Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to Lebanon. The country remains in a high state of tension due an ongoing political crisis. The violent exchanges on the streets of Beirut and elsewhere between opposition and pro-government groups, which began on 7 May, continue to pose a danger to bystanders.

Travellers are advised against all travel south of the Litani River and to all Palestinian refugee camps. There remains a serious risk from unexploded bombs remaining from the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel being accidentally detonated. There is also a risk of violence near the Israel/Lebanon border (the Blue Line).

Following the death of Hezbollah military commander Imad Mughniyah in Damascus on 12 February 2008, his funeral is planned for 14 February in Beirut's southern suburbs. Since this coincides with a large planned demonstration to commemorate the third anniversary of the assassination of Rafik Hariri, there is a heightened risk of violent clashes in Beirut on that day.

Travellers are strongly advised to avoid all public demonstrations and large public gatherings as the situation can change quickly and dramatically. This is a particular risk due to the current political crisis surrounding the election of a new president. There have been sporadic clashes between opposing political groups and there remains the possibility of further violence.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Lebanon. There is a risk that Western interests may also be targeted. Maintain a high level of vigilance in Beirut, and around the towns of Chtaura and Zhale. On 25 January 2008, a bomb attack in the Hazmieh area of east Beirut killed several people including Captain Wassim Eid of the Internal Security Force and injured several others. On 15 January 2008, a bomb in the Dora Karantina area of north Beirut killed and injured several people. Initial reports suggest that a US Embassy vehicle was the target of the attack. On 12 December 2007, a bomb exploded in Baabda, on the outskirts of Beirut, killing a senior Lebanese General, Francois al-Hajj, and a number of others, and injuring several civilian bystanders. Travellers should be aware that in the current tense political climate, places where members of the public and Lebanese officials congregate may be at increased risk of attack. In May, June and September 2007, there were a number of bomb attacks in and around Beirut, which killed several people. Militant groups are threatening further attacks across the country. Places where large numbers of people congregate may be particular targets.

Those in Lebanon should exercise extreme caution and keep abreast of the latest developments by listening to BBC and other English-language broadcasts, and heed local advice.

On 12 July 2006, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped on the border between Israel and Lebanon. This led to a major outbreak of violence, including major Israeli strikes across Lebanon in which buildings, roads and bridges have been destroyed and hundreds of people killed and thousands injured. Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on 14 August 2006. While this has largely been observed so far, the security situation remains uncertain, and there remains much unexploded ordnance in Southern Lebanon. Visitors should heed local advice in areas which have not been declared safe from unexploded ordnance.

Visitors should carry identity papers at all times and it is recommended that you register with your embassy.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel