COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further (level 4 of 4).

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Lebanon

Lebanon
The ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has the potential to impact the security situation throughout Lebanon. There are ongoing exchanges of mortar and artillery fire in South Lebanon, on the border with Israel. Tensions are high and the security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. We now advise that New Zealanders do not travel to Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now via commercial options.

New Zealanders in Lebanon should be aware that commercial options for departing the country could be severely disrupted or cancelled at short notice. Airports and airlines may pause or cancel operations at short notice. Road transportation could also be severely disrupted. New Zealanders who wish to depart Lebanon are responsible for their own departure.

As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Lebanon, the ability of the New Zealand Government to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Lebanon should consider.

Lebanon is experiencing a prolonged and severe economic crisis. The economic challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive 4 August 2020 explosion at the port of Beirut which killed 218 people and caused an estimated US$15 billion in property damage. The Lebanese currency has lost up to 90% of its value since 2019, and the country faces rolling power outages due to currency challenges to pay for electricity generation.

Some basic commodities (fuel, medicines, food) have become increasingly scarce due to the economic crisis. Many hospitals and other medical services are affected by electricity shortages.

Power outages may affect critical infrastructure, such as hospitals. They could also affect other essential services such as food production and distribution.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension
The political situation in Lebanon is unpredictable. Political developments in the region and international events can escalate tensions and result in outbreaks of civil unrest. 

Celebratory gunfire into the air can occur throughout Lebanon, often in response to speeches and messages by political leaders. This has resulted in casualties in the past, and we advise New Zealanders to stay indoors if they are aware of this occurring.

There are frequent demonstrations, road closures and localised conflicts between rival groups. Large-scale demonstrations are sometimes accompanied by violence and clashes between protestors and security forces, including gunfire, water cannons and tear gas.

Protests against the political and economic situation in Lebanon, which began in October 2019, are ongoing. Most protest activity has occurred in Beirut and Tripoli, however protests have taken place at various locations throughout Lebanon. Violent confrontations between protesters and security forces have occurred throughout the country. There have been numerous reports of injuries to protestors and security forces. As a result of the protests, major roads in and out of Beirut and across the country have become blocked at short notice, including the roads to and from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.

New Zealanders in Lebanon are advised to avoid all political demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings as they could turn violent with little warning. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should find a safe location and remain indoors, heeding any local advice. We recommend you monitor the media and local developments closely and follow any instructions and advice issued by the local authorities. On 14 October 2021 sectarian violence broke out in Beirut in which six people were killed and over thirty injured.

Border with Syria
The ongoing conflict in Syria is having a destabilising effect on the security situation in Lebanon. There is an ongoing possibility that the security environment could deteriorate significantly.

In the past there were a number of incidents of violence throughout Lebanon associated with the conflict in Syria and numerous reports of Lebanese border areas and villages being shelled by gunfire/ammunition which originated in Syria. Armed groups originating from Syria have crossed the border to conduct attacks and kidnappings of Lebanese citizens in border areas. There have also been a number of violent clashes between Lebanese armed forces and extremist groups which have resulted in deaths and injuries. Do not travel within 5km of the border with Syria.

Border with Israel
There is a UN peacekeeping presence in the area south of Litani River near the border with Israel due to the unresolved border situation and ongoing tensions in the area. Rocket attacks from southern Lebanon into Israel and associated Israeli military action is ongoing, primarily against targets in southern Lebanon. It is illegal under Lebanese law to travel to Israel, authorities can arrest and imprison you if you’ve travelled to, or intend to travel there.

Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorism throughout Lebanon. Car bombs, suicide bombing, grenade attacks and small improvised bombs are among the methods used in previous incidents. Future attacks could occur in the country.

The threat is greatest in and around Palestinian refugee camps, in the city of Tripoli and parts of the Bekaa Valley, particularly near the Syrian border. New Zealanders are advised not to travel to any of these areas.

Attacks could be indiscriminate and occur anywhere, at any time. Days of national or religious significance may see more attacks than usual. Areas where large numbers of people congregate may be targeted. This includes places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants, embassies, tourist sites, shopping centres, markets, public transport and places of worship. Targets associated with the Lebanese Government, such as government buildings, Lebanese security forces, politicians and officials could also be targeted. UN peacekeepers and convoys have been targeted in the past. 

As the security situation remains volatile, New Zealanders in Lebanon are advised to be vigilant at all times and keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend observing all warnings or alerts issued by the Lebanese authorities, and ensuring your security arrangements are sufficient.

Kidnapping
In recent years a number of kidnappings for ransom have taken place in Lebanon, some of which have involved foreign nationals.

Kidnappings have taken place in the Bekaa Valley, border areas with Syria and in Beirut and could take place elsewhere in Lebanon. Lebanese authorities have warned that foreigners could be targeted by kidnappers or other militant groups. 

New Zealanders throughout Lebanon should keep a low profile, maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate security precautions.

Violent Crime
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and sexual assault, can occur. There have been reports of robberies taking place in shared taxis (also known as service cars), where passengers have been robbed by either the driver or other passengers. If you need to use taxi services in Lebanon, we recommend you pre-book using a recognised taxi company and do not use shared taxis or taxis hailed from the street. New Zealanders should also be aware of the possibility of petty crime, such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching, including at Beirut’s international airport. 

Landmines
There are numerous unexploded landmines in Lebanon. The risk is highest in the south of the country, particularly south of the Litani River. We recommend you remain on well-used roads and paths, as mined areas are not always clearly marked.

General Travel Advice
It is recommended that New Zealanders travelling to Lebanon familiarise themselves with local laws and customs. Homosexual acts are illegal in Lebanon and photography of all military installations, security officials and some other government buildings and officials is prohibited and can lead to arrest.

We recommend ensuring your travel documents are kept up to date and are easily accessible, should there be a deterioration to the security situation requiring your departure from the country.

New Zealanders in Lebanon should carry photo ID with them at all times and present it to local security forces when asked, as is required by Lebanese law.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Lebanon to avoid offending local sensitivities.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Lebanon should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. 

New Zealanders in Lebanon are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Travel tips

• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Cairo, Egypt is accredited to Lebanon

Street Address 8th floor, North Tower, Nile City building, Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Beaulac, Cairo, Egypt Telephone +202 2461 9186 Fax +202 2461 9178 Email enquiries@nzembassy.org.eg Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/egypt/new-zealand-embassy-to-arab-republic-of-egypt/ Hours Sun-Wed 0900-1500 hrs, Thurs 0900-1330 hrs Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance, please call the Embassy on +202 2461 6000. Outside of business hours you will be redirected to an after-hours duty service.

See our regional advice for the Middle East