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

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.

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.

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

The security situation in Lebanon is unpredictable and there is a strong security forces presence in Lebanon. Travellers should carry their documentation with them at all times and obey security personnel. Petty crime, such as car theft and break-ins, occurs in Lebanon. Ensure valuables and travel documents are secure at all times.

Kidnapping of foreigners occurs in Lebanon. Travellers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings and personal safety at all times.

Unmarked land mines are a threat in Lebanon, particularly in the south. Travellers should stay on roads and obey posted landmine warnings.

Travellers should be aware that some areas are controlled by groups other than Lebanese authorities. Exercise caution in these areas.

Recent sectarian conflict in northern Lebanon between groups that support and oppose the government in the Syrian civil war has decreased personal security for all travellers.

The incidence of road accidents is high in Lebanon. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, traffic congestion and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution if driving at night as road lighting is not common, especially in rural areas. If choosing to drive on mountainous roads, exercise caution as roads may be hazardous due to heavy snow or ice during the winter. Do not use public transportation as safety standards are poor. Arrange for a reliable taxi in advance, avoid hailing one on the street.

Do not take photos of government or military installations.

Lebanon is located in an active seismic zone; earthquakes can occur.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress conservatively to respect local customs.

LGBTI travellers should note that same-sex behaviours and relations are illegal in Lebanon. LGBTI travellers risk arrest or detention.

Extreme Violence

The risk of terrorism is high in Lebanon. Attacks have occurred throughout the country in the past few years, involving residential armed conflict, grenade attacks, bombings, assassinations, shelling, and unofficial roadblocks and checkpoints. These attacks have occurred in public places and commercial establishments frequented by foreigners. Travellers should remain vigilant and maintain a high degree of caution as terrorist incidents can occur without warning.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and armed conflict occur often in Lebanon. Travellers should avoid these and all other political gatherings as they can become violent with little warning.

Travellers should monitor the local security situation in Lebanon as it is subject to change.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid travelling to Beirut and North Lebanon (Northern Governorate) due to the threat of terrorism and unpredictable violence.

Avoid travelling to regions near Syria, including Hasbaya, Marjayoun and Rachaya due to the presence of landmines and armed conflict.

Avoid travelling to the Northern Bekaa Valley, Hermel, Baalbek and Palestinian refugee camps due to the risk of unpredictable violence.

Avoid travelling to areas south of the Litany river as it is highly militarized. Access may be severely restricted. Border disputes in this area occur often.

Avoid travel near the borders with Israel.