The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recently updated their travel advice for Lebanon, and the majority of the country is now considered safe for travel. However, there are still a few areas where the FCDO advises caution.
First and foremost, the FCDO advises individuals not to travel within 5 kilometers of the Lebanon-Syria border, the Hermel Area, or Palestinian refugee camps.
These areas are considered particularly unsafe and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Additionally, the FCDO advises caution when traveling to certain areas in southern Beirut. These include Bir Hassan, Ghobeiry, Chiyah, Haret Hraik, Burj Al Brajne, Mraije, Er Rouais, and Laylake.
While these areas are not completely off-limits, the FCDO advises that travel to these areas should only be undertaken if absolutely essential.
Prior to this update, most of Lebanon was considered a “yellow” or “orange” zone, indicating that travelers should exercise caution when visiting these areas. This included popular tourist destinations like Beirut, Tyre, Sidon, Tripoli, Jbeil, and Batroun.
However, with the majority of the country now considered safe for travel, tourists can feel more confident about visiting Lebanon and experiencing all that the country has to offer.
Overall, the updated travel advice from the FCDO is good news for anyone planning a trip to Lebanon.
With most areas of the country now considered safe for travel, tourists can feel more confident about exploring all that Lebanon has to offer. Just be sure to stay informed about any potential risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.