Lebanon

Lebanonhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/lebanonLebanonhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/middle-east/lebanon/lebanon-obeying-the-local-laws-and-getting-around-safelyFind out how to avoid crime and stay within the law while traveling in Lebanon. Some laws are strict, so this is what you need to know before you go.2019-01-03T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/lebanon/lebanon-obeying-the-local-laws-and-getting-around-safelyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Crime in Lebanon</h2> <p>The majority of Lebanese locals are friendly and willingly extend their hospitality to travelers. Most trips are trouble free however travelers may experience petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from vehicles. As you would anywhere, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secured at all times. Don't leave anything of value in your hire car and keep valuables out of sight while driving around. Keep your bag away from the roadside if walking around in case of a drive-by snatch and grab.<br /><br />If using a taxi whether hailing from the street or booking one, make sure it's from a licensed, reputable company. Ask your hotel or hostel which are the best ones. There have been reports of people being assaulted and/or robbed in share taxis, try to avoid using these services.<br /><br />On occasions, kidnappings of foreign nationals have occurred in the Bekaa Valley area, Beirut and border regions. Be aware of who is around you and your surroundings as you travel.</p> <h2>7 local laws in Lebanon</h2> <p>In the excitement of mapping out your itinerary, do not neglect the necessity of familiarizing yourself with the local laws.</p> <p>Remember that when traveling abroad, you are always subject to local laws. Serious violations may result in jail or death sentence. The sentences are served in local prisons with long delays for foreigners requesting legal assistance from their home country.<br /><br />Always carry your ID with you when traveling throughout Lebanon as there are often security check points.</p> <h3>Politics and religion</h3> <p>First and foremost, it is critical that you take care to avoid any discussions centering on politics or religion. Consider that Lebanon is home to a wide variety of ethnic and religious groups and any comment, although innocent in nature, might be taken as an offense.</p> <h3>Israel</h3> <p>Issues between Lebanon and Israel are deep-rooted and complex. With this in mind, it is essential to note that it is considered a very serious offense for anyone of Lebanese descent to have visited Israel. Additionally, if your passport contains Israeli stamps you may be refused entry to Lebanon even if you hold a valid Lebanese visa.</p> <h3>Child custody</h3> <p>Parents traveling with children should consider the risks involved in visiting Lebanon, particularly in cases where one or more family members hold Lebanese citizenship. A "stop order" can be utilized by Lebanese authorities at the request of family members to prevent children from leaving the country.</p> <p>Lebanon is not a signatory to the Hague Convention regarding International Child Abduction and your home country laws are not recognized in Lebanon.</p> <p>Keep in mind that if children are traveling without their father (even if the mother is accompanying them) the Lebanese immigration authorities may ask for proof that permission to travel has been granted by the father of the children.</p> <h3>Dress and behavior</h3> <p>Lebanon is comprised of a mix of Muslims and Christians. In many areas of the country, you will find dress codes more relaxed than in other countries of the region especially at the coastal beach clubs, but in other parts of Lebanon it's not acceptable.</p> <p>Always dress conservatively when visiting sites of religious significance such as mosques or churches, and be mindful of the expectations of the local people, particuarly in more rural areas. Sleeveless garments, short skirts and shorts should be avoided.</p> <p>During Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in public places between the hours of sunrise and sunset may be considered offensive.</p> <h3>Photography</h3> <p>It's prohibited to photograph or videotape any government buildings or military personnel, equipment and installations. Taking photographs in areas with a Hezbollah presence may lead to detention and questioning. To be on the safe side, limit your picture taking to tourist areas only.</p> <h3>Drugs</h3> <p>It's illegal to buy, sell or possess any sort of drug. Doing so may result in a lengthy jail sentence. Additionally, those charged with drug offenses can expect to be denied bail while awaiting prosecution.</p> <h3>Homosexuality</h3> <p>Homosexual activity is illegal and anyone caught engaging in such behavior could face a jail sentence of up to a year.</p>Getty Images/ramzihachicho 1461976569 Getty Images Beirut downtown cityscape and Mohammad al amin mosque

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/middle-east/lebanon/terrorism-watch-in-lebanonAre Lebanon's borders open? Find out how coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions may affect your trip.2020-08-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/middle-east/lebanon/terrorism-watch-in-lebanonhttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Lebanon – updated 14 January 2021</h2> <p><span><span>Land and sea borders will close between 14 January and 25 January. </span><br /><br />From Thursday 7 January 2021, travelers to Lebanon </span><span>must</span><span><span> </span>take a PCR test at Beirut International Airport on arrival </span><span>before</span><span><span> </span>quarantining for one week. The first 72 hours of quarantine must be spent at a Government of Lebanon-approved hotel. </span><span>Only when you receive a</span><span><span> </span>negative</span><span> test result can<span> </span></span><span>you move to your accommodation</span><span> where you<span> </span></span><span>must continue to quarantine before taking another PCR test (that you must arrange yourself) a week after your arrival. </span><span>When</span><span><span> </span>both tests are negative, you may leave quarantine. </span>Commercial flights have resumed from 1 July at a limited capacity.</p> <p>Passengers must fill out <a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/988ba32e1b634902ba3b14c3e4f1614d">a health declaration form</a> online before departure, and have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued no more than 96 hours before arrival. Requirements may differ depending on where you are arriving from – check with your airline for the latest information.</p> <p>Upon arrival, everyone will be required to take another PCR test.</p> <p>Foreign travelers must have a travel insurance policy that covers costs of treatment or COVID-19. An insurance policy can alternatively be obtained upon arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut.</p> <p>Restrictions apply in Lebanon, and you must follow the advice of authorities. Stay up to date with the <a href="https://www.moph.gov.lb/">latest information</a>.</p> <p>On 4 August, a large explosion in the port area of Beirut caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. Beirut has been declared a disaster zone, and a state of emergency remains in place until 18 September. Be prepared for significant delays and disruption to transport, and be aware of hazards that pose a serious risk to your safety.</p> <p><strong><a href="/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs" target="_blank" title="Coronavirus FAQs">Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak? Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19</a>.</strong></p> <h2>Previous travel alerts for Lebanon</h2> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Protests in Lebanon – October 2019</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Protests in Lebanon – October 2019</h2> <p>Enormous crowds are protesting on the streets of Lebanon, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/lebanon-protests-latest-updates-191021080734203.html" target="_blank" title="Al Jazeera">demanding an end to economic troubles and perceived government corruption</a>.</p> <p>Roads are blocked, disrupting travel to and from the international airport. Expect transport delays, and be prepared for changes to travel plans. Stay up to date with local news reports and media, monitoring the situation closely.</p> <p>If you are in Lebanon, stay away from crowds, rallies and demonstrations. We suggest you check your government’s travel advisory for their latest advice on travel to Lebanon and <a href="https://helpdesk.worldnomads.com/customer/en_au/portal/articles/2404691-what-countries-are-covered-by-world-nomads-travel-insurance-?b_id=12919" target="_blank" title="Which countries does World Nomads cover">read about which countries World Nomads travel insurance includes coverage for</a>.</p> <p>Political upheaval and acts of terrorism have made travel to the Middle East much more perilous than in the past. Although many would advise refraining from travel to Lebanon due to safety and security issues, there are many willing to accept the risks and start packing for the chance to visit this fascinating country.</p> <p>It's important to arm yourself with up to date information and a carefully planned itinerary to avoid danger zones is the key to increasing the probability that your trip will be trouble-free and safe.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Cyclists kidnapped - March 2011</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Cyclists kidnapped - March 2011</h2> <p>In March 2011, seven Estonian cyclists were kidnapped in Deir Zenoun near the Bekaa Valley. This appears to have been a planned and well-coordinated incident. As of today, the location of the Estonians is still unknown.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Civil unrest due to information from a former Prime Minister assassination – 2011</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Civil unrest due to information from a former Prime Minister assassination – 2011</h2> <p>In January 2011, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) in response to the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, handed over indictments for review. Further developments related to this case may increase the likelihood of unrest. Additionally, Lebanon's unity government collapsed following the resignation of 11 opposition ministers.</p> <p>A number of demonstrations resulted although there were no injuries reported. Historically, political demonstrations have led to roadblocks, burning of tires and weapons fire.</p> <p>In the past few years, there have been increased incidents of unofficial road barricades, gun battles in residential neighborhoods, grenade attacks, targeted vehicle explosions and shelling.</p> <p>Attacks have occurred in places frequented by foreigners (public transportation hubs, hotels, major thoroughfares, etc.). Additionally, due to spontaneous upsurges in violence, access to borders, airports and seaports can be interrupted with little or no warning.</p> <p>The terrorist group, Hezbollah, maintains a strong presence in parts of the southern suburbs of Beirut, portions of the Bekaa Valley and areas in South Lebanon.</p> <p>Sporadic violence involving Hezbollah or other extremist groups remains a possibility in many areas of the country. Militants have mounted attacks in the lead-up to and on days of national and religious significance, so be particularly cautious during these times.</p> <p>Foreigners have sometimes been detained by militants for many hours. In September 2010, two Polish citizens were detained in the Bekaa Valley and were free only after Lebanese army intervention. U.S. tourists are particular targets in Lebanon. In early 2008, a U.S. Embassy vehicle was targeted in a bomb attack that killed three Lebanese bystanders. U.S. citizens should thus keep a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Places to avoid in Lebanon</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Places to avoid in Lebanon</h2> <p>The Tripoli neighborhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al Tabbaneh are prone to intercommunity violence. Since the May 2008 hostilities there have been violent outbreaks in Tripoli that left more than 20 dead and dozens wounded.</p> <p>South of the Litani River (especially areas bordering Israel) is a highly militarized and volatile area. Rocket launches occasionally occur, provoking retaliatory attacks within Lebanon.<br /><br />Lebanon and Israel have not yet agreed on an international border. The "Blue-line" separating the two countries and the nearby areas are often heavily mined. Avoid areas of Ghajar, Kfarshouba Hills and Chebaa Farms which also remain under border disputes.</p> <p>Travel to Palestinian refugee camps is strongly discouraged. The security in these areas remains tense and unpredictable.</p> <p>Keep in mind that Palestinian camps are often located close to urban centers and are not always clearly separated, therefore, exercise caution to avoid unknowingly entering a camp. Palestinian groups hostile to both the Lebanese government and the U.S. operate largely autonomously inside refugee and other camps in different areas of the country resulting in numerous violent incidents such as shootings and explosions. <br /><br />Asbat al-Ansar, a terrorist group with apparent links to Al-Qaida, has targeted Lebanese, U.S., and other foreign government interests.</p> <p>They have been outlawed by the Lebanese government but continue to maintain a presence in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp.<br /><br />Finally, various Western interests have been attacked in the past. Places such as Embassies, international hotels, fast-food outlets and restaurants, especially those frequented by foreign military personnel, remain possible targets.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Travel safety tips for Lebanon</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Travel safety tips for Lebanon</h2> <ul> <li>Register with your local Embassy upon arrival and contact them periodically for any updates</li> <li>Carry up to date passport/travel documents and other identification on you at all times</li> <li>Stay informed daily of any potential problems through local media reports</li> <li>In the event of an uprising nearby, vacate the area and travel to a safe location</li> <li>If unable to leave the area, stay indoors, listen to media updates and make contact with your Embassy</li> <li>During any times of unrest, keep a low profile and pay close attention to your personal security at locations where foreigners typically gather</li> <li>Always exercise extreme caution. During times of upheaval, the ability of your Embassy or local government to assist or provide emergency services or evacuations may be severely limited.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/Malcolm P Chapman 1 Getty Images Lebanese flag