Lebanon is a top class visit.
You can investigate strange ancient ruins. Sample the sensational Lebanese cuisine. Carve up some powder on Lebanese slopes. Lebanon is great!
Lebanon also happens to be wedged between some pretty brutal conflicts. Bordering both Syria and Israel (and that questionable little bit in between the two, the Golan Heights), Lebanon is directly connected to some of the most volatile regions in the middle east.
So naturally, you’re going to be wondering, “Is Lebanon safe?”
And that’s a fair question! To help you out, I’ve decided to create this EPIC insider guide to staying safe in Lebanon. Hopefully, we can lay concerns to rest, and give you the confidence to explore one of the world’s most underrated gems…
…Let’s jump into the specifics!
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There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Lebanon Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.
The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Lebanon.
If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!
Updated December 2023
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- Is it Safe to Visit Lebanon Right Now?
- Safest Places to Visit in Lebanon
- 19 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Lebanon
- Is Lebanon safe to travel alone?
- Is Lebanon safe for solo female travellers?
- Where to Start Your Travels in Lebanon
- Is Lebanon Safe For families?
- Getting Around Lebanon Safely
- Crime in Lebanon
- What to Pack For Your Lebanon Trip
- Lebanon Travel Insurance
- FAQs on Lebanon’s Safety
- So, is Lebanon Safe?
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Is it Safe to Visit Lebanon Right Now?
Based on the data on the World Bank, Lebanon had 1,936,000 international visitors last 2019. Most of these tourists had a pretty safe experience.
Whilst there are a fair few factors you should consider before embarking on your trip, travelling to Lebanon is typically safe. However, there are places you should definitely avoid (like near the Syrian or Israeli borders, and Palestinian refugee camps).
In addition, Lebanon has experienced several aftershocks of the Turkey earthquake (with more expected) and has an ongoing economic crisis, which has led to some shortages of goods, including food, petrol, and medicine. This has contributed to some level of both political and economic instability. If you want to go, plan your trip carefully!
Large swathes of Lebanon are in fact very safe to visit. They are startlingly beautiful, the people are friendly, and since the media generally over-plays the danger here, it is under-visited.
Beirut in particular is doomed to be forever synonymous in the international psyche with explosions. The city was rocked in August 2020 by a huge blast that left over 30 people dead and over a thousand injured. The city has consequently experienced a humanitarian crisis.
Since then, the city has recovered, but you can still see the effect of the explosion. While it’s predominantly safe to visit right now, you should monitor local media to keep up with the current situation.
Due to these factors, and the terrorist threat posed by Lebanon’s geographical location, we can’t exactly say that it is super safe to visit Lebanon right now. There are too many warnings from governments across the world for us to give an unreserved ‘go-ahead’. However, I backpacked it myself in 2017 and felt extremely safe at all times.
And if you do decide to go, spending bucks on a Lebanon trip can help locals out a lot! Around 2 and a half million tourists visit Lebanon each year (if you’re into travel stats)
Safest Places to Visit in Lebanon
Despite what the media tells you, Lebanon is a great country to visit. And if you choose the right areas, it’ll be perfectly safe as well. To help you make the right decision, we’ve listed the safest places in Lebanon, as well as the no-go areas, below.
- Beirut: This might come to your surprise, but Beirut, Lebanon’s capital city, is one of the safest places in the country. Female travellers can dress normally here, the streets are well developed (although incredibly busy) and there’s a pretty cool nightlife scene. If you want to explore the rest of the country, basing yourself in Beirut is a good idea. Stay in the Hamra neighbourhood for some cool hipster and university vibes. Most of Beirut is safe, but you should avoid wandering south of the sports stadium and the Adnan Al Hakim road. There are still some pretty damaged areas.
- Batroun: Batroun is located north of Beirut and is a stunning coastal town. It’s known to be the most attractive, clean, medium-sized town in the region, so you’ll definitely have a blast. It’s also a nice getaway from the busy, and not-so-clean Beirut. The old port area is still an active fishing port where you will find the locals grilling their fresh catch, preparing the nets, and just generally chilling out by their boats when not out at sea.
- Bcharre: Bcharre is located just above the Kadisha Valley—one of the most historically and naturally significant valleys in the country. It’s a very laid-back and chill vibe, with lots of culture and tradition to explore. You’ll also be very close (around 15min) to the famous Cedars of God, some of the oldest and largest cedar trees on the planet.
Places in Lebanon to Avoid
You can’t go to every area of Lebanon. You should not be going to these places unless you have some serious self-preservation issues.
- Palestinian refugee camps (specifically Ain El Hilweh in Saida, unless you are with a guide),
- Within 5 kilometres of the border with Syria
- Within 5 kilometres of the border with Israel
- The Hermel area.
- The southern suburbs of Beirut are a ‘no-go’ owing to potential crime and extremism. The neighbourhoods of Bir Hassan, Ghobeiry, Chiyah, Haret Hraik, Burj Al Brajne, Mraije, Er Rouais and Laylake are included in this.
Thankfully, none of these places are areas that tourists would normally end up in, since there is nothing worth seeing anyway. If you are an explorer, it’s worth double-checking that you’re not walking into a potential terrorist hotspot whenever you plan to go to a new place.
Hezbollah
The Beqaa Valley is entirely controlled by Hezbollah, which functions as the proxy government. But it is in fact perfectly safe for travellers and Balbeek is not to be missed. You can even safely visit the Hezbollah museum at Mount Amil in South Lebanon.
Many governments advise against visiting Tripoli to the North although I, and many other travellers, did visit and found it perfectly safe. The warnings are related to sectarian tensions that occasionally erupt.
A fair few places in Lebanon aren’t safe for travel. That’s very clear. Everywhere else – though you should be careful – is open for business!
Keeping your money safe in Lebanon
One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.
Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.The best solution? Get a money belt.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!19 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Lebanon
Government advice may be practically screaming ‘Don’t go to Lebanon!’ But we would disagree. There’s not been a war in Lebanon since 1991, the Lebanese-Israeli War lasted just one month and ended in 2006. The worst stuff in this country occurs from the residue of other conflicts. Still, it’s a very volatile part of the world, so apart from general travel safety tips, here’s some specific safety advice for when you feel like going to Lebanon!
- Celebratory gunfire is common – to speeches, victories, and political demonstrations. If you hear it, head into a building!
- Stay aware of the security situation – watch TV, listen to the radio, check Twitter, whatever – things can change quickly.
- Take care around BIG events – people attending large gatherings, sports events, that sort of thing – they can be targets of terrorist attacks
- Yes, there is a threat of terrorism – there’s not a lot you can do about it, but stay vigilant.
- Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
- Don’t wander off the beaten track – we mean literally. There are plenty of landmines still out there. Maybe use a guide.
- Listen to police/officials – there are plenty of military checkpoints. If you’re stopped, comply. They’re there for your safety.
- Don’t take photos of military sites – it’s kind of obvious. Why would you? Snapping pics of anything that isn’t an obvious tourist sight might get you pulled aside.
- Respect local traditions – Be aware of how you’re behaving and how it could offend people, e.g. eating in public during Ramadan.
- Dress modestly when you go to religious sites – If it looks like other people are covering up, then you should too.
- Do NOT use drugs in Lebanon – use of cannabis is widespread but police CAN use entrapment techniques. Even a small quantity is an offence that could land you in prison.
- Refrain from same-sex public displays of affection – LGBTQ travellers, take note. This is punishable with prison time.
- Learn a bit of Arabic – this can help keep you safe, help you get around the country, help you eat, etc.
- Look after your belongings – don’t walk around with your bag open or anything like that. It’s not common, but thieves DO exist.
- Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt.
- Similarly, don’t walk around looking wealthy – It won’t help you stay out of trouble.
- Don’t carry loads of money around with you – It’s better if it’s not there to steal, or go missing, in the first place. You can secure extra cash you think you’ll need in a security belt.
- Carry your ID around at all times – you’ll need to show it if someone official asks for it. A copy will do.
- There are earthquakes in Lebanon – knowing what to do in the event of a big one will keep you safe.
Surprisingly, outside of the things that governments are warning people about (and scaring them away from Lebanon in the process), this country is pretty safe. Crime levels are relatively low and it’s one of the more stable Middle Eastern countries.
Travelling solo to Lebanon is probably best done by those who have a fair bit of travel experience under their belt. Outside of Beirut, things get a bit difficult; infrastructure isn’t well developed and you may be more than a little shocked if this is your first time!
If you’ve experienced solo travel in other countries, you know that it’s going to be a rewarding experience. Seeing a place at your own pace, meeting new people, learning about a culture, etc. But to help you, here are some pro tips for solo travellers in Lebanon.
- Get yourself a Lebanese sim card. They might be a little more expensive than you’re used to back home but they are definitely well worth it if you’re thinking of travelling to Lebanon by yourself. This allows you to keep in touch with people, call accommodation, restaurants, and keep track of where you are on maps. You know, the usual benefits of a phone.
- Get to know other travellers in Lebanon. There are meet-up groups, such as Travel Massive Beirut and weekly Couchsurfing meet-ups in the city, too. Have a look online and find the type of group that’s right for you.
- Keep your family up to date with where you are and what you’re up to. It’ll keep you connected, grounded in reality, and it’s ultimately SAFER when someone knows where you are.
- Use reputable hotels. Make sure you do your research and read reviews. Is the area sketchy? Are the staff awesome? Are the rooms gross? Is it secure? All that stuff. If it ticks all of your boxes then go ahead!
- Know emergency numbers. Keep them saved high up on your contacts too. Imagine scrolling through your phonebook in an emergency situation.
- Stay away from streets that look deserted. It’s probably a good way to get into trouble – day or night.
- Join a tour! Aside from all its other benefits, even for experienced travelers, Lebanon is going to be tough. Whilst Beirut will be fine, getting out into the rest of the country is going to be tricky. There’s a lack of accommodation, public transport, that sort of thing. So finding yourself a reputable tour company will definitely open up the country for you.
- Ask local people for insider knowledge. If anybody’s going to know the country, it’s going to be the people who live in it.
- Travel light. Limit yourself to one bag and don’t make it too heavy. If you’re travelling around, the last thing you need is a load of baggage.
If you’ve lived the backpacker lifestyle before, get stuck into Lebanon as a solo traveller! It may seem like a bit of an odd choice taking into account all the instability in the area, but don’t let that put you off.
Is Lebanon safe for solo female travellers?
Surprisingly (for some of us), you can have an amazing time as a solo female traveller in Lebanon. It’s actually fairly easy as a solo female traveller here.
Lebanon feels part-European, part-Middle Eastern. That means the culture is generally quite relaxed – and there’s not even a lot of hassle from men here! But you may be concerned about your safety, so here are some tips to help with your travels.
- In Beirut, Western clothing is normal. You won’t have to wear traditional Middle Eastern style clothing at all. Skinny jeans, for example, are common. Other areas of the country might not be so liberal. Observe other women wherever you are and try to imitate (as best you can) how they’re dressed.
- The only time you need to wear a headscarf is when you go to religious sites, specifically mosques. Usually, you’ll be provided with something to cover your legs and arms too.
- When you get onto a bus, the front two rows are for women. Try to sit next to a woman if you can. It’ll just be more comfortable and appropriate for the situation.
- If you do drink (yes, there’s alcohol), drink responsibly. Don’t lose sense of where you are.
- If you get chatting to a man whilst you’re out and he seems overly interested in who you are, where you’re staying, and what you’re doing, don’t tell them.
- Harassment levels are low in Lebanon. However, that doesn’t mean that it won’t happen at all. If someone is bothering you, ignore them. If it gets too much – if you feel uncomfortable or that you are in actual danger – then draw attention to yourself.
- The best way to enjoy Lebanon with complete peace of mind is to book yourself onto a tour. This will make exploring the country so much easier.
- When you’re looking at booking accommodation for yourself, make sure it’s well-reviewed by other solo female travellers. That is going to be the best way to find something that fits you.
Loads of solo female travellers go to Lebanon and report back with amazing stories – the lack of harassment, lack of crime, lack of sketchiness, and the respect they get. Make sure to bring some clothes to go out in Beirut – it’s a party city alright!
Where to Start Your Travels in Lebanon
Beirut
Beirut is Lebanon’s cultural, political, nightlife, and commercial center. Because of that fact, Beirut offers a taste of Middle Eastern-flavored cosmopolitan life.
Is Lebanon Safe For families?
Families can have a pretty good time in Lebanon. All the conflict surrounding the country aside, it’s actually a family-friendly destination.
Beirut, for example, has a whole lot of stuff going for it. Planet Discovery Children’s Museum, then there’s the Sanayeh Public Garden and the Beirut Waterfront – at 4.8 kilometres long, this makes for a perfect stroll with the kids.
In addition to all that there are beaches and beach resorts, complete with kids’ clubs.
Summers are hot and humid. 300 days of sun, they say. This can be a little tricky with a small child. You’ll probably want to stay somewhere with a pool and air-con in the summer. Visit from September—October or April—May for less humidity and heat.
Obviously, cities can be overwhelming at any time, even without kids. So head out and explore what else the country has to offer. There’s tons of nature to discover in Lebanon!
Basically, Lebanon is pretty safe for families. No doubt you won’t be heading too far off the beaten track anyway, meaning that ‘unsafe’ areas of the country will be literally miles from your mind.
Getting Around Lebanon Safely
Most people will frequently use taxis for getting around. They’re relatively cheap, safe and trustworthy. Uber exists but actually comes with a warning. If you need to get somewhere, just stick an arm out!
That said, Lebanon’s public transport leaves a lot to be desired. Though limited, public transport is safe in Beirut.
- Mini Buses: These ferry people around towns along certain routes. It’s the usual, pack-it-’till-it’s-full and then go.
- Government-run Buses: These tend to be safer than the minibusses and they’re also pretty cheap. They have red number plates and the destination shown (but only in Arabic)
- Long-distance Buses: Head to the inter-city bus station at Charles Helou Station (northbound) or Cola Station (southbound) to get one of these.
There is an ongoing project to map all the bus routes in Beirut which can help you get around. You might find it pretty handy.
If you want to drive in Lebanon, you’re going to have to be confident about it!
It’s the sort of country where the rules of the road just go out the window. Driving will be challenging – from the quality of the roads (crazy bends and potholes) to city traffic, and even military checkpoints.
Crime in Lebanon
Crime rates in Lebanon are actually very low. This is very promising, and also why we are still happy to tell people to go! However, government agencies are still cautious to give the green light. The U.K. government also highlights the risks posed by terrorist groups and the heightened tensions between Lebanon and Israel. I strongly advise listening to official travel guidance, but remember that governments have a large motive to cover their backs in these situations!
The U.S. travel authority rates Lebanon as a level 3 country, urging people to reconsider travel. They cite crime,?terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest and kidnapping. However, they also rate South Africa as a level 2 country, despite the country having a much much much higher crime rate. Basically, stay away from Israel, Syria, and the dodgy part of Beirut, and you should be fine.
Laws in Lebanon
Lebanese laws are much more relaxed when compared to other countries in the region. However, the Lebanese government is able to prosecute any so-called ‘sexual act against nature’, which sadly means the LGBTQ+ community should refrain from expressing affection. Drug punishments are particularly harsh too, so don’t get caught, or better still, don’t do drugs.
Children travelling without their fathers should have their guardian (or mother) carry written permission from the father. Sometimes questions are asked, and apparently, lots of mothers have difficulty overturning ‘travel bans’ imposed by their husbands.
What to Pack For Your Lebanon Trip
Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Lebanon without…
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Head Torch
A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.
SIM card
Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Money Belt
This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs on Lebanon’s Safety
Planning a safe trip to Lebanon can be a little overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve listed the most common questions people ask about staying safe in Lebanon.
So, is Lebanon Safe?
As long as you’re not actively seeking out an actual warzone, chances are you’re going to be safe. Very safe in fact. That being said, you should still use your common travel sense.
Saying you’re going anywhere near Syria at the moment is going to make people think you’re crazy. We don’t think you’re crazy though.
Lebanon itself, though small and pretty much engulfed on all sides by super volatile situations, is safe. It’s a tolerant, open society where multiple faiths live in together with many Western ideals.
Lebanon is friendliness, openness, tolerance, and fun combined with cool history and landscapes.
Terrorist attacks aside – because these happen in alarming rates in Western countries too – Lebanon is a refreshing anomaly of the Middle East. It may not have great infrastructure thanks to its previous conflict, but that’s in the past.
The future of Lebanon is a good one. It’s got a lot going for it.
Looking for more info on traveling to Lebanon?
- Get inspired by these EPIC bucket list adventures!
- See exactly how to travel the world for a year, even if you’re broke
- Take a look at my expert travel safety tips learned from 15+ years on the road
- Explore with the ultimate peace of mind with top-notch medical evacuation insurance
- Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Lebanon travel guide!
Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!
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As someone who used to live In Mraiji, I don’t think it’s as dangerous as you said, the people in it are extremely nice and the last time there was a gunfight near my house was a whole YEAR ago, so don’t tell people that it’s dangerous, I do agree with you when you said that there is not much to see there tho… nice article btw.
Lebanon is currently NOT a safe destination and violence in the region will very likely escalate further this year.
Our advice is to wait to visit until the region is less volatile.
Truly irresponsible that you are suggesting people to travel to Lebanon. Half of your post is about safety and avoiding trouble. That’s more than enough indication to steer clear of Lebanon. Please stop promoting this ! You can get people killed.
Hi Jackson
I travelled to Lebanon as did several of our team and guess what? We are all still alive.
Granted, the situation may be a bit tense right now but and we are watching world events closely. If the situation changes in Lebanon we still update our post but until then happy travels.
Aiden
I enjoyed the article, and although I’ve never been there, I have known Lebanese people here in the US, and they are good friends, several have their own businesses in towns close to me. The thing to do is always be aware of where you are, and who is around you… you can get into trouble even in small towns in the US if you are rude, drunk, etc. Do not, I repeat, do not think yourself above others, no matter where you are. Be polite, be courteous, be kind, and listen. I have several “nannas” in various Lebanese businesses in the area (grandma type women) because I treat them with respect and they pay back with their hugs and pats on the arms and shoulders. Relax around them, but just be aware of where you are and who else is in the area.
I study the Bible, especially the Old Testament, and several of the towns mentioned in the OT are located in Lebanon, and when I ask questions about various towns located there, the women just beam and have stories galore to share. A few of my ex-military buddies have been there, and they agree with this article.
It is truly refreshing to be reading an article in 2022 that is focusing on the positive aspects of Lebanon for a change.
Love this & Lebanon!
Its super safe, just arrive back 10 days solo female traveller, desipite all whats going.. its safer that walking around London….
I was in Lebanon this august and had the best time of my life, it is lgbtq+ friendly, they are even gaybars. Dont kiss or hold hands in public ofcourse, but for anyone can have fun even now with the gas crisis. Everyone smoke hashish and parties on techno music it is so nice. Beirut and batroun are amazing, go to fun bars that seem nice to you, Lebanese people are so cool they are very artistic minded and get along with anyone. Ofcourse be respectful these people have been trough alot the last years. Best country and people i have ever met!!!
Did human trafficker write this? It is perfectly fine to say “I was there”, but it differs from “I was there, trust me”. I traveled then 9 times already, 6 times as ISAF soldier, 3 times on my own. The claim that it’s safe is an obnoxious lie and I worry that some people may actually find it motivating. Do not go there. Especially to regions controlled by Hezbollah. We don’t speak about a different culture. We’re talking about terrorists kidnapping and murdering people with different beliefs on their daily basis.
Or in other words…
Don’t go there. Don’t make my job harder. Mine or ISAF’s. We risk our lives so one day you may go there and see the beauties Lebanon has.
Mike, several of our time including myself have been to Lebanon including into territories controlled by Hezbollah. I even visited the weird and wacky Hezbollah Museum.
You have your perspective, and we have ours. Please don’t make our job harder by spouting your politically charged rhetoric on our walls.
Regards
I found the Lebanon people to be very friendly and hospitable. They all to seem to want the same they ever other countries want, that is raise their family’s in peace any an opportunity to prosper. While traveling in Lebanon I was treated rudely or insulted in any form! It’s hard to find out the truth on the web or news. Learn about their customs any try to honor them, treat the people of Lebanon as you would like to treat an show respect, you are guest in their country
Thank you for this. I’m off to Lebanon for a few weeks of work and when I mentioned it to my dad you would have thought I was going straight into a war zone. It’s reassuring to read that if I keep vigilant I should have a great time.