Lebanon
Regional risks
This section has safety advice for regions of Lebanon. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Southern suburbs of Beirut
FCDO advises against all travel to the southern suburbs of Beirut due to the presence of armed groups and heightened risk of organised crime including kidnapping.
Weapons are common in these areas and groups such as Lebanese Hizballah have arms that are beyond state control. There have been Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut in 2026. Future airstrikes cannot be ruled out.
Areas in the South and Nabatiyeh Governorates
Since 2023, there has been frequent artillery fire and airstrikes in Lebanon, particularly in the South and Nabatiyeh Governorates. There is a risk of further strikes in the area.
There is a UN peacekeeping presence in the area south of the Litani River due to tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
The Israeli Defence Forces currently retain a presence in southern Lebanon . British Nationals should be aware that Israeli Defences Forces have fired at civilians who have ignored their instructions to leave these areas.
See Conflict affecting Lebanon for further information.
Areas in the Beqaa Governorate, including the Beqaa Valley
FCDO advises against all travel and all but essential travel to areas in the Beqaa Governorate (as described in ‘Warnings and insurance’ page) due to risks from Israeli airstrikes and criminal activity in these areas.
Since 2024, there have been several Israeli airstrikes in the Beqaa Valley. There is a risk of further strikes in the area.
Areas in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate
There have also been Israeli airstrikes in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, including the town of Baalbek.
In addition, British nationals should be vigilant to heightened risks from criminal activity in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. Since 2025, there have been several instances of deadly armed clashes between Lebanese and Syrian groups in border towns near Hermel. Further clashes cannot be ruled out.
The Lebanese Armed Forces have conducted raids against narcotics factories in Baalbek, resulting in the death of numerous soldiers. Since 2024, there have been airstrikes close to the highway and near to the border with Syria. Further strikes cannot be ruled out in this area.
Palestinian refugee camps
FCDO advises against all travel to the 12 Palestinian refugee camps. See Palestinian refugee camp locations on the UN Relief and Works Agency website.
Palestinian refugee camps are volatile environments where the Lebanese state has limited capacity to impose law and order. There has been a long pattern of violent clashes.
In September 2023, Ain el Hilweh camp witnessed intense violence resulting in a number of casualties. There were reports of bullets reaching as far as Ghaziyeh Town (2km south). The situation remains volatile and tensions could escalate without warning. There have been Israeli airstrikes on Palestinian refugee camps, including strikes on Ain el Hilweh camp in November 2025, February 2026 and March 2026, which resulted in casualties.
Akkar Governorate including the city of Tripoli
FCDO advises against all travel to the area of Akkar Governate close to the Syrian border due to the unstable security situation in Syria.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to some areas of the city of Tripoli due to the risk of criminality, localised armed disputes, and public disorder.