Lebanon

Recommended Vaccinations For Lebanon

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Recommended Medications For Lebanon

There are no recommendations for Lebanon at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Lebanon

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Lebanon.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Lebanon through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Cholera

Cholera occurrence is widespread in Lebanon.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Lebanon, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Safety & Security in Lebanon

Personal Safety

Lebanon’s security environment remains volatile following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024. Although large-scale military operations have paused, armed conflict and military activity continue in some regions without warning. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee protection against sudden outbreaks of violence. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate to gunfire within moments. Kidnapping occurs for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, with suspects often linked to terrorist or criminal organizations. Foreigners including business travelers are seen as legitimate targets. Petty crime including pickpocketing and purse snatching happens in crowded areas. Economic collapse since 2019 has driven a sharp increase in violent crime, including armed robberies, carjackings, and shootings at gas stations. Muggings intensify after dark in areas with poor lighting and weak police presence. Bank holdups by civilians attempting to access frozen savings occur regularly. Arguments escalate quickly to violence, with firearms and bladed weapons common. Celebratory and warning gunfire happens frequently and has caused casualties. Scams including fake tour guides and officials demanding bribes are fairly common. Demonstrations occur frequently and can turn violent rapidly, with security forces using tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. The visible security presence provides some deterrent effect but police often cannot achieve positive outcomes. Unexploded ordnance and landmines remain along borders and in rural areas marked with red and white tape.

Extreme Violence

Terrorist groups including Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and ISIS operate in Lebanon. Attacks can occur anytime with little warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. Bystanders have been killed in terrorist attacks in recent years. Between October 2023 and the November 2024 ceasefire, Israeli strikes killed more than 3,961 people in Lebanon including 736 women, 222 health and rescue workers, and 248 children. Cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israel has occurred since October 2023, sometimes targeting areas well north of the border region. Military activity continues in some areas despite the ceasefire. Palestinian refugee camps remain largely outside Lebanese security force control and pose security threats due to militant recruitment and terrorist infiltration. Camps experience regular outbreaks of violence including shootings and explosions. Armed groups including Hezbollah have weapons beyond state control. Weapons are common throughout Lebanon. Lebanese security forces conduct counterterrorism operations but cooperation among services remains inconsistent. ISIS cells have orchestrated attacks including drive-by shootings. Armed clashes occur between rival groups, militias, and political factions. Rocket launches toward Israel originate from southern Lebanon. Multiple unsolved politically motivated killings have occurred. Sectarian tensions remain high and can fuel violence. Criminal gangs involved in drug cultivation and smuggling operate in parts of the Bekaa Valley and engage in armed clashes with security forces.

Political Unrest

Lebanon experiences frequent demonstrations and protests driven by economic collapse, political paralysis, and lack of basic services. Protests erupted in October 2019 demanding complete regime change and continued intermittently through 2025. Demonstrations can turn violent quickly with little warning. Security forces have used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition during clashes. Mass student protests have occurred over tuition hikes and economic conditions. Protesters regularly block major roads including thoroughfares to the airport and US Embassy. In January 2021, clashes in Tripoli during lockdown protests injured eight people. In October 2021, armed clashes between Hezbollah, Amal, and Lebanese Forces in Beirut killed seven and injured 32. Sectarian and political tensions remain high between different religious groups and factions. Lebanon’s sectarian political system codified in the Taif agreement creates friction. The economic crisis beginning in 2019 has driven massive protests over electricity cuts since 1975, lack of drinking water, the 2015 garbage crisis, currency collapse, and frozen bank accounts. The country has been unable to elect a president since 2022, leaving a political vacuum. Government dysfunction and corruption fuel public anger. In June 2023, protests erupted after lawmakers failed in their twelfth attempt to elect a president. Political officials face defamation lawsuits for criticism. Journalists who criticize Hezbollah or political figures face physical assault and legal action. The situation can deteriorate with little notice as regional events spark reactions including celebratory gunfire and demonstrations.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid all areas south of the city of Saida including southern Lebanon and Nabatieh Governorate due to continued military activity despite the ceasefire. The Lebanon-Syria border and Akkar Governorate face clashes between Lebanese security forces and Syrian-based groups plus airstrikes. The Bekaa Valley and Baalbek-Hermel area are no-go zones due to militia activity, terrorism risks, drug-related violence, criminal gangs involved in narcotics, and armed vehicle theft on highways toward Baalbek. Since February 2024, Israeli airstrikes have hit the Beqaa Valley including Baalbek. Deadly armed clashes between Lebanese and Syrian groups occurred near Hermel in January 2025. Tripoli remains unsafe due to sectarian tensions, armed groups, instability, and sporadic violence. The city of Tripoli experiences frequent armed clashes and counterterrorism operations. The southern suburbs of Beirut including Dahieh, Bourj el-Barajneh, Chiyah, Hadath, and Shatila are controlled by armed factions including Hezbollah and known for kidnappings, organized crime, and clashes. Palestinian refugee camps across the country including Ain el Hilweh remain highly volatile with regular violence including gunfire and explosions. Refugee settlements are prone to outbreaks of violence. In September 2023, intense violence in Ain el Hilweh resulted in casualties with bullets reaching nearby towns. Avoid photographing in Hezbollah areas including southern suburbs of Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and southern Lebanon as detention can result. Unexploded ordnance and landmines exist along the Syrian border.