OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Lebanon.
An explosion occurred in Beirut in the Sassine Square area on October 19, 2012, causing deaths and injuries. Canadians are advised to exercise caution, avoid the affected area, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Planned and spontaneous demonstrations related to the domestic and regional situation regularly occur in Lebanon. The road to the airport is subject to sporadic closure due to various factors including local sectarian clashes, civil unrest in Syria and protests against government policies. On August 15, 2012, access to the international airport in Beirut was restricted for several hours. Masked gunmen were seen in the southern suburbs of Beirut in the vicinity of the airport. Unconfirmed reports indicate that foreign nationals may have been kidnapped. The Embassy of Canada in Lebanon is monitoring the situation closely. Canadians are advised to monitor local news regularly for updates on the current situation, to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they may take place, as they could turn violent without warning. Canadians should also observe all warnings issued by Lebanese authorities and take appropriate precautions.
Canadians should ensure that their travel documents are up to date. The Simplified Renewal Passport Application Process is now available to Canadians applying from Lebanon. Canadians should also register themselves and their families online with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service in order to receive the latest advice from the Canadian Embassy in Beirut.
On August 10, 2012, the United States (U.S.) embassy in Beirut indicated to U.S. citizens that it had received reports of an increased possibility of attacks against U.S. citizens in Lebanon. Possible threats include kidnapping, the potential for an upsurge in violence, the escalation of family or neighbourhood disputes, as well as U.S. citizens being the target of terrorist attacks in Lebanon.
Read More: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=159000