and/or UNIFIL may be required in order to enter parts of this region.

Forces other than the Lebanese authorities exert significant control over parts of this region.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose a significant threat, particularly in the south, despite progress in demining activities. Travelers should be aware of posted landmine warnings, and should also make sure to stay on paved roads and avoid walking or driving cross-country.

Lebanon and Israel have not agreed upon an international border. The UN-enforced “Blue Line,” which separates the two countries, has not been fully demarcated, and areas adjacent to it are often heavily mined. The areas of Ghajar, Kfarshouba Hills, and Chebaa Farms remain under dispute.

Palestinian Refugee Camps

Travel to Palestinian refugee camps is strongly discouraged, as the security situation in these areas remains tense and unpredictable. Incidents of violence are a frequent occurrence in some camps, particularly the Ein El Helwe camp (near Sidon) and the Beddawi camp (near Tripoli).

Palestinian camps are often located in close proximity to urban centers and are not always visibly demarcated. In order to avoid unknowingly entering a camp, travelers should exercise caution, and remain aware of their whereabouts at all times.

Demonstrations

Both planned and spontaneous demonstrations, related to the domestic and regional situation in Lebanon, regularly occur. Security conditions remain unpredictable. Travelers are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations, and to stay away from areas where they may take place. Demonstrations may turn violent without warning. Travelers should make sure to observe all warnings issued by Lebanese authorities and take appropriate precautions.

Crime

The crime rate is moderate. Petty crime, car thefts, and residential break-ins occur. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. Keep photocopies of all your documents safely stored at a trusted facility.

Foreigners using shared taxis have been victims of armed robberies in some Beirut neighborhoods. Where possible, arrange your transportation in advance instead of hailing taxis in the street.