Travel Advisory
Level 4Do Not Travel
Updated to reflect ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on February 23. Do Not Travel to Lebanon for any reason due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary On February 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to depart Lebanon due to safety risks. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel are restricted from personal travel throughout Lebanon without advance permission. Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats. Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Lebanon. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Lebanon due to safety risks. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Damascus Flight Information Region (FIR). The FAA advises caution for flights operating in the airspace within 200 nautical miles of the Damascus FIR due to heightened military activity in or around Syria. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Crime There is risk of non-violent crime throughout Lebanon. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Lebanon. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist groups, including Hizballah, IRGC, ISIS, and Hamas, continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Kidnapping and hostage-taking There is an ongoing risk of kidnapping and hostage-taking in Lebanon. Local authorities have warned that foreign nationals may be targeted. Americans and other travelers – including tourists, humanitarian workers, journalists, and business professionals – may be viewed as targets of opportunity. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, the reason for you being in Lebanon is unlikely to offer protection. Unrest Drone and missile strikes can occur throughout Lebanon, including in Beirut. Hostilities can disrupt commercial flights, up to and including the infrastructure for accessing the international airport. Landmines Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Lebanon. Areas of greatest risk are the border with Syria, south of the Litani river, and refugee settlements. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize. Southern Lebanon Southern Lebanon is very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The border with Syria The border with Syria is very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict. The Dahiyeh and areas of southern Beirut The Dahiyeh and areas of southern Beirut are very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict. Refugee settlements Refugee settlements are very dangerous due to risk of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict. For U.S. citizens in Lebanon: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Lebanon. Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry. Do not accept drinks from strangers at bars and nightclubs. Choose one family member to serve as the point of contact. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, that person can communicate with kidnappers or hostage-takers, media, U.S. or foreign government agencies, and members of Congress. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Consider hiring a professional security organization. Review our information on travel to High-Risk Areas, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Lebanon. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist. Prepare a will and end of life disposition instructions. We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
Full advisory on travel.state.gov →Updated: 2026-05-05T20:00:00-04:00
