Lebanon

Avoid photography in Lebanese Hizballah areas, including the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Beqaa Valley and areas in southern Lebanon. You may be detained if you are observed taking photographs.

Only take photographs in tourist sites. You could be arrested for photographing military sites. Flying drone cameras without permission is illegal.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, be aware of:

• eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• playing loud music or dance
• swearing in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time

Lebanon’s people are diverse, with many different Muslim and Christian sects represented. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and make sure your actions do not offend.

In many areas you will find dress codes more relaxed than in other countries of the region, but you should still dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Possessing, using and trafficking illegal drugs (including small quantities) are all serious offences, punishable with prison sentences.

The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning ‘every sexual act against nature’. Lebanese courts might consider that this includes same sex sexual activity. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year. The Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health has resources for LGBT+ people.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

If you have concerns about child custody, get legal advice before travelling to Lebanon about ‘travel bans’ that can be imposed by male heads of family. Even if you or your child holds a British passport you may be subject to Lebanese laws and regulations.

In Lebanon a father or husband can legally arrange for a travel ban to be placed on their wife or children. If a travel ban is placed on you or your children, you will not be able to travel. If that does happen a parent should seek legal assistance to check if the travel ban can be lifted.

Lebanese family law is very different from UK law and particular care is needed if child custody becomes an issue.

If you’re a British national involved in international parental child abductions or custody disputes, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for assistance or call +44 (0) 2070 085 000. FCDO has information on international parental child abduction, including how we can help. FCDO strongly advises against attempting to move your child yourself. This may be considered abduction (or ‘re-abduction’). This may be illegal and can put your child at risk.

There is a heightened risk of forest fires in Lebanon, particularly during summer. Forest fires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. The authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety.

If you are travelling in Lebanon, familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures, stay vigilant, and follow the advice of local authorities.

For information on the risk of forest fires, visit the Disaster Risk Management website, Facebook page and X account.

If you see a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112 (for the fire service, call 175).

Lebanon is in an earthquake zone. There have been no damaging tremors in recent years, although Lebanon experienced strong aftershocks from an earthquake in Turkey in February 2023. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.