Is Lebanon Safe? Read the 10 Tips on Travel Safety
Is it safe to travel to Lebanon? Is Beirut safe? Are there frequent terrorist attacks? Travel safety has become a top concern in Lebanon. For many people who are not familiar with Lebanon, the first word that comes to mind is ‘war’. Indeed, Lebanon's special location makes it a special presence in the Middle East. The following content will answer this question by creating a very useful expert guide. If you're worried about safety while traveling, read on.Lebanon has a long coastline on the eastern Mediterranean Sea, bordered by its warring neighbor Syria to the north and east, and Palestine and Israel to the south. Many tourists are worried about their safety due to conflicts among Lebanon’s neighbors, and also threats posed by the refugees and its own economic pressures.
Although it couldn't free from the political turmoil in the Middle East, Lebanon’s internal safety is generally good. The people are very friendly, and it is really a wonderful place worth a visit, enjoying great natural scenery from the beautiful beaches to mountains and valleys, and rich cultural heritages from the Phoenician castles to the ancient Roman ruins. As long as you plan your route well, check out the information below and follow our advice, you’re in for a safe and fun vacation.
Where is the safest place in Lebanon?
- Security and Precautions for Different Cities and Regions
► Capital Beirut: Low Risk
The situation in Lebanon is complicated, but its capital, Beirut, is relatively safe. It is recommended that you stay in Beirut every night while travelling in the country, not only for safety but also for a wider and more convenient choice of hotels and restaurants.When you visit, stay and shop in Beirut, you will feel that it is no different from anywhere else in the world. When you first arrive here, you will even be surprised at how prosperous it is. After all, it is known as the Little Paris of the Middle East. The Downtown Beirut and Place de l 'Etoile are bustling, with a delicate atmosphere left over from the long French rule. You'll feel pretty safe and the chances of an accident are low.
However, you can feel all the time that it’s obviously different from other places, because there are so many traces of previous wars. On the streets of Beirut, countless buildings are riddled with bullet holes. Soldiers and checkpoints are scattered throughout the country, especially in Beirut, where armed soldiers are stationed on every street. Armored vehicles and fortifications are a common sight. The Lebanese people love the army because the army makes them feel safer.
The Martyrs' Square, in the city center, was badly damaged during the Civil War. You can see that the central figure is riddled with bullet holes, but its resolute posture has not changed in 60 years, reminding people to remember the past and cherish peace. Today Lebanon may have stopped sectarian civil war, but instability persists, and the soldiers still patrol the squares with guns loaded. The square is now the site of many of Lebanon's biggest assemblies and protests. The area around the square is a mess. Many of the walls are spray-painted with slogans and graffiti.
The central Grand Serail (Government Palace), is strictly sealed off because of the unstable political situation. You may be warned by the military police to delete photos of sensitive areas if you are taking random photos on the roadside. However, don't be too nervous. Just follow the police’s requirements, and they are relatively friendly to tourists.
There may be some pickpockets so be careful with your bags and valuables. Beirut is a city with heavy traffic and unruly drivers, so if you drive by yourself, pay special attention to traffic safety.
► Southern and Northern Coastal Areas: Medium Risk
In Lebanon, cities like Sidon and Tyre in the south and Jounieh and Byblos in the north are relatively safe. There have been sporadic clashes or security incidents, but they are sporadic, not common and generally won’t affect foreigners.The Phoenician ruins of downtown Tyre, next to a Palestinian refugee camp, might be dangerous. The camp, once a training ground for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), was said to be an easy target for Israeli bombing. Now, it is guarded by the United Nations peacekeepers and police, preventing refugees from getting out and tourists from getting in. There is no danger in just seeing the historical ruins.
► Eastern Baalbek and Bekaa Valley: High Risk
In the east, Baalbek is home to the world-renowned archaeological sites and the ancient Roman temples complex, while the Bekaa Valley features stunning natural scenery, but the security there is precarious for it is close to the Syrian border. There are organized crime in the Bekaa Valley, including the drug trade, most of which has nothing to do with tourists, but there were once a few kidnappings involving foreigners. Here, you need to be careful, travel in groups, don’t leave the town center, try to stay on the main roads, and don't go too far east and close to the Syrian border.It takes about 2 to 3 hours to drive from Beirut to Baalbek. The road is also a direct road to Damascus, Syria. There are 2 or 3 military checkpoints on the way, but it’s easy and you don’t need to get out of your car for check. However, be aware that the mountain roads to Baalbek may be closed due to snow in winter, so be sure to check the local safety situation and road conditions in advance before deciding whether to go.
► Areas to Avoid
Due to the impact of the wars and conflicts in Syria and Israel, it is not advised to travel to the easternmost areas, northern hinterlands, and southern tips near the Lebanese-Syrian border and Lebanese-Israeli border. You are advised to avoid Hermel, Miniyeh-Danniyeh and other cities close to the border. It is highly likely that terrorists may try to launch attacks in these areas. There are Islamic extremists attacking the Lebanese government, security services, civilians and even foreigners.10 Tips for Safe Travel in Lebanon
You should improve safety awareness during the journey, understand the local folk customs, and do not violate some local taboos. Keep these 10 tips in mind that could save your life in the nick of time.1. Go with your family or friends.
Backpacking alone is not recommended for safety reasons, especially for women, given Lebanon’s complex cultural and social situation. You are advised to travel in groups and try to avoid going out at night.2. Stay in a four- or five-star hotels in Beirut.
Security in the capital Beirut is among the highest in the country, and there are many hotels to choose from. It is recommended that you return to Beirut overnight every day of the journey. On the one hand, the service quality and safety are guaranteed. On the other hand, the food in these hotels is more western-style and may be more to your taste.3. Avoid going to the slums.
Don't be too curious and avoid going alone to remote rural areas, slums, or refugee camps, which can be hazardous. If you come across these places by chance, don’t panic, don’t enter, and just take a detour.4. Pay attention to traffic safety when driving.
Self-drive is a great way to travel in Lebanon and the roads throughout the country are generally in good condition, but the problem is that there are too many reckless drivers. Riding lanes, changing lanes at random, speeding are all very common on the road, and some drivers even ignore the traffic lights. Therefore, the accident rate is very high, and you see many cars on the street with scratches. You need to take extra care to ensure safe driving. Driving in the mountains is a bit difficult, so if you want to go, make sure you have enough driving experience.For more questions about self-driving, please see:
Lebanon Road Trip: Comprehensive Route Plan & Driving Strategies
5. Pay attention to prevent robbery.
Lebanon does have some pickpockets and tourists are often the victims of pickpockets or bag snatches. In the airports, bus stations and other crowded places, pay attention to safety, and take care of your personal belongings. The currency’s slump has led to a rise in robbery in Lebanon. There are more people trying to steal or rob food, baby formula or medicine. The robberies in 2020 are up 57% from 2019, and auto thefts are at their highest level in a decade, according to the research firm Information International. You should always guard your belongings during the trip. When traveling by car, don’t leave anything in the car when you park, especially your valuables. Otherwise, you may return to your car to find your windows smashed and your things gone.6. Be cautious of scams.
There are many friendly people in Lebanon, but there are also scams. You should always use your wits when traveling. Be careful around the ATMs and watch out for people who try to distract you. After paying for tickets or other items, check your change carefully. In some scenic spots, for example, the ticket is LBP 6,000. When you pay USD 1, usually the conductor will not give you the change. If you ask him, he will reply with a smile, and ask your permission for him to keep the change. You can tip the rest if you like, as the tickets are really cheap. Remember, never pay for anything up front. The taxi drivers here often refuse to use the meters. When taking a taxi, you need to negotiate the price with the driver before you get on the car; otherwise the driver may overcharge you when you get off.7. Women travelers: avoid revealing clothing.
Lebanon is probably the only Middle East country where women can show their arms and legs on the street. In fact, Lebanon is one of the most liberal Arab countries in the Middle East. Here, people are free to drink and eat meat. Women are not required to wear headscarves in public and they are required to wear abayas only when visiting mosques or a few Arab sites. All in all, Lebanon is not particularly dangerous for women, but general travelers, regardless of gender, are advised not to wander in unsafe areas. Given the religious and ethnic complexity of the country, women are advised to dress modestly to avoid unnecessary trouble.8. Local food and drinking water safety: medium
The local food safety and hygiene situation is good, but the local tap water quality is poor, which can be used for washing, but not for drinking. The tap water here is so salty that drinking it directly can cause discomfort and even diarrhea. It is recommended that you buy bottled drinking water from the supermarket.9. Take along masks, disinfectants and other epidemic prevention supplies.
Although some hotels and other public places will provide disinfectants, but in this special pandemic period, you’d better bring your own masks, paper towels, disinfectant, and hand sanitizer. Wash your hands frequently, stay away from viruses, and stay healthy.10. Don't discuss politics.
Bear in mind that it is extremely important to avoid any discussion of politics or religions inside Lebanon. The country is home to a wide variety of ethnic and religious groups. Your comments may be seen as offensive, even if they are not malicious.► If you are still anxious about travel safety, then we strongly suggest you book a guided tour with us, so that you don't have to worry about it, and the route is safer.
Best Private Lebanon Tours
Unsafe Factors Analysis for Reference: 4 Aspects
1. External Influence: Wars in the Middle Eastern Countries
Lebanon’s neighbor to the west, Syria, is fighting a long war, and to its south, there is violence between Israel and the Palestinian areas. Unfortunately, these have also had consequences in Lebanon, leading many people to believe that Lebanon is also insecure. The country is hardly immune from the maelstrom of the Middle East's powder keg.The relationship between Lebanon and Syria resembles that of a child who has grown up and wants to live apart. For a long period of history, when the land was administered and colonized by foreign empires, Lebanon did not exist as an independent state, but as part of the Greater Syrian Province. In the mind of the Syrian leaders, Lebanon should be part of Syria and its independence must not be recognized. The idea was finally reflected in Syria’s actions, which began in 1943 and eventually erupted in 1975. Since the Lebanese Civil War in 1975, Syria sent troops into Lebanon for 30 years in the name of maintaining order and protecting the Shia Muslims. Until 2005, Syria reluctantly withdrew its troops from Lebanon, and in 2008 it formally established diplomatic ties with Lebanon, and explicitly recognized Lebanon as an independent nation.
Lebanon’s relationship with Palestine has a story of the refugee struggle. During the Lebanese Civil War, the Palestinian refugees in the south joined their Lebanese Muslim brothers against the Christians in the north, but they did more than help. They took advantage of the chaos to move the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to Lebanon, attacking Lebanese Christians to the north and Israel to the south. Israel responded quickly with a strong military force and moved its troops into southern Lebanon, crippling the PLO and wreaking havoc in southern Lebanon.
Although there is no direct conflict in Lebanon now, the crisis in the surrounding countries has driven thousands of Syrian and Palestinian refugees into Lebanon in recent years, posing a threat to Lebanon's social security.
The capital Beirut has provided shelter for the displaced throughout its history. The Palestinians, Iraqis, Assyrians, Sudanese and Syrians have all come to Beirut as refugees. The apartment buildings damaged during the Lebanese Civil War, became their refuge. Children displaced by the war can often be seen selling bottled water on the street, sometimes you can see a woman with several children. You might think the war is far away, but standing on the streets of Beirut, it’s clear that war has brought great harm to mankind, and it is never far away.
2. Internal Instability: Religious Conflicts and After-effects of Lebanese Civil War
Lebanon is a westernized country with a 40% Christian population, a rarity in the Middle East. More than 50% of the people believe in Islam, and the Druze Group, which ranks the third, makes up about 5% of Lebanon's population. The country's population is divided into the Christians in the north and the Muslims in the south, and the two religions have long been in conflict.The Christians in Lebanon belong to the Maronites, a Catholic sect founded by Saint Maron during his early mission in Syria. In addition, the Crusades had an important impact on the solidification of Christianity in Lebanon. The area between Lebanon and Israel was the front line of the Crusades and was populated by large numbers of Western Europeans, so it is not surprising that Lebanon has a large number of Christians. At the time of Lebanon’s early independence, 80% of its population was Christian. Later, as the leftists took over, it took in too many immigrants after the Middle East wars, resulting in a population imbalance. The Hizbullah’s goal was to wrest power from the Christians and carry out terrorist attacks. At that time, many Christians fled, leaving only about 40% of Lebanon’s population Christian.
From 1975 to 1990, Lebanon fought a 15-year Civil War. The Christian Maronite ruling party clashed with the armed Muslim groups. The Civil War allowed outsiders to enter Lebanon. Israel planned to create a military buffer zone in the Lebanese territory, and Syria had also moved in under the guise of protecting the Lebanese Muslims. The two countries had been engaged in fierce and ongoing fighting within the fence of Lebanon. After 15 years, the Civil War finally ended, but Lebanon quickly fell from rich to poor, to dilapidated and unstable.
The Civil War has passed for years. Despite occasional clashes, the country has been able to enjoy peace for more than a decade.
Today, several different religious groups coexist peacefully. Although religion plays an important role in the lives of most families, Lebanon is the freest country in the entire Middle East in terms of religion. It has the largest number of atheists, especially among the young. Beer is widely available and allowed to be drunk on the street.
3. Security Threat Posed by Demonstrations in the Country
Since 2019, there have been nationwide protests over economic development and the gap between the rich and the poor. There have been continuous mass demonstrations and even clashes and casualties in some regions. Many of Lebanon's biggest rallies and protests are taken place near the Martyr’s Square in central Beirut. When there is no demonstration, it is still a mess around the square. You can see the ATMs that the demonstrators smashed are still there, unrepaired. The former banks, government offices and shops lie abandoned along the road, with smashed windows. In August 2020, at least 190 people were killed and many others injured in a huge explosion in the port area of the capital Beirut. In 2021, there were massive blackouts due to fuel shortages, which led to a lot of demonstrations and insecurity.People planning to travel to Lebanon should be informed of the local situation and make reasonable arrangements before travelling. During your stay in Lebanon, pay close attention to the development of the situation, raise the awareness of security precautions, and reduce unnecessary outings. When visiting scenic spots, you need to choose reasonable routes to avoid demonstration areas. In case of emergency, please call the police and contact your embassy in Lebanon for assistance.