Lebanon Travel Safety

Road safety

Road accidents and serious road rage incidents causing injury or death are common in Lebanon. Road lighting is sporadic and unreliable in urban areas and virtually non-existent in rural areas. At night, many drivers use their high beams exclusively, often creating a serious hazard due to blinding glare. Congestion and aggressive driving are serious problems throughout the country, where drivers have little regard for traffic laws. Mountain roads may be affected by fog, heavy snow, ice and other hazardous conditions during winter months. Lebanese drivers are unaccustomed to sharing the road with bicycles, and it is rare to see cyclists around the country. Exercise a high degree of caution if cycling. Pedestrians should be extremely careful at all times.

Regional travel

Travel to or from Israel is illegal in Lebanon. Foreigners may be arrested, detained, questioned and refused entry into Lebanon if their passport bears an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel, as such a stamp could indicate the traveler has been to Israel.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose a threat in some parts of the country, including south of the Litani River and near the northeastern border region, despite progress in demining activities. Watch for posted landmine warnings, stay on paved roads and avoid walking or hiking in these areas.

Taxis

Do not use shared or "service" taxis. Uber is illegal in Lebanon, and Lebanese authorities advise that it is not safe to use the service. Foreigners using shared transportation have been victims of armed robbery, either by the driver or other passengers. Always pre-arrange transportation with a safe and reliable taxi company, do not hail taxis off the street and avoid using any unmarked taxi services. Most major hotel chains will have an agreement with a reputable taxi company and can arrange the taxi for you. Avoid public transportation, which is crowded, unsafe and unreliable.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Lebanon, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Lebanon.

Crime

Violent crime and sexual assault are rare but can occur. Street crime, such as purse snatching and pick pocketing, car thefts and residential break-ins, can occur. Exercise vigilance and appropriate safety precautions.

Kidnapping

Kidnappings have occurred in the border areas with Syria and in the Bekaa Valley. In the southern suburbs of Beirut, foreigners and residents have been held against their will. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times. Although most incidents of kidnapping typically involve Lebanese residents, foreigners have also been kidnapped.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorist attacks, which could occur at any time and any place in Lebanon, including in areas frequented by foreigners, such as hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars, markets, tourist and religious sites, large outdoor events, shopping centres and supermarkets. Security officials are on a high state of alert and carry out anti-terrorism operations across the country to prevent attacks. Terrorist attacks on specific individuals or groups as well as targeting densely populated areas increase potential collateral risk to civilian areas. Bombings, grenade attacks, political assassinations, gun battles and vehicle explosions in commercial and residential districts in Lebanon have caused numerous deaths and injuries.

Dress and behaviour

The dress code in Lebanon is more relaxed than in most Middle Eastern countries. Nonetheless, you should dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

The law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. If convicted, travellers might face arrest. The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning "every sexual act against nature" and this provision includes homosexuality. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Lebanon.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Individuals charged with drug offences can expect to remain in jail and to be denied bail while judicial authorities prepare their case for prosecution. This process often takes years. It is prohibited to photograph or videotape government buildings or military personnel, equipment and installations.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required. Ensure your travel insurance is valid for driving in Lebanon.