Lebanon – Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory Issued October 23, 2026
Do not travel
to Lebanon due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
Do not travel to Lebanon for any reason. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Lebanon due to the safety risks. U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel are restricted from personal travel throughout Lebanon without advance permission. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues.
Armed Conflict Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.
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) advises caution for flights operating in the airspace within 200 nautical miles of the Damascus Flight Information Region (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 your 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, 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.
High risk areas
- Southern Lebanon is very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
- 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 are very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict.
- Refugee settlements are very dangerous due to risk of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict.
Do not travel to these areas for any reason. U.S. citizens in these areas should leave immediately.
Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/tsg_aem/us/en/home/international-travel/travel-advisories/destination.lbn.html
Originally Published: October 23, 2026