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TRAVEL REPORT
Lebanon

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 8 (Ramadan - amendment) has been updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Lebanon

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Lebanon.

While no major clashes have occurred in Lebanon since early 2009 and the June 2009 parliamentary elections were held without major incident, various conflicts have resulted in many deaths and injuries since 2006 and the situation remains fragile.

Terrorism

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

Bombings, grenade attacks, and political assassinations have taken place in recent years 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 residential areas.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the following regions:

a) Tripoli neighbourhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al Tabbaneh: These neighbourhoods are prone to intercommunity violence that has resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries.

b) South of the Litani River, especially the areas near the border with Israel: Despite the August 2006 cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, tensions remain high.

UN troops are currently deployed in Lebanon. Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose a significant threat, particularly in the south, despite progress in demining activities. Travellers should be aware of posted landmine warnings, stay on paved roads, and avoid walking or driving cross-country.

In 2009, the region bordering Israel was the site of five rocket launches from Lebanon into Israel. On each occasion, the Israeli Defence Forces fired artillery back into the general vicinity of the launch area, on some occasions only narrowly missing inhabited areas.

There is considerable military activity in the areas around the Shebaa Farms. The security situation remains volatile.

c) Palestinian refugee camps: Travel to Palestinian refugee camps is strongly discouraged, as the security situation in these areas remains very tense. In some camps, including the Ein El Helwe camp near Sidon and the Beddawi camp near Tripoli, incidents of violence are a frequent occurrence.

As Palestinian camps are often located in close proximity to urban centres, Canadians should exercise caution and remain aware of their whereabouts at all times in order to avoid unknowingly entering a camp.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Demonstrations

Planned and spontaneous demonstrations related to the domestic and regional situation regularly occur in Lebanon. Security conditions remain unpredictable. Canadians are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they may take place, as they could turn violent without warning. Canadians should also 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 in safekeeping facilities.

Foreigners using shared taxis have been victims of armed robberies in some Beirut neighbourhoods. Where possible, pre-arrange transportation instead of hailing taxis in the street.

General Safety Information

There is a highly visible security presence throughout the country. Canadians should carry full personal documentation and obey the instructions of security personnel. Canadians of Lebanese descent carrying Lebanese identification documents will be treated as Lebanese nationals by security officials.

Hezbollah maintains a presence in the southern suburbs of Beirut, southern Lebanon, and several other areas, including the Bekaa Valley. Forces other than the Lebanese authorities exert a large amount of control in some of these areas.

Lebanon is subject to Israeli overflights breaking the sound barrier, causing sonic booms that can be confused with the sound of detonation.

Travellers may call the Tourist Police at (01) 343-286 in the event of a problem.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Lebanese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of Lebanon and its consulates for up-to-date information.

Passports and Visas

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Lebanon. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Lebanon.

Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Although tourist visas are now available at ports of entry, Canadians should ensure that they obtain their Lebanese visa prior to their arrival.

Make sure your visa remains valid throughout your stay. An expired entry visa must be extended by Lebanese authorities or else you will not be allowed to leave the country.

For you to exit the country, your Canadian passport must show a Lebanese entry stamp. Persons who acquire a new passport while in Lebanon must present their old passport containing their proof of entry to authorities upon departure.

Refugees

Individuals who have claimed refugee status in Lebanon and subsequently left the country have been denied subsequent entry into Lebanon.

Regional Travel

Canadians have been detained, questioned, and even denied entry into Lebanon because their passports bore: (a) an Israeli visa; (b) an Israeli border stamp; or (c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller has been to Israel).

Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.

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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Lebanon - BEIRUT, Embassy of Canada
Address: First Floor, Coolrite Building, 43 Jal El Dib Highway (seaside), Beirut, Lebanon
Postal Address: P.O. Box 60163, Jal El Dib, Beirut, Lebanon,
Tel.: 961 (4) 713-900
Fax: 961 (4) 710-593
E-Mail: berut-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.lebanon.gc.ca

Embassy working hours: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Consular Section public hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Beirut and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician 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 precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Modern medical care and medicines are widely available in Beirut and surrounding areas. Such facilities are not always available in outlying areas. Medical services can be very expensive, and payment in advance is often required. A list of local medical and dental practitioners is available from the Embassy of Canada in Beirut upon request.

Increased awareness is necessary when eating and drinking due to the effect of frequent electrical power disruptions on refrigeration.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual Nationality

Canadians should present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities and use their Canadian passport at all times. Canadian officials are limited in their ability to provide consular services in cases where dual nationals run into difficulty.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
 
Child Custody

Parents should consider the risks before their children travel to Lebanon, in cases where one or more family members hold Lebanese citizenship. At the request of family members, Lebanese authorities can prevent children from leaving Lebanon (a procedure known as “stop order”). Canadian children who are registered as Lebanese citizens will be treated as Lebanese nationals. Lebanon is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and Canadian custody documents are not recognized in Lebanon.

Dress and Behaviour

The dress code in Lebanon is more relaxed than in most countries in the Middle East. However, dress and behaviour consistent with local customs and sensitivities are recommended. Sleeveless garments and shorts may be acceptable at most locations but should be avoided when visiting sites of religious significance, such as churches and mosques, and when travelling in conservative areas of the country.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset, particularly in areas of the country with a significant Muslim presence. In 2010, Ramadan is expected to begin on August 11 and last until approximately September 9th.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

It is prohibited to photograph or videotape government buildings, military personnel, equipment, and installations. Avoid taking photographs of areas around Hezbollah facilities and personnel. Canadians have been detained and questioned for doing so in the past.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines. Individuals charged with drug offences can expect to remain in jail and to be denied bail while judicial authorities prepare their case for prosecution.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road Travel

Congestion and aggressive driving are a problem throughout the country. Rural roads are poorly maintained, and drivers have little regard for traffic laws. Pedestrians should exercise great caution.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Air Travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Lebanese pound (LBP). Most establishments will accept payment in U.S. dollars but may return change in Lebanese pounds. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted and will not be changed by local financial institutions.

Automated banking machines (ABMs) in Lebanon are widely available. It is advisable to use ABMs located inside, or adjacent to, bank branches for greater security and to be able to retrieve a lost card faster.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Lebanon is located in a seismic zone. There have been several minor earthquakes in recent years. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Beirut in the event of an emergency.

Dust storms and sand storms frequently occur.

In the winter months, mountain roads including the main Beirut-Damascus highway may be temporarily blocked or become impassable due to heavy snowfall.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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