smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Lebanon
| Lebanon overall | This Advice is current for Saturday, 22 November 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
| Tripoli, south of the Litani River and Palestinian refugee camps | ||||
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Civil Unrest/Political Tension (armed clashes in Tripoli). We now advise against all travel to Tripoli. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
![[top]](/zwiki/images/page_top.gif)
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against Western interests in Lebanon, including embassies, international hotels, fast food outlets and restaurants frequented by foreigners, including foreign military personnel. Terrorist attacks, such as bombings and kidnapping of Westerners, are possible.
In April 2008, militants threatened attacks against the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Credible reports indicate that terrorists are planning attacks against UNIFIL, including in Tyre. There have been several attacks against UN vehicles and personnel over the past year. Australians could inadvertently be caught up in attacks directed at UNIFIL. Possible targets may include UNIFIL facilities and places likely to be frequented by its personnel.
Ongoing tensions could lead to retaliatory or opportunistic bomb attacks against a range of targets.
Infrastructure associated with the Lebanese Government, such as airports and public buildings, is a potential terrorist target. The potential for Western interests in Lebanon to be targeted remains high.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible terrorist targets include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as buildings associated with foreign governments and companies and international organisations, embassies, Lebanese Government interests, hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centres, markets, promenades, bars, schools, places of worship, cinemas, outdoor recreation events, public transport and tourist areas.
Militants have mounted attacks in the lead-up to and on days of national and religious significance, but attacks could occur at any time.
We strongly advise you to reconsider your need travel to Lebanon at this time because of the unpredictable security and political situation. Australians could be caught up in violence directed at others. In these circumstances, departure options may be severely limited. You are responsible for ensuring you are able to depart Lebanon and that your travel documentation remains up-to-date.
President Suleiman was elected on 25 May 2008, ending several weeks of politically motivated violence and armed clashes in Lebanon, including Beirut. The security environment has been calm, but with ongoing sectarian tensions, further violence is possible.
You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations as they could turn violent. You should pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for updates.
Australian Embassy staff have been advised to exercise caution at this time.
Political developments in the region and international events may also prompt large demonstrations or violence. You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Release of a film by Netherlands MP Geert Wilders.
Tripoli: We strongly advise you not to travel to Tripoli at this time due to the dangerous and unpredictable security situation. Serious armed clashes are ongoing in the Tripoli area. There have been deaths and injuries.
If you are in an area affected by clashes, you should stay indoors and monitor local information sources for updates on the security situation. Australians are advised to stay away from areas where violence is known to have occurred or is likely to occur. If you become aware of nearby clashes, you should leave the area immediately.
A bomb attack at a bus stop in central Tripoli in August 2008 killed 18 people, including 10 soldiers, and injured dozens of others.
Palestinian refugee camps: We strongly advise you not to travel to Palestinian refugee camps. Fighting between Lebanese troops and militants from May until September 2007, including at the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp north of Tripoli, killed scores of people and injured many others. Protests by displaced refugees occur regularly and have led to road blocks and violence. The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning. Outbreaks of violence could spread to other refugee camps.
In the past three years, there have been a number of bomb attacks and political assassinations across Lebanon. In January 2008, a car bomb in the Beirut suburb of Hazmieh killed at least four people, including a senior Internal Security Forces officer. Ten days earlier, a car bomb in the Beirut suburb of Karantina killed four people, injured 18 others and hit a US embassy vehicle. A car bomb killed a senior Lebanese Army general and two other people in Ba'abda on the outskirts on Beirut in December 2007. Other explosions have occurred in the Beirut suburbs of Boushrieh, Ras Beirut, Sin el-Fil, Verdun and Achrafieh. Targets have included buses, an intersection and a shopping mall car park. Further attacks are possible.
You should stay indoors during celebratory gunfire, which often occurs after political speeches.
We strongly urge you to avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations as these could turn violent. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and heed local advice. You should pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for updates. In January 2008, nine people were killed and around 40 injured when demonstrators clashed with security forces during a protest in Beirut's southern suburbs against power blackouts. More than 65 people were killed and many more wounded in violent clashes between rival factions across Lebanon in early May 2008.
Israeli forces remain in the border town of Ghajar. The presence of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon has improved the security environment, although further violence cannot be ruled out. The situation could change without notice and Australians could be caught up in any violence directed at others. Tensions have been further heightened, particularly in this area, following the death of a senior Hizballah figure in Damascus in February 2008.
During the July/August 2006 conflict, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) struck southern Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Beirut-Damascus highway and infrastructure elsewhere in the country. Since the official cessation of hostilities on 14 August 2006, there have been military operations in areas known to be frequented by Hizballah. These areas or any areas where military activity is ongoing should be avoided.
You should monitor the media and follow the public announcements of local authorities.
The Australian Embassy in Beirut may close temporarily to the public at short notice due to demonstrations and concerns about security in the vicinity of the Embassy. If this occurs, you should telephone ahead before going to the Embassy. If you require emergency consular assistance, you should first telephone the Embassy or the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra. See Where to Get Help for contact details.
Although crime in Lebanon is at a low level by international standards, vehicle crime, bag snatching and harassment of women occurs. Petty crime levels are increasing.
You should avoid unnecessary local travel, pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for updates.
Roads, including access routes to the airport and border crossings, may be blocked during demonstrations and civil unrest. The airport may also close at short notice. If this occurs, you should check with your airline for up-to-date information and departure options.
There is armed security presence throughout Lebanon, including at road check points. You should ensure that you carry personal identity documentation at all times and obey the instructions of security personnel.
The Beirut-Damascus highway has been damaged and requires detours off the main highway. Other highways and bridges also require detours.
Driving in Lebanon can be dangerous due inadequately maintained roads and poor local driving habits. Snow and ice compound the danger in winter.
The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities, are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed.
South of the Litani River: We strongly advise you not to travel south of the Litani River due to the uncertain security environment and danger posed by land-mines and unexploded ordnance.
Unexploded ordnance, including cluster munitions, and 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. You should inform children of the risk, seek advice from local residents, stay on paved roads and avoid walking or driving cross-country.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Lebanon is in an active earthquake zone. In February 2008, an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale caused minor damage in Tyre, southern Lebanon.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months in Lebanon (usually June to September), particularly in heavily forested areas. You should avoid fire affected areas and monitor the media for the latest information.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Lebanon, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
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 result in detention and/or the confiscation of photographic equipment by the Lebanese security forces.
Under Lebanese law, Lebanese nationals may prevent their wives and children (even if they are Australian citizens) from leaving Lebanon.
Child custody and divorce decisions are based on local religious laws. If you are involved in custody and other family disputes you should ensure you consult a lawyer for advice before you leave Australia on how religious law may impact your family circumstances, including your departure from Lebanon. Australians (including mothers with children) have been prevented from leaving Lebanon when relatives have placed stop orders on their passports in accordance with Lebanese law.
The use of reduced-price call-back telephone systems is illegal in Lebanon and cards or accounts purchased in Australia cannot be used while travelling in the country.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are modest standards of dress and behaviour in Lebanon, particularly at religious sites. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims during Ramadan.
Public displays of affection may cause offence in conservative and religious areas.
Some hotels may refuse accommodation to couples who are unable to provide proof of marriage.
Dual citizens re-entering Lebanon on their Lebanese passport/identity document should ensure their Lebanese documentation is in order and that all entry requirements are met. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Lebanon for the most up-to-date information.
Lebanon does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Lebanese dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
Australian/Lebanese dual nationals who carry Lebanese papers will be treated as Lebanese nationals by security authorities. In these circumstances, it may be difficult for the Australian Embassy to provide consular assistance if Australian-Lebanese dual nationals encounter difficulties.
Compulsory military service in Lebanon ceased from February 2007. Australian Lebanese dual nationals will no longer be required to complete compulsory military service. If you are in any doubt, you should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Lebanon well in advance of travel for further information.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
There have been instances where Australian citizens travelling on emergency passports have been refused entry to Lebanon. Most countries in the region require at least six months validity on a passport in order to grant a visa. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.
Australians cannot be issued with a second emergency travel document and must apply for a full validity passport. When you apply for a full validity passport you must provide original documents that confirm your Australian citizenship and your identity. Details of documents that confirm your citizenship and identity (in Australia and Overseas) can be found at the Australian Passport website.
As demonstrated during the July-August 2006 conflict, a number of Australian evacuees may not have access to original supporting documentation. Family members/friends who remained in Lebanon can present original documentation at the Australian Embassy in Beirut on behalf of evacuees. If required, the Embassy can certify the documents and transmit them to the relevant passport office in Australia.
In Lebanon, it is illegal to have travelled to Israel. If you have any evidence of travel to Israel, including an Israeli exit or entry stamp in your passport, you will be refused entry to Lebanon. Citizens of Lebanon and other Arab nations, including dual nationals, may be arrested and imprisoned.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities and care in many of Lebanon's large hospitals are of a comparable standard to those in Australia. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for services. Treatment can be very expensive.
A decompression chamber is located at the American University Hospital in Beirut.
It is recommended that all drinking water be boiled or that you drink bottled water.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
The Australian Embassy in Downtown Beirut may be temporarily closed to the public at short notice due to demonstrations and concerns about security in the vicinity of the Embassy. If this occurs, you should call ahead for advice before going to the Embassy. Australians requiring emergency consular assistance can contact the Embassy or the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
Contact details for the Australian Embassy are:
Australian Embassy
Embassy Complex
Serail Hill
Downtown Beirut
Lebanon
Telephone: (961 1) 974 030
Fax: (961 1) 974 029
Website: www.lebanon.embassy.gov.au
If you are travelling to Lebanon, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
