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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Lebanon...
Terrorism
Travellers should be aware of the threat of terrorism globally and should read this travel advice in conjunction with the General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Travellers in Lebanon are advised to exercise extreme caution. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against Western interests in the region, including in Lebanon. Possible terrorist targets include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as - but not limited to - premises and buildings associated with foreign governments and companies, embassies, hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centres, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas. Infrastructure associated with the Lebanese Government such as airports and public buildings is also a potential terrorist target. In addition to terrorist attacks such as bombings, kidnapping of Westerners is also possible. Past events such as the bombings of the British Council and American franchises (including popular fast-food outlets), the murder of a US citizen in Sidon and the attack on a foreign missionary in Tripoli underline the potent!ial for Western interests in Lebanon to be targeted.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
Travellers are advised to avoid visiting Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon which are the scene of frequent gun battles, murders and explosions.
Travellers are advised to defer non-essential travel to the border areas of southern Lebanon. The Lebanese movement, Hizbollah, is engaged in periodic attacks on Israeli Defence Force targets in the disputed Shebaa Farms area of the Golan Heights and elsewhere along the southern border. There is a risk of travellers being caught up in retaliatory Israeli air strikes on targets in these areas.
The political environment remains tense following the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Hariri on 14 February 2005. Travellers should monitor the media for developments that might affect their safety.
In March/April 2005, a series of bomb attacks occurred, mostly in predominantly Christian areas, in and around Beirut, resulting in a number of deaths and further attacks are likely.
Political assassinations continue to occur in Lebanon, including through the use of car bombs. Such incidents can lead to retaliatory attacks or other violence. Bystanders can be caught up in these attacks.
Political demonstrations occur and have involved firearms in the past.
Israeli military aircraft often overfly parts of Lebanon, including Beirut, breaking the sound barrier. This can often be confused with the sound of a detonation.
Local Conditions
There is a highly visible armed security presence throughout Lebanon, including at road check points, especially in the south. Travellers should ensure that they always carry full personal documentation and obey the instructions of security personnel.
Road travel is dangerous due to inadequate maintenance of roads and local driving practices. Snow and ice compound the danger in winter.
Landmines are numerous throughout Lebanon with the highest concentration in the south of the country. Minefields are not always clearly marked and those that are can shift away from signage. Travellers should seek advice from local residents, stay on paved roads and avoid walking or driving cross-country.
Lebanon is in an active seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes. In the event of a natural disaster local authorities will provide advice.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include mandatory prison sentences. Serious crimes such as murder and treason carry the death penalty.
Homosexual acts are illegal.
Access to some areas of Lebanon is restricted and photographing or video taping military personnel or installations, government buildings and major civilian infrastructure (such as power stations) may prompt the detention of the individual concerned and/or the confiscation of photographic equipment by the Lebanese security forces.
Travellers are advised to dress and behave modestly, consistent with local custom and sensitivities, including at tourist sites in Sidon, Tyre, Baalbeck and Tripoli, and in the Hizbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut.
The use of reduced-price call-back telephone systems is illegal in Lebanon and cards or accounts purchased abroad cannot be used while travelling in the country.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, Travellers should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Afghanistan well in advance of travel.
Travellers to Lebanon with passports or other documentation, including airline tickets, containing evidence of entry to or intended travel to Israel, or other country border crossing points with Israel, will be refused entry to Lebanon.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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