beirut lebanon safe to travel

Update April 12, 2024

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Lebanon Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 29, 2024, lebanon - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated to reflect lowering the overall Travel Advisory to Level 3, information about southern Lebanon, the border with Syria, and refugee settlements in Lebanon, information on crime and political violence, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, and the “If you decide to travel” section.

Reconsider travel to Lebanon due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and armed conflict . Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• Southern Lebanon due to the  potential for armed conflict;
• The border with Syria due to  terrorism and armed conflict;
• Refugee settlements due to  the potential for armed clashes .

Country Summary : U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware of the risks of remaining in the country and review their personal security plans. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid travel to southern Lebanon, the Syrian border, and refugee settlements in Lebanon.

U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the protection of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning.

Local security authorities have noted a rise in violent crimes, including political violence. Multiple unsolved killings in Lebanon may have been politically motivated.

Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations.

Unexploded landmines and explosive remnants of war are a hazard along the border with Syria. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests as these have the potential to turn violent quickly and with little notice. Protesters have blocked major roads, including thoroughfares between downtown Beirut and the area where the U.S. Embassy is located, and between Beirut and Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Lebanon.

If you decide to travel to Lebanon:

• Visit our website for information on   Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with kidnappers/hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and members of Congress if you are kidnapped, or taken hostage.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Lebanon.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Southern Lebanon – Level 4: Do Not Travel (See map below)

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid southern Lebanon; that is, all parts south of the city of Saida, to include inland areas, as illustrated in the map below. Cross-border rocket, missile, and artillery fire continues to impact southern Lebanon on a daily basis and has caused a significant number of fatalities and injuries.

Border with Syria – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Syria border, which has seen clashes between Lebanese security forces and Syrian-based violent extremist groups. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to and from Beirut.

Refugee Settlements – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements in Lebanon, which are prone to outbreaks of violence including shootings and explosions.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Home » Middle East » Travel Safety

Is Lebanon SAFE to Visit? (2024 • Insider Tips)

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!

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?

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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 )

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.

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…)

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. 

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!

Beirut is Lebanon’s cultural, political, nightlife, and commercial center. Because of that fact, Beirut offers a taste of Middle Eastern-flavored cosmopolitan life.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is Lebanon safe?

Lebanon is typically safe to visit. In fact, it is a brilliant country to tour and provides landscapes, culture, and entertainment found nowhere else in the world. That said, there are problems, and you should stay well away from the Syrian and Israeli borders, and take care to avoid Palestinian refugee camps. Check out official travel advice or our full article to get a full picture of the situation.

Is Lebanon safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

No, Lebanon is not safe for LGBTQ+ travellers. If you show any same-sex affection in public, you might end up in jail since homosexuality is still illegal. For that reason, we wouldn’t recommend Lebanon to LGBTQ+ members YET!

Is Beirut safe?

Most of Beirut is incredibly safe and offers top nightlife, restaurants, and activities. However, try to avoid the neighbourhoods of Bir Hassan, Ghobeiry, Chiyah, Haret Hraik, Burj Al Brajne, Mraije, Er Rouais and Laylake, which are a little riskier. In addition, since the beginning of the Lebanese economic crisis, there has been increasing civil unrest, so it is best to avoid large gatherings and protests.

Is It Safe to Travel to Lebanon Now?

Lebanon is the safest country in the Middle East and pretty safe for tourists, especially female travellers. Keep an eye on the news for potential political unrest or protests and try to avoid times when these are active. Also, avoid the no-go areas like borders and Palestinian refugee camps. If you take the right precautions, you should have no trouble in Lebanon!

Is it Safe to Live in Lebanon?

Lebanon is a pretty safe (and cool) country to live in. Crime rates are low, Israel only blows stuff up occasionally, and there’s a surprising tolerance for Western life (for the region). Churches and Mosques exist side-by-side, which makes Lebanon pretty special. You’ll need to get some hefty research done before you consider moving to Lebanon (because there are a few safety concerns), but if you feel like an adventure – we’re all for it!

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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11 Comments

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Beirut Safety: Am I Safe to Travel to Beirut, Lebanon in 2024?

Planning a Middle East trip raises safety concerns. Beirut, Lebanon's capital, with its rich history and vibrant culture, prompts the question: "Is Beirut safe?"

It's a complex question with a nuanced answer. Beirut has undergone significant changes and faced challenges over the years. However, perceptions of safety in Beirut can vary widely depending on who you ask and when. Let's dive into the current situation and what you need to know before packing your bags for Lebanon.

Key Takeaways

• Beirut's safety is nuanced, with variations in crime rates and political stability affecting perceptions. Being vigilant and staying informed about current events can mitigate risks.
• Historical events, including the civil war and recent political unrest, have shaped Beirut's current safety landscape, but the city's resilience and efforts to rebuild highlight a commitment to safety.
• Factors affecting safety perceptions in Beirut include historical conflicts, current economic and political instability, and media portrayals, which don't always reflect the on-ground reality.
• Recent safety measures in Beirut, such as increased security forces, improved emergency services, and technological advancements, have positively impacted the city's safety landscape.
• For safer travel in Beirut, it's essential to stay updated on travel advisories, use trusted transportation, keep valuables discreet, have emergency contacts ready, and learn basic Arabic phrases.
• Despite challenges, Beirut's vibrant culture, history, and efforts towards ensuring safety make it a destination that can be explored with confidence, provided sensible precautions are taken.

Safety in Beirut: A Brief Overview

When you're planning a trip to Beirut, understanding the safety landscape is crucial. This city's safety levels have fluctuated over the years, influenced by political instability and economic challenges. However, recent data and traveler experiences provide a more nuanced picture of what to expect.

First, it's important to consider crime rates. Beirut has a relatively moderate crime rate compared to other cities in the region . Petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams are the most common concerns for travelers. However, violent crimes against tourists are rare. Keeping vigilant in crowded places and avoiding less populated areas at night can significantly reduce your risk of being a target.

Next, let's talk about political stability. Beirut has witnessed periods of political unrest and demonstrations. While these incidents can disrupt travel plans, they're usually localized and avoidable if you stay informed about current events. Staying connected with your embassy for travel alerts and advisories is a must .

The situation is dynamic, and recent statistics highlight this fluctuation:

These figures indicate a slight decrease in both petty and violent crimes, suggesting improvements in local security measures and policing. It's a positive trend that could make your trip more enjoyable.

Lastly, the impact of economic challenges on safety can't be ignored. The economic situation has led to increased desperation in some quarters, potentially affecting crime rates and civil unrest. Being conscious of these factors and preparing accordingly plays a pivotal role in ensuring your safety.

In sum, Beirut, like any major city, has its share of safety concerns, but being well-informed and taking sensible precautions can make your visit both safe and enriching. Keep abreast of the local news, follow travel advisories, and engage with the vibrant culture and history of Beirut with confidence.

Historical Context: Understanding Beirut's Safety

Beirut's safety landscape is deeply intertwined with its rich history and complex socio-political fabric. To truly grasp the current safety situation, you need to journey through the tumultuous events that have shaped Beirut over the decades. Let's look at how historical events have influenced safety in this vibrant city.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Beirut was engulfed in a civil war that left the city fractured. This period of unrest significantly impacted the perception of safety in Beirut. However, since the end of the civil war in 1990, Beirut has been on a path of reconstruction and rejuvenation. Despite the scars of war, the city has worked tirelessly to restore its former glory, though challenges remain.

The 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict brought another layer of complexity to Beirut's safety. The city faced airstrikes and conflicts, yet it emerged resilient, rebuilding what was lost. This resilience is a testament to Beirut's spirit and its citizens' determination to rebuild a safer environment for themselves and visitors.

In recent years, Beirut has witnessed a series of protests and political unrest, particularly in 2019 and 2020. These events were sparked by economic instability, corruption, and public dissatisfaction with the government. While these protests were largely peaceful, they did lead to sporadic clashes between protesters and security forces, raising concerns about safety.

Understanding this historical context is crucial when assessing safety in Beirut today. The city's ability to rebuild and adapt after each challenge is remarkable, showcasing a resilience that speaks volumes about its potential for a safer tomorrow. As you plan your trip, remember that Beirut's current safety measures and policies are shaped by its past, aiming to ensure a secure environment for both residents and visitors.

Factors Affecting Safety Perception in Beirut

When considering a trip to Beirut, it's crucial to understand the myriad factors that influence safety perceptions in this vibrant city. Your perception of safety in Beirut can be directly impacted by historical events, current political stability, and even global media portrayal. Let's delve into these elements to provide you with a clearer picture.

Historical Conflict Impact

Beirut has a rich tapestry of history, but it's also been scarred by conflicts, most notably the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) and the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict. These events have left an indelible mark on the city's infrastructure and psyche. For many, the images of war-torn Beirut from these periods still dominate their perceptions, overshadowing the city's phases of rebirth and modernization.

Current Political and Economic Stability

In recent years, Beirut has navigated a tumultuous economic landscape marked by the Lebanese financial crisis that started in 2019. Coupled with political instability, these issues have sometimes led to protests and civil unrest, influencing both resident and visitor sentiments about safety.

These events have had a tangible impact, sometimes causing sporadic clashes and disruptions, thereby coloring perceptions of safety for both locals and tourists.

Media Portrayal

Global media coverage has a powerful role in shaping safety perceptions of Beirut. Often focusing on conflict or political instability, such reports can skew perceptions, making the city appear in a constant state of turmoil to those not familiar with the region's intricacies. This external portrayal doesn't always match the on-ground reality, where life for most of Beirut’s residents and areas frequented by tourists continues with vibrancy and resilience.

Understanding the factors that influence safety perceptions in Beirut allows for a deeper appreciation of the city beyond surface-level narratives. While historical conflicts and current events play a role, the daily lives and resilience of the city's inhabitants offer a counter-narrative to those merely skimming the headlines.

Current Safety Measures in Beirut

In recent years, Beirut has implemented a series of safety measures to address both historical concerns and contemporary challenges. Enhanced security protocols now play a pivotal role in safeguarding the city's residents and tourists alike. Through a combination of government-driven initiatives and local community actions, Beirut is striving to transform its safety landscape.

One of the most visible changes is the increased presence of security forces in key areas. Areas known to attract tourists and densely populated urban zones have seen a significant uptick in patrols. These measures aim not only to deter potential threats but also to provide a sense of security to those moving through the city.

Another critical aspect is the improvement in emergency response services . In the wake of events that have tested the city's resilience, Beirut has worked on streamlining its emergency response systems. Updated equipment, better coordination among agencies, and comprehensive disaster response plans are now in place to deal with emergencies more efficiently.

The city has also embraced technology to enhance safety. Surveillance systems with modern cameras have been installed in several neighborhoods. These systems are monitored in real-time, enabling swift action when unusual activities are detected. Additionally, apps and online platforms now allow residents and visitors to report issues directly to the authorities, closing the communication gap that previously existed.

While these measures represent a significant step forward, Beirut continues to work on addressing safety perceptions. Understanding the importance of both physical and psychological safety, efforts are being made to not only protect but also reassure. Through community engagement and international collaboration, Beirut is on a path toward overcoming its past and embracing a safer future.

Tips for Traveling Safely in Beirut

When planning your trip to Beirut, safety should be your top priority . While the city has made significant strides in enhancing security, knowing how to navigate the area safely can greatly improve your experience. Here's what you need to know:

Stay Updated on Travel Advisories

Before you book your flight, it's crucial to check the latest travel advisories. Governments frequently update their travel warnings based on the current political and social climate. Staying informed will help you avoid high-risk areas and plan your trip during safer times.

Use Trusted Transportation

In Beirut, opting for trusted transportation methods can spare you unnecessary risks. Services like licensed taxis or reputable rideshare apps are recommended for getting around. These services not only ensure a safer journey but also help you avoid getting lost in less familiar parts of the city.

Keep Valuables Discreet

Displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash can make you a target for theft. Be mindful of your belongings and try to blend in as much as possible. Using a money belt or a theft-proof backpack are good practices to keep your valuables secure.

Emergency Contacts

Having a list of emergency contacts is essential. This should include the local police, your country’s embassy, and a reliable local contact if possible. Familiarize yourself with the local emergency numbers:

Learn Basic Arabic Phrases

While many people in Beirut speak English or French, knowing some basic Arabic phrases can be incredibly helpful, especially in emergency situations or less touristy areas. Phrases like "Help" ( Musā'ada ) and "Where is the nearest hospital?" can prove invaluable.

Following these tips can greatly enhance your safety in Beirut. Remember, most visits are trouble-free, but taking these precautions can help ensure your trip is both enjoyable and safe.

Venturing into Beirut with the right precautions can lead to an enriching and memorable experience. By staying informed through travel advisories, choosing secure transportation options, safeguarding your belongings, and equipping yourself with essential local contacts and language skills, you're setting yourself up for a safe journey. Embrace these strategies to navigate the city's vibrant streets confidently. Remember, your safety is paramount, and with these tips in hand, you're well-prepared to explore the beauty and culture of Beirut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary safety tips for traveling to beirut.

Prioritizing safety in Beirut involves staying updated on travel advisories, using licensed taxis for transportation, keeping valuables discreet, having a list of emergency contacts including local authorities and embassies, and learning some basic Arabic phrases for better communication.

Is it safe to use taxis in Beirut?

Yes, it is safe to use taxis in Beirut, especially if you choose licensed taxis. These are more reliable and are generally considered a safer option for getting around the city.

How can tourists keep their valuables safe in Beirut?

Tourists can keep their valuables safe in Beirut by being discreet with their possessions, avoiding displaying expensive items in public, and using hotel safes or secure bags to store important documents and items when out exploring.

Why is it important to have a list of emergency contacts when in Beirut?

Having a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and embassies, is crucial in Beirut for immediate assistance in the event of emergencies or unexpected situations. This ensures you have vital support readily available if needed.

Can learning basic Arabic phrases improve my travel experience in Beirut?

Yes, learning basic Arabic phrases can significantly improve your travel experience in Beirut. It enhances communication with locals, shows respect for the culture, and may assist in navigating the city more effectively.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Safety and security

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Lebanon

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Lebanon.

Islamist terrorist groups seek to target the Lebanese state, security services, and civilians, and intend to target foreigners in Lebanon. Groups within Lebanon, including Hizballah, are proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Counter Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Offences committed under the act – including funding and supporting proscribed organisations – may be liable to prosecution in the UK.  

Terrorist groups have particularly operated in:

• Palestinian refugee camps
• areas close to the Syrian border, including around Hermel and Aarsal
• Southern suburbs of Beirut

Recent terrorist-related incidents include:

• In 2023, the Lebanese Armed Forces uncovered a cell planning attacks on military sites and prisons
• in 2022, the police uncovered a terrorist network who were planning 3 simultaneous attacks in the southern suburbs of Beirut
• in 2021, the Lebanese Armed Forces dismantled a suspected ISIS cell accused of  killing of a retired intelligence officer planning further attacks
• in 2020, following the arrest of an individual suspected of preparing to conduct terrorist attacks in Beirut, there were police and military casualties in 2 security incidents linked to the disruption of further terrorist cells
• in 2020, 3 municipal police officers were shot and killed in Kaftoun, Koura in North Lebanon

In response to events in Kaftoun, counter-terrorism operations were conducted in North Lebanon in 2020 resulting in deaths and arrests of suspected terrorists. During one arrest operation, in Beddawi (also Beddaoui) close to Tripoli, 4 members of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were killed. A further 2 LAF soldiers were killed when their checkpoint was attacked in Arman. Lebanese security authorities are at a high state of alert and are conducting security operations across Lebanon. Be vigilant and follow the advice of Lebanese authorities. Avoid large crowds, demonstrations, political gatherings and using shared public transport.

There’s a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation. Additional security measures have been in place on flights departing from Lebanon to the UK since March 2017. You should co-operate fully with security officials.

If you notice or suspect a security incident is underway, leave the area immediately. Suspects have detonated explosives to avoid arrest. Keep clear of affected areas immediately after any attacks. Bystanders have been killed in a number of terrorist attacks in recent years.

Terrorist kidnap

There’s a threat of kidnapping in Lebanon. The Lebanese authorities have warned that foreigners could be targeted.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Military activity in the Red Sea area       

Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.

Security situation

The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and can deteriorate quickly. On 2 January 2024, there was an explosion in Msharafieh in Beirut’s southern suburbs. There continues to be a risk of escalation without warning and the FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon, including this area.

Violence is very likely to occur:

• between security forces and protestors
• between supporters of political groups
• over scarce or subsidised resources
• as a result of the Conflict in neighbouring Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

This often happens without warning, particularly at existing flashpoints. These confrontations have resulted in large numbers of casualties. Security forces may use tear gas and rubber bullets during clashes.

There were heavy clashes in the areas of Tayouneh, Chiyah and Ain el Roumanneh, within Beirut on 14 October 2021. These clashes involved exchanges of live fire and resulted in fatalities and injuries. Weapons are common in Lebanon and groups such as Hizballah have arms that are beyond state control. Arguments can quickly escalate into violence, including the use of weapons, typically firearms and bladed weapons. There have been several reports over the past year of firearms being used during arguments in bars.

Celebratory gunfire is illegal in Lebanon but remains widespread. Every year there are reported casualties.

As well as internal Lebanese issues, regional and international developments can have an impact on the local security situation. This includes tensions with Israel, which could escalate with little warning. Events in Syria and Iraq may also impact Lebanon. You are therefore advised to monitor the regional situation whilst in Lebanon.

Security advice for British nationals

You should:

• avoid large crowds and political gatherings
• take cover in a building and move away from windows in areas where there’s celebratory or other gunfire
• be especially vigilant during periods of religious significance (including the holy month of Ramadan) and public holidays
• register your presence You should complete this for every member of your family/group.
• monitor this travel advice and sign up for email updates
• make sure you have correct and up-to-date travel documents, including a  passport  and  visa  if necessary, for yourself and anyone you are travelling with (even if they are not a British national) in case a sudden deterioration in the security situation means you need to leave Lebanon

If there are widespread disturbances or the security situation deteriorates, there may be limits to the assistance that the British Embassy Beirut can provide. Be prepared to shelter in place for several days, if the security situation requires it. This means having enough essential supplies, such as food, water and medicine, at the place where you are staying. Do not rely on the  FCDO  being able to evacuate you in an emergency.

Severe economic crisis

Lebanon is experiencing a prolonged and severe economic crisis. The situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning.

The  economic situation may affect your ability to pay for goods and services. There is a very high rate of inflation. Banks and exchange houses can close for long periods during protests. While ATMs are generally stocked with Lebanese pounds, there may be limits on daily withdrawals so check with your bank before travelling. US dollars are accepted in most supermarkets, restaurants and other outlets. However, it is very difficult to access US dollars locally. Many companies no longer accept credit debit cards so make sure you have enough cash for your stay.

Medicine shortages

Many hospitals and other medical services are affected by fuel shortages. See healthcare facilities in Lebanon .

Basic commodities (fuel, medicines, food) have become increasingly scarce due to the economic crisis. Make sure you have supplies of any medicines you need with you in Lebanon. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription medication, carry a medical certificate confirming that the medication has been prescribed for a medical condition.

Fuel shortages

Petrol and diesel can be difficult to access, with restrictions of supply at short notice. There are frequent, prolonged closures of fuel stations. Plan ahead and ensure you have enough fuel in your car before travelling. Arguments at fuel stations have sometimes become violent and involved weapons. Always make sure your vehicle is positioned to be able to leave a fuel queue quickly if tensions rise.

Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport is sometimes affected by fuel shortages, which can cause air conditioning or lighting to be turned off in the terminal buildings.  

Lebanon’s power plants are only producing limited electricity for the national grid. This has led to prolonged power cuts across the country, with an impact on services, such as transport, internet, water and waste collection, and shops, cafes and restaurants. Check before travelling to a business, hotel or restaurant in case they are closed due to fuel shortages. Have a torch to hand at night and plan how you would leave your accommodation in the dark.

Border with Israel

There are ongoing mortar and artillery exchanges and airstrikes in South Lebanon, on the border with Israel. Tensions are high and events could escalate with little warning.

Political situation

There is a high level of tension in Lebanon due to the economic and political situation. Protests can occur without warning and may become violent. They have centred on the main cities of Beirut, Tripoli and Saida, but have occurred at other locations and may take place nationwide.

• exercise a high degree of caution
• monitor local media for developments
• avoid areas where demonstrations may be held, or where there are large gatherings of people

Keep up to date with developments by getting email updates when this travel advice is updated.

Protecting your belongings

There is moderate risk to tourists from petty or violent crime. However, crime has increased due to the declining economic situation. Theft, vehicle theft and robbery in particular have risen. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings:

• consider your route and vary daily routines
• hide expensive-looking jewellery, which could draw unwanted attention
• avoid carrying large amounts of cash in public
• be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs

Members of the public have held up banks across Lebanon in order to access their savings, using both real and replica firearms. This may well continue. Be alert when in or near banks.

Sexual assault

There has been an increase in reported incidents of sexual harassment and assault in public areas, including while walking in Beirut. Consider whether it is safe to walk alone, particularly in less busy areas. Due to the lack of electricity, streetlights often do not work, so streets are very dark at night. Consider taking a torch with you at night and make sure your phone is charged in case of an emergency.

Drug smuggling and car theft

Criminal gangs involved in drug cultivation and smuggling operate in parts of the Beqaa Valley, especially northern Beqaa. Car theft gangs are prevalent and may carry out armed vehicle theft, particularly along sections of the international highway towards Baalbek. Vehicle thefts (including 4x4s) have increased significantly and are often targeted. Other armed crimes, such as robbery and kidnap, can occur in these areas. There are also frequent armed clashes between gangs and the security forces.

Laws and cultural differences

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. In Lebanon, Ramadan in 2024 will probably run from 9 March 2024 to 8 April 2024. During this time, be aware of:

• eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• playing loud music or dance
• swearing in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time

Lebanon’s people are diverse, with many different Muslim and Christian sects represented. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and make sure your actions do not offend.

In many areas you will find dress codes more relaxed than in other countries of the region, but you should still dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possessing, using and trafficking illegal drugs (including small quantities) are all serious offences, punishable with prison sentences.

Using cameras and drones in secure areas

Only take photographs in tourist sites. You could be arrested for photographing military sites. Flying drone cameras without permission is illegal.

LGBT+ travellers

The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning ‘every sexual act against nature’. Lebanese courts consider that this includes homosexuality. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year. The Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health has resources for LGBT+ people.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Child abduction and travel bans

If you have concerns about child custody, get legal advice   before travelling to Lebanon about ‘travel bans’ that can be imposed by male heads of family. Even if you or your child holds a British passport you may be subject to Lebanese laws and regulations.

In Lebanon a father or husband can legally arrange for a travel ban to be placed on their wife or children. If a travel ban is placed on you or your children, you will not be able to travel. If that does happen a parent should seek legal assistance to check if the travel ban can be lifted.

Lebanese family law is very different from UK law and particular care is needed if child custody becomes an issue.

If you’re a British national involved in international parental child abductions or custody disputes, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) for assistance or call +44(0)2070085000. FCDO has information on international parental child abduction, including how we can help. FCDO strongly advises against attempting to move your child yourself. This may be considered abduction (or ‘re-abduction’). This may be illegal and can put your child at risk.

Transport risks

Shared taxis and unofficial taxis.

Do not use shared taxis or taxis hailed on the street.

Only use taxis:

• from recognised companies that use vetted drivers
• recognised by hotels, which are safe and well-maintained

There have been armed robberies and physical attacks against passengers in shared taxis (known locally as service taxis) with passengers being attacked by either the driver or other passengers.

In 2017, the Lebanese Interior Minister advised people in Lebanon not to use Uber taxis.  

Road travel

You need either a 1968  international driving permit ( IDP )  or a UK driving licence to drive in Lebanon. The 1949 IDP is not accepted anymore. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

If you are planning to drive in Lebanon, see information on driving abroad .

Driving standards are poor and the accident rate is high. Traffic lights are often switched off and not always observed. It may be better to hire a car with a driver if you’re inexperienced. You must wear a seat belt (if fitted). Avoid travelling at night outside towns if possible. Vehicles with diesel engines are banned.

Licences and permits

Carry ID with you at all times and be prepared to stop at checkpoints to show your papers. The army has set up checkpoints on major and minor roads.

Temporary local licences are also available, but they take longer to get and are more expensive than an IDP .

Protests and roadblocks may restrict travel at short notice. Major roads in and out of Beirut and across the country, including the roads to and from Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport, have become blocked at short notice. If you’re travelling to or from the airport, check your flight status before leaving and allow extra time for your journey. If roads from the airport are blocked, wait there until the authorities confirm access roads are open.

Landmines and other unexploded bombs are present in Lebanon and are not always clearly marked. Use only well-travelled tracks and do not stray from their edges. Avoid remote abandoned properties. Use local guides and seek local knowledge if you are unsure.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Forest fires.

There is a heightened risk of forest fires in Lebanon, particularly during summer. Forest fires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. The authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety.

If you are travelling in Lebanon, familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures, stay vigilant, and follow the advice of local authorities.

For information on the risk of forest fires, visit the Disaster Risk Management website , Facebook page and Twitter account .

If you see a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112 (for the fire service, call 175).

Earthquakes

Lebanon is in an earthquake zone, but there have been no damaging tremors in recent years. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Lebanon experienced strong aftershocks from an earthquake in Turkey in February 2023. There is a risk of further aftershocks.

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Ultimate Lebanon Travel Guide

The ultimate travel guide to lebanon.

Last Updated: 22 Feb 2023.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know for visiting Lebanon during the current crisis, updated regularly with the latest pandemic travel restrictions and for changes caused by Lebanon’s current crises.  I have lived in Lebanon for the past three years ( narrowly surviving the 2020 port explosion ) and have visited almost every inch of this beautiful and crazy country.

Lebanon was a beautiful country with vibrant cities and beautiful ancient historic sites before the multiple crises that began in 2019.  And actually, it still is.  With a bit of planning, it’s still possible to have an amazing trip here, despite the political crisis, economic crisis, electricity shortages, frequent protests and the after effects of the port explosion.

The 2,200 year old Roman temple of Bacchus, the wine god, in Baalbek.

Places to Visit

One of the best things about Lebanon is that almost any area can be visited as a day trip from Beirut.  You can choose to do the below as a series of day trips or stay overnight in different cities as you travel.  Staying overnight reduces the time spent travelling, but also means you have to take everything with you as you travel.

In my opinion, the real must see place in Beirut are the Raouche (Pigeon) rocks, which are a beautiful place to watch the sunset.  If you’re feeling adventurous, take the path down the cliff from the viewing point next to the Bay Rock Cafe (opposite Starbucks) and sit on the rocks opposite Raouche.  From there, not only do you get a beautiful view of the rocks themselves, but also of the sun setting over the Mediterranean Sea.  It’s a great place to enjoy a couple of beers or a bottle of wine.  

The best place to view Pigeon Rocks (left, with people gathered). Also a great location to take a bottle of wine for a romantic sunset date.

One of the joys of Beirut is just strolling through its vibrant neighbourhoods.  I particularly recommend Hamra, which is an interesting mix of old and new, with boutique shops, bars and restaurants.  Gemayze and Mar Mikhael, the main bar district, are also gradually coming back to life after the port explosion destroyed them in 2020.  Zaytuna Bay is a chance to see the more upmarket side of Beirut.

The centre of the Beirut Souks area, including the iconic clock tower in Place de L’Etoile and the Roman baths, has reopened after being cordoned off by the military due to protests for the past two and a half years.  Until recently, it was still possible to enter the ‘egg,’ an abandoned cinema building purportedly left to remind people of the atrocities of the civil war (it’s full of bullet holes), but unfortunately the authorities have now built a fence around it to keep people out.  

The National Museum of Beirut reopened to tourists in summer 2021 and is currently open daily.  Be sure not to miss the ‘mummy room’ on the basement level, which houses three mummies from the Qadisha Valley.  It’s a little temperature-controlled room in a corner and easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.

The Beirut ‘egg’ (abandoned cinema) and the main mosque.

The Jeita Grottoes & Byblos

The Jeita Grottoes, located slightly to the north of Beirut, are spectacular and conveniently located not far from the coastal highway up to Byblos, making the two a convenient day trip.  You can also choose to stay overnight in Byblos before heading further up north.

At the Jeita Grottoes, you have to leave your phone in a little locker near the entrance, as they don’t allow photographs.  It doesn’t look very secure, but I’ve never heard of anyone having problems.  

The main attraction of Byblos is wandering the beautiful historic centre, with its ancient Mediterranean architecture, beautiful flowers growing up the walls and in some cases across nets over the streets and cute boutiques, bars and restaurants.  There’s also an ancient citadel that’s worth checking out and the picturesque little harbour.  

If you’re looking for something a little adventurous, walk along the right hand wall of the harbour (as you’re facing out to sea) until you reach the ancient tower at the harbour entrance.  From here, with a bit of care, you can climb up to the top of the tower for amazing sunset views, often without any other people.  

If the beach is more your thing, slightly north of the harbour you’ll find a pebble beach that’s great for swimming in the summer (approximately May to October).  Finally, Byblos is home to Fenicia restaurant, in my opinion one of the best restaurants in the whole of Lebanon.  

Byblos harbour is beautiful day and night.

A pretty seaside town in the north of Lebanon, Batroun is nice for an afternoon to wander it’s old town, which is basically a less touristy version of Byblos.  In the Batroun area there are several off-the-beaten-track places that are worth checking out if you have time:

• The Msailha fort, just up the main highway from the city, is small but impressive, standing alone on a huge rock (it’s also free to enter).  The location is here on Google Maps .
• The Rock of Hamat, a giant rock painted in the colours of the Lebanese flag, on the edge of the old cliffside road from Batroun to Chekka.  The location is here on Google Maps .
• The cliffside walk though the old road tunnel to the north of the cliffside road from Batroun to Chekka.  Go to coordinates 34.311459, 35.681865 ( here on Google Maps ) and then take the footpath on the left hand side of the road before the current tunnel entrance.
• For the more adventurous travellers, the disused railway tunnel.  To reach the entrance, after the current road tunnel walk about 100m then go down the footpath on the left hand side of the road.  Two thirds of the way down, there’s a little bank on the left that you can scramble up (about 2-3m).  The entrance to the tunnel is at the top of this bank.

The spectacular Mseilha Fort, just outside of Batroun.

Much of the time, Lebanon doesn’t feel like the Middle East.  There are no deserts, no camels (apart from a couple in Chouf that were imported from Saudi just to entertain tourists) and many of the main cities, including Beirut, Byblos and Batroun, have more of a Mediterranean feel than a Middle Eastern feel.  And then you reach Tripoli.  Check out the old souk (market) and the citadel.  The souk seems to close around sunset at the moment, possibly due to a lack of power after dark.  

Tripoli’s Corniche is, in my opinion, not as nice as Beirut’s, but Al Mina, the old town, is quaint and has several nice restaurants, including The Sailor Woman, my favourite seafood restaurant in Lebanon.  If you have plenty of time, you can also catch a boat from the Corniche to Palm Island, which has the biggest sandy beach in the north of Lebanon.  It’s a nice place to chill out and swim in the sea.  

Beach Day on Rabbit Island with a group of crazy Couchsurfers.

Anjar & Baalbek

The Roman ruins at Baalbek are some of the most spectacular in the world, especially the enormous temple of Bacchus, the wine God (gotta love Roman priorities).  That’s why you should visit Anjar first!  Anjar is beautiful and spectacular, but after Baalbek, it will seem small and insignificant in comparison.  Don’t forget to try sfeeha, the local delicacy, while you’re in Baalbek.  Baalbek is also home to the Sayyida Khawla shrine, one of the most beautiful and historic Shia shrines in Lebanon.

Local believe that Khawla, daughter of Imam al-Husayn, is buried in this tomb, although historians aren’t sure that Imam al-Husayn even had a daughter.

Baalbek has a bad reputation for safety, but this generally refers to other parts of Baalbek governorate, not Baalbek city.  If you’re concerned about safety, just don’t go north of the city (and definitely keep away from Arsel, which has a justifiably rough reputation).

Saida & Mleeta

Saida has probably the most beautiful souk (market) in the whole of Lebanon, full of ancient stone archways and local people hawking traditional wares (and delicious Arab sweets).  There’s also the small but worth-a-visit Dabane Palace Museum, a soap museum and the Hammam el-Sheikh traditional bathhouse.  The seafort on the waterfront is also worth a visit (although more spectacular from the outside than inside).  If you want a beer, go to Resthouse, a restaurant next to the seafort that is the only place in Saida allowed to sell alcohol.  Its garden is also a great place to take photos of the seafort.

Mleeta is a tiny village in the mountains that is home to probably the most well-maintained museum in Lebanon – The Hezbollah Museum.  Here, a free English-speaking guide will take you around and tell you about the various wars against Israel and Hezbollah’s role in protecting and driving out the enemy.  Whatever your political views, the museum is very well done and worth a visit.  It’s located about a 40-minute drive up into the mountains above Saida.

The Saida seafort – a castle in the sea.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Tyre is home to an ancient Roman Hippodrome.  The site itself is a bit rundown now, but the ruins are still impressive.  There’s also a pretty little old town with less tourists than other cities in Lebanon and a colourful harbour full of fishing boats.  The restaurants next to it are worth checking out for some fresh seafood too.  To the south of the city is Lebanon’s longest sandy beach.  This was affected by the oil spill off Israel in 2021, but is now clean again and safe for swimming.  

Tyre’s colourful harbour – a great place to eat fresh seafood.

The Northern Mountains

There are many beautiful places to visit in the northern mountains of Lebanon, aside from just the pleasure of driving through the local villages and the often breathtaking scenery.  The three I would recommend for visitors are:

• The 2,000 year old olive trees in Bchaleeh, which are supposedly the oldest in the world.  Local legends say that the olive branch from the story of Noah’s Ark came from one of these trees, but you can make up your own mind.   The location is clearly marked on Google Maps .
• The viewpoint at Aqoura.  Climb the rocky hill opposite the church for spectacular 360 degree views).   The start point is at Saydat Al Qarn church ( here on Google Maps ).
• The Batarra Waterfall.  This 255m (837 ft) waterfall, which passes through several layers of Jurassic limestone rock, is definitely the most beautiful in Lebanon.  It’s best visited in the spring when there is plenty of meltwater.  I went in early August once and there was no water at all.
• The Cedars of God.  At possibly 2,500 years old, the Cedars of God are some of the oldest cedar trees in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site to boot.

You will need a car to reach these locations, or you could try hitchhiking.  

The 255m Batarra waterfall. Try throwing a stone down into the chasm below and see how long it takes before you near it hit the bottom.

The Chouf Region

Home to the majority of the Druze population of Lebanon, the Chouf region also contains the country’s largest remaining cedar forests at the Chouf Biosphere Reserve.  This is a great place to do some hiking with trails from 5 minutes to a full day.  

The region also contains the Bettadine palace, which was built by the Ottomans, and the Moussa Palace, which was built over several decades by a crazy Lebanese man who wanted his own palace.  The latter contains a vast collection of ancient weapons and some very well done scenes from traditional Lebanese life, created with models animated in various ways.  I love the concept that the guy just suddenly decided to build himself a palace!

A traditional Lebanese scene in the Moussa Palace museum.

The Christian city of Jounieh used to be where Arabs from stricter countries in the Middle East went to party and unwind, as evidenced by the strip of hotels on the coast that look like they’ve seen better days.  Even now, the city is still home to Lebanon’s only casino, Casino du Liban, and a bunch of ‘super night clubs’ – basically stripclubs.

For tourists not looking for such things, the main attraction is Harissa, the hill behind the city with a statue of Our Lady of Lebanon on the top.  There is also a very nice (but steep) hike up from the city below through the dense forest with occasional views across the bay.  The start of the path is at coordinates 33.997710, 35.650976 ( here on Google Maps ).  Recommended for sunset.  

Hermel and Akkar

The far north of Lebanon is known as one of its most dangerous areas, but most reports are highly exaggerated.  The main attraction here is the 2,500 year-old Pyramid of Hermel, which I visited in 2021 .  Even now, no one’s quite sure who built it!  Worth a visit if you have the time, but its location in one of the most remote parts of the country means that it won’t fit many peoples’ itineraries.  

Nobody is sure why the Pyramid of Hermel was built.

The Far South (UNIFIL-Controlled Area)

The far south of Lebanon is interesting, because you can drive along beside the border wall with Israel, which is covered in security cameras and, in some places, graffiti similar to that seen in the Palestinian territories.  The coast at Naqoura also have the cleanest waters in Lebanon for swimming, thanks to the low population density and proximity to Israel, which has better sewage treatment facilities than Lebanon.  

The downside is that this area is under control of the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) and foreigners need a permit to enter it.  See below the section on Entering the UNIFIL-Controlled Area for details of how to obtain the permit.  

This picturesque little village in the mountains near Saida is often overlooked by travellers, which is a pity, as it boasts one of Lebanon’s most spectacular waterfalls.  For hikers, the village is surrounded by Lebanon’s largest pine forest.  For those who want something darker, there’re also some interesting abandoned buildings leftover from Lebanon’s war of resistance against Israel to explore.  Read more in my dedicated Jezzine guide here.

The sea wall south of Naqoura

Suggested Itineraries

Pick and choose where to visit from the places above.  However, my suggestions are as follows:

Two-day Trip: Beirut – Jeita Grottoes & Byblos .  This is way too short, but spend one day wandering Beirut, watch the sunset at Raouche in the evening and then head to the Jeita Grottoes and Byblos on day 2.

Four-day Trip: Beirut – Jeita Grottoes & Byblos – Saida & Mleeta – Anjar & Baalbek.   Best to base yourself in Beirut for this itinerary, which covers the major highlights of the country.  

One-week (7 day) Trip: Beirut – Jeita Grottoes & Byblos – Tripoli – The Northern Mountains – Saida & Mleeta – The Southern Mountains – Anjar & Baalbek. This itinerary includes most of the highlights of the country with a variety of cities, ancient ruins and nature.

Two-week (14 day) Trip or Longe r : Beirut – Jeita Grottoes – Jounieh – Byblos – Batroun – Tripoli – The Northern Mountains – Anjar & Baalbek – Saida & Mleeta – Jezzine – The Southern Mountains – Tyre .  You could easily spend more than a day in many of the places listed here, making the trip more relaxing and enjoyable.  Alternatively, add in some hiking or visit some random villages in the mountains, many of which are beautiful.  

If you have the time, check out the Rock of Hamat near Batroun for a very Instagrammable pic.

I had no idea until I moved to Lebanon, but the country has some amazing hikes.  My personal favourites are the following:

• Qornet As Sawda (Black Peak) – The highest mountain in not only Lebanon, but the entire Levant region, and 5th highest in the Middle East, at 3,088m.  The landscape is like nothing else in the country, as barren as the moon.  It gets very cold near the top and is covered in snow from around November to May, so it’s best to avoid these times.  The hike starts from the Cedars ski resort near the Cedars of God and the first two hours follow the ski lifts.  The total hiking time is about 8 hours and it’s long, but not difficult.  
• The Chouf Biosphere Reserve – The largest cedar forests in Lebanon make for some beautiful hiking.  The reserve is clearly marked on Google Maps and is suitable for short or long hikes.
• The Qadisha Valley – Possibly the most beautiful place in the whole of Lebanon, a Colombian monk lives in a tiny monastery perched high on a cliff above the valley.  The path to the monastery is narrow with beautiful views and not particularly difficult, although the monk himself has stopped meeting visitors recently, due to the risk of Covid, as he is very old.
• Jabel Moussa Biosphere Reserve – There are many hikes here, from short 3-5km jaunts to 20km marathons and over steep mountain paths.  The highlight is Chouwen lake, which is a beautiful turquoise blue.  It’s also possible to swim in it during the summer.  
• Bkassine Pine Forest – The largest pine forest in Lebanon is riddled with beautiful hiking trails.  Check out my Jezzine guide for details .

The moonscape of Qornet As Sawda is like nothing else in the whole of Lebanon.

A rare near eastern fire salamander, spotted by yours truly while hiking in the Chouf region.

Anyone who thinks the Middle East is only desert and camels has never been to Lebanon – the lush green of the Qadisha Valley is like something out of a Disney film.

Impact of the Crisis – Electricity

Lebanon’s national grid currently only supplies about 1-2 hours of electricity per day to most parts of the country, due to a shortage of fuel, insufficient capacity and various other factors.  This is terrible if you’re local and don’t have a backup power supply.  However, for tourists it’s actually not that big a problem, as major hotels have good generators that provide 24/7 power and most restaurants and other businesses also have generators, if not all the time.

The best advice here is check with your hotel before visiting.  Some generators are not designed to run 24/7 and so buildings can have gaps without power.  My apartment currently has seven hours in 24 with no power, split between the night and morning, when they let the generator ‘rest.’

The electricity crisis has made the roads more dangerous – many street lights and traffic lights are not operating.  If you do drive in Lebanon, when you come to a junction without working traffic lights, just slow down and drive slowly through.  Most Lebanese drivers are very cautious at these junctions, as the economic crisis has made imported car parts astronomically expensive and no one wants to damage their car.  

Protests occasionally turn violent, but luckily protest areas are easily avoided by visitors.

Impact of the Crisis – Hyperinflation

The most important thing to remember is to bring enough cash for the duration of your stay.  The best currency to bring is USD, but other common currencies, such as EUR and GBP, can also be exchanged at black market rates.  Licensed currency exchange shops are now permitted to exchange currency at black market rates, so you no need to be hooked up with a black market dealer.  

Pro tip : before coming to Lebanon, download the Lira Rate or Lira Exchange app for your smartphone.  These apps show the current black market rates and, although the rate on the street is usually slightly lower, give you a good guide as to the approximate rate you should expect when changing money.

If you do run out of money in Lebanon, don’t withdraw money from an ATM if you can possibly avoid it.  ATMs currently operate at the official rate of 15,000 LBP to the USD, so you’re losing most of your money to the banks.  The same applies to paying for things priced in LBP with credit/debit cards.  ATMs no longer offer USD currency withdrawal for foreign bank cards.  The best approach for travellers is to use a currency transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union, which allow you to transfer in foreign currency and collect it in USD.

One knock on effect of the economic crisis is that Lebanon is now significantly cheaper than it used to be.  Hotels have started charging foreigners in dollars again, but everything else, and especially food, is much cheaper than it was before.  A good Lebanese meal for two in a normal restaurant will usually cost about $15, including drinks.  In a slightly more upmarket restaurant, expect to pay around $30.  

The economic crisis is so bad that Batman had to trade in the Batmobile.

Impact of the Crisis – Safety

Crime rates in Lebanon are very low and, although they have risen recently as people become increasingly desperate, rates of petty theft are still lower than in most of Europe and criminals in general do not specifically target foreigners.  That said, the atmosphere can feel tense and the fortifications erected in some areas (lots of barbed wire, concrete barriers and patrolling soldiers) can give the impression that the safety situation is worse than it is.  

Most violent incidents that have been in the news recently have occurred during protests, often of a political nature.  If you do see the beginnings of a protest, such as groups of people marching together or tyres burning in the road, simply turn around and leave the area.  Protests usually start peacefully, but build to a point where the demonstrations spill over into violence.  Again, protests do not target foreigners, but there is a risk of being caught in the violence if you stick around.

An unfortunate legacy of the Lebanese civil war is that a lot of the populations still own guns.  At a recent protest in Beirut, not only were there shootings with machine guns, but the violence escalated with the use of RPGs.  This is an extreme case.  Again, I stayed away from the area.  

Guns are also often used at funerals or celebrations, where they are shot into the air in waves of celebratory gunfire.  Unfortunately, what goes up must come down, and people are occasionally killed by falling bullets or by bullets entering buildings through windows.  If you do hear shooting while you’re in a building, move to the interior, away from the windows and wait for it to subside.  If you’re outside, leave the area.  Funerals rarely happen in the city centre, which is the most interesting area for foreign travellers, so you probably won’t come across them anyway.  Furn El Chebek, Chiyah, Tariq El Jdideh and Jnah are common areas for funerals.

Lebanon is generally very safe. Even walking through the slummier neighbourhoods of Tripoli, Lebanon’s poorest city, I never felt unsafe.

Certain areas of Beirut experience violence far more than others.  In general, the southern suburbs of Beirurt, south of main road where the National Museum of Beirut is located, are less safe than the city centre.  In particular, Chiyah, Cola and Tayouneh and Tariq El Jdideh have all seen violent protests.  Martyr’s Square and the Beirut souks area also see frequent protests, but these tend to be less violent than those in the south.

As a tourist, the only areas you’re likely to visit to the south are Badaro (an upmarket bar street) and the Cola Intersection, as it’s the main hub for public transport to the south and the Bekaa Valley.  I visit these locations regularly and have never had problems, but keep an eye out just in case.

This may all sound very scary, but actually Lebanon is very safe for tourists.  Even now, by far the most dangerous thing is the roads, where accidents are frequent.  Just use a bit of common sense and you’ll be fine.

Impact of the Crisis – Fuel

One of the best ways to see Lebanon, and especially the more remote parts, is to rent a car and drive yourself.  During the summer of 2021, fuel became extremely difficult to obtain, often requiring queuing for hours (if you can even find a fuel station that’s open).  The only other option was to purchase it on the blackmarket at vastly inflated prices.

The good news is that, since the end of September 2021, fuel has been readily available again.  The government has let the price of fuel rise to close to market value, which has reduced incentives for fuel hoarding and smuggling to Syria.  

Bikers queuing for fuel at the peak of the fuel crisis in 2021

Ethics – Should I Visit Lebanon During the Crisis?

With frequent power cuts and shortages of some products, many people question whether they should visit a country while it’s in crisis, as they feel they may be using limited resources that are needed by the local population.  In the case of Lebanon, the answer is definitely yes, you should visit.  Lebanon produces very little domestically – even 80%+ of food is imported.  Shortages are not caused by a lack of supply on global markets, they’re caused by a lack of financial means to purchase supply (compounded by corruption and a range of other factors).  

By visiting Lebanon, you are bringing much needed foreign currency into the country and, by buying products and services from local businesses, ensuring that it reaches local people who need it.  One of the biggest problems for Lebanese people is that the value of the LBP to the dollar is so low, which makes imports expensive.  Everytime there is a large influx of visitors, for example with the Lebanese diaspora returning home over Christmas, the LBP gains value, helping local people.  This shows the positive effect that an influx of foreign currency has and, as an individual your contribution will be small, but will certainly be positive.  In other words, don’t feel bad about visiting!

Lebanese people are very good at enjoying life, even in the middle of a crisis.

One of the best ways to see Lebanon is to rent a car.  Car rentals are cheap now (about $20/day for a small car, including insurance) and Lebanon is a very car-based society.  A deposit of around $100 is often requested in cash for your first rental.  So far, I’ve not heard of any problems having this refunded.  In theory, an International Driver’s Permit is required, but in reality no one cares, at least not if your local driver’s licence is in English, French or Arabic.

I usually rent from Mike Rent-a-Car, which is a good option if you want to support local businesses.  The price is generally $20-30/day depending on the season for a small car and their Website is at www.mikerentacar.com .  Their office in Beirut is located here .  Alternatively, the big international car rental companies, such as Avis and Europcar , also operate in Lebanon.  They also have the advantage of having a presence at the airport, so you don’t need to bother with other transport to get to your accommodation. 

Cars and Drivers

If you don’t feel confident driving in Lebanon, it is possible to hire a car and driver from a hotel or hostel. This can cost upwards from around $70 a day plus fuel, but hotels may charge significantly more.

Ride Hailing Apps

Uber and Bolt both work well in Beirut.  Bolt is usually slightly cheaper, but Uber cars are generally in better condition and the drivers are more professional.  These apps are also by far the cheapest way to get to or from the airport in Beirut.  Just be sure to change the payment method to cash, as credit cards are billed at the official exchange rate so you’ll end up paying $50 for a 5-minute trip across town.

Public Transport

Lebanon has an informal public transport network made up for service (shared) taxis and minibuses.  These are operated privately with pricing regulated by the government.  There are also public buses from Beirut to Tripoli.  Vehicles licensed for public transport, including taxis, all have red number plates (or red lettering on the number plate).

To catch a service (shared) taxi, stand on the edge of a road (main roads are usually better) and hold out your arm when a taxi comes past (look for the red number plates).  Ask the driver “Service?”  If he agrees, it means the taxi is shared, so you will not be charged for a private journey.  Then tell him your destination.  If he’s going in the right direction and willing to take you there, he’ll agree.  Finally, ask him the price.  Most drivers are very honest, but a few do try to overcharge foreigners.  

Inside Beirut

Service taxis operate throughout Beirut, although explaining the destination can be tricky.  Often, the easiest approach is just to say the name of the area, such as “Hamra,” “Gemayze,” “Daora,” or “Cola.”  Minibuses on set routes also operate, but finding the routes is extremely difficult, so use the same approach as when taking a service and ask the driver whether he goes to your destination.  Prices for service taxis are just over $1 and for minibuses around $0.50.

Northern Lebanon

Shared taxis and minibuses run from the Daora roundabout in Beirut up the coastal highway to Jounieh, Byblos, Batroun and Tripoli.  Prices vary, but are cheap, starting at about $1 to Jounieh.  Just ask the drivers whether they go to the city you want to reach.

For Tripoli, there’s also a bus that runs on an actual schedule from Martyr’s Square in Beirut.  

Their current schedule can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/connexion.transportation . 

Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valle y

Minibuses run from the Cola Intersection in southern Beirut down the coastal highway to Saida and Tyre, as well as to Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley and to the Chouf region.  To visit the Chouf Biosphere Reserve, catch the bus to Barouk, the name of the nearest village.  From there, you need to walk several kilometres to enter the reserve and there is no public transport.  Hitchhiking could be an option. 

To reach Anjar, take the minibus to Baalbek and get off at Chtoura.  From here, there are other minibuses running to Anjar.  

The Jeita Grottoes

The Jeita Grottoes are located about halfway between Beirut and Byblos, approximately 5km from the highway.  Take public transport from the Daora roundabout and get off at the Ajaltoun exit of the main highway (coordinates 33.960616, 35.604071, here on Google Maps ).  From here you can either walk (5km uphill) or take a taxi.  There are usually several drivers hanging around this area, although prices can be high and will depend on your negotiation skills.  To get back to the highway afterwards, you can usually find a driver in the Jeita Grottoes carpark.  Another good option to reach the Jeita Grottoes is to take an Uber all the way from Beirut.  Uber is cheap in Lebanon, so this works out around the same price.

I’m not aware of any public transport option to reach this area of the country (including Aqoura, the Batara waterfall and the Cedars of God), so your options are really driving or hitchhiking.  

The view from Aqoura – there is still snow on the mountains in early May.  The northern mountains are a pain to get to without a car, but worth the effort.

Transport to and from Beirut Airport

Uber is a cheap and convenient way to get to or from the airport in Beirut.  This should cost around $6.  However, this can be tricky when first arriving, due to needing to obtain Lebanese pounds to pay the driver.  If the exchange counter at the airport is not open or the rate is bad, you can try negotiating with the Uber driver to pay in USD at the black market rate.

There are always plenty of local taxis waiting at the airport to take you to the city centre.  These often try to charge ridiculous rates to foreigners – up to $50 for the 10-15 minute journey.  With a bit of bargaining, you should be able to agree on around $10.

Checkpoints

There are military checkpoints on the roads throughout Lebanon and even within some parts of Beirut.  Generally, they wave foreigners through without saying anything.  If driving yourself, slowdown at the checkpoint, wind down the window and greet the soldier.  Most times, he’ll wave you though before you even come to a stop.  

In my two years here during which I’ve travelled the country extensively, I’ve been asked twice for my nationality and had my passport checked once (so carry it with you, just in case), and that was on the road between Hermel and Qobayat, one of the most remote parts of the country.

Entering the UNIFIL-Controlled Area

The only exception to the above is the checkpoints for entering the UNIFIL-controlled area south of the Litani river near the border with Israel.  Foreigners can only enter with a permit obtained in advance (with the exception of UN employees).  To obtain the permit, visit the police headquarters in Saida with your passport.  The police station is at coordinates 33.550327, 35.381710 ( here on Google Maps ).  You need to bring your passport and colour photocopies of the identity page and your entry stamp to Lebanon (and visa, if you come from a country that needs a visa to enter Lebanon).  It generally takes less than one hour and permits can be issued for entry on the same day.  Permits can be obtained for one or multiple days.

Northern Israel, as viewed over the imposing border wall in south Lebanon.

Recently (as of early 2023), the black market exchange rate has been hovering around the 80,000 LBP to the USD rate, whereas the official rate is 15,000 LBP.  Previously, currency exchange shops were prohibited from giving the black market rate, but the government has relaxed this rule, so any currency exchange shop can exchange money for you.  Just make sure you bring plenty of cash.

Whatever you do, don’t use a foreign bank card in an ATM or to pay in shops.  The banks still apply the official rate, so you’ll be paying several times the real price.  

Pre-crisis, these notes were worth about $66 each. Now they’re worth around $3.

Mobile Phone Service and SIM Cards

Lebanon has good mobile Internet even in most rural areas.  SIM cards are widely available from mobile phone shops.  I use Alpha, which has good 4G coverage across most of the country.  Passports are not required to obtain a SIM.  Prices fluctuate, but a SIM card with 6GB of data valid for one month can be obtained for around $20.  I have been warned to check that the seller gives you the packaging to ensure that it’s not a reused, although I’m not sure what the problem would be with this..  

Restaurants and Coffee Shops

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Lebanon is the food.  This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are my favourite restaurants.  I happen to like coffee a lot, so I’ve also slung in a few coffee shop recommendations for good measure.

• Resto Ghazar: My favourite Lebanese-Armenian restaurant.  Try the soubeureg (cheese pastries), mouhamara (pomegranate with nuts) and manti.  Although not Armenian, their batata harra (spicy potatoes with coriander) is also out of this world.  Prices are very reasonable, at about $10-15 a person, including drinks.  
• Ohannes Restaurant: Another great Armenian restaurant, with beautiful tiled decor.  The food is also great, especially the Ohannes salad and fried liver.  This place is a bit more upmarket at about $15-25 per person, including drinks.
• T-Marbouta: A variety of great Lebanese food in the heart of Hamra with a nice outdoor seating area.  About $8-15 a person, including drinks.
• Sawani Falfoul: A great place for breakfast in Badaro, an upmarket bar street.  In particular, try the foul (a kind of chickpea soup, pronounced like the word “fool” in English), shakshuka (scrambled egg with tomato) and hummus (the “Malaysian” hummus is particularly good, if not very Lebanese sounding).
• Barbar Restaurant: Basic but tasty Lebanese barbeque restaurant in Hamra.  Not sure of the current price, but cheap!
• Le Chef: A traditional Lebanese restaurant that claims to be the oldest in Lebanon, although my Lebanese friends tell me that this is bullshit.  The place has a lot of character and was saved from bankruptcy by a donation from Russel Crow, who once ate there, after being destroyed in the port explosion in August 2020.
• Notes Speciality Coffee: My local coffee place.  Great brews and the chance to meet me if you’re there in the morning (I often work from there).  

Quail eggs with basterma (seasoned meat) – an Armenian-Lebanese delicacy.

• Fenicia: This restaurant is so good that I have hardly eaten anywhere else in Byblos.  Up there with Resto Ghazar as one of my two favourite restaurants in Lebanon.  The environment is elegant and the food is absolutely out-of-this-world.  The cheese/shrimp rolls and the mixed grill plata are my recommendations.  Prices are about $15-25 per person, including drinks.  The only problem is that they don’t take reservations and getting a seat can be difficult.  

Byblos has many local restaurants, like this Italian one, where you can sit outside and enjoy the old town vibe.

• The Colonel Brewery: Lebanon’s most famous craft beer brewery, the Colonel recently opened a restaurant with a view of the Mediterranean and a great selection of fresh seafood.  Try the delicious raw fish if you’re feeling adventurous.  A meal for two including drinks is around $30.
• Barrio 67: Not Lebanese cuisine, but delicious international food and nice decoration in the heart of the old town.  Prices are about $15-25 per person, including drinks. 
• The Sailor Woman: this cute little restaurant serves only six dishes – fish with tahini, calamari, octopus, french fries, fattouch (traditional Lebanese green salad) and Tabbouleh (traditional Lebanese salad with Parsley).  What makes it so special is that all the cooking is done by a little old lady in her apartment, which is just next to the restaurant.  The fish is also very fresh, as Tripoli is the centre of the Lebanese fishing industry.  
• Newtown Coffee: Great place to take a break from sightseeing and chill.  Nice environment and good coffee.  

My favourite fish in Tahini at The Sailor Woman restaurant.

Be sure to try some Lebanese sweets, which can be found across the country.

• Foul Abou El Ezz: Another breakfast place, simple, very local and delicious.  Try the foul (a kind of chickpea soup, pronounced like the word “fool” in English) and hummus.  
• Green’s Coffee: One of my favourite coffee shops in Lebanon with a great selection of coffees and even a deli counter.  The environment is top-notch with a nice retro feel.  
• Resthouse: Overpriced (although still cheap by international standards), but with a great view of the Seafort and the only place allowed to sell alcohol in Saida.  Perfect for a beer with a view on a hot summer’s day.

A man making local sweets at a little bakery in the winding streets of Saida’s old bazaar.

• Local sfeeha place: On the main street of Baalbek, on the left as you’re walking away from the Roman ruins, you’ll come across what is basically a traditional oven in a room on the edge of the street with a few tables outside (approx. coordinates: 34.005245, 36.208302, here on Google Maps ).   They make one dish – delicious sfeeha, the traditional meat pastry originally from Baalbek – and they make it really well.  It’s a while since I’ve been there, so not sure of the exact price, but twenty sfeeha cost a few dollars.

Local sfiha meat pastries being prepared for the brick oven.

• Fresh seafood: Tyre has a wonderful selection of reasonably-priced fresh seafood restaurants overlooking the harbour.  The location is at 33.274307, 35.194684 ( here on Google Maps ) and there are several small restaurants with harbour views nearby.  Prices start from about $10 a person, including drinks.

Accommodation

Hotels recently switched to charging foreign tourists in USD and so the prices are roughly the same as before the crisis.  You may be able to negotiate a deal with some of the smaller places when you’re here, but that’s tricky to do in advance.  AirBNB can be a very good option and relatively cheap.  With any accommodation, check the hours that they have electricty before booking.

Couchsurfing

Lebanon has an active Couchsurfing community.  Many people here host travellers and there are often events organised.  If you’re looking to meet local people, this is a great way to do it.  

Covid-19, PCR Tests and Entry Requirements

As of 28 September 2022, the Lebanese government cancelled all Covid-related requirements for entering Lebanon.  Once in the country there are also no longer restrictions and masks are not required.  

PCR tests are not required for departure from Beirut airport.  However, if you need one for your next destination, they can be obtained at many hospitals in Lebanon.  I have used Hotel Dieu de France hospital in the past. There’s also a lab that will send someone to your accommodation to do the test for you.  It’s very convenient and the results are available same day, sent via WhatsApp.  They can be contacted on WhatsApp at +961 3 444 925.  Wherever you do the test, it will have a QR code.  Prices vary depending on the exchange rate, but are generally around $10-12.

More about Lebanon

After two years living in Lebanon, I’ve visited almost every inch of the country.  You can read about my adventures here:

Jezzine Travel Guide

Why Visit Jezzine?  The picturesque village of Jezzine is perched high on a cliff top overlooking the incredible Jezzine waterfall - at 90m (295ft), one of the highest waterfalls in Lebanon.  It’s also practically surrounded by Bkassine forest, the largest pine forest...

Hermel & Beyond: Road Tripping Remote Lebanon

Hermel & Beyond: Road Tripping Remote Lebanon As a Scot, I’m used to living in countries far bigger than my own.  Lebanon is the exception - the entire country is only about 200km long and 80km wide at its widest point.  So how, you might ask, can there be ‘remote...

Looking for even more great ideas?  Here’s another in-depth travel guide to Lebanon by Romana and Jakub at Broken Naviation, including hotel recommendations for all budgets (living here I don’t stay in hotels much).  They have some really beautiful photographs too.  Check it out here:

• How to Travel to Lebanon in 2022 & 11 Days Itinerary

Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you enjoyed the article or have questions!

Beirut is one crazy beautiful city in one crazy beautiful country. I can’t not love it.

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30 Comments

Wow, this is a great post. Thank you so much. We’re travelling to Lebanon for a week in May (9th – 15th) and were a bit unsure of what to see/do because of the crisis. This has helped a lot. I’m coming with a friend. Hit me up if you’d like to hang out.

Hey mate, great to hear the guide was helpful. I’m actually outside the country travelling Sudan at the moment (another amazing place), so won’t be around on those dates. Enjoy Lebanon!

I absolutely love this guide. I am a 50plus woman who travels around the world and I am in Egypt now. I want to go and spend a month there in June/July and would love to contact people who want to meet and Argentina my age or around my age. I am not rich, my country goes through the same struggles than Lebanon with the second highest inflation in the world. I do have a website on the works and I can recommend your site, I believe the only waay we can make a change is to share

Hi Monica, that’s great. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Lebanon a lot. For meeting people, you might want to try Couch Surfing. The community in Lebanon is quite active.

Thank you so much for the useful information. I’m travelling to Lebanon for a week in 30th May – 6th June and was uncertain of what to expect. You information has helped me feel more confident. I’m coming by myself as my partner can’t make it because of work commitments. Feel free to contact me if you’d like have a chat over drinks. PS I’m keen to go to Sudan and see the Pyramids there. Hope you enjoyed it.

Hi Morris. Great to hear that the information was helpful. I would definitely be up for meeting for a drink, as long as I’m in Lebanon at that time. Could you drop me a message on the quitandgotravel Instagram page? I don’t want to put my WhatsApp number on this page as it’ll inevitably get flooded with spam.

Sudan was amazing! Working on a guide for that now, but will take some time.

This is amazing, thank you so much for publishing this! I’ve had a hard time getting a real read on the situation. We are planning a trip in July, probably just Beirut for 4 or 5 days. Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Hi Katie, glad to hear it was useful. July is a great time to visit, the weather will be beautiful. Beirut is a great place to base yourself, but I would suggest to do at least a day trip to Byblos and the Jeita Grottoes. Regarding hotels, as I live here, I don’t stay in them and so don’t have specific recommendations. However, wherever you stay, the main thing to check is whether they have a generator and how many hours of power they have per day. Generally, the higher-end hotels have 24/7 power, whereas the lower-end ones could be just a few hours a day.

Hi Rowan, this was SO helpful, thank you! Hoping to visit May 27-June 4 but was nervous about the US government “level 3” travel advisory. I saw your disclaimer about the elections last week – how is the sentiment now?

Hi Lily, glad this was helpful. The elections have gone relatively peacefully, so hoping things will be back to normal by then. Time will tell, so feel free to reach out to me nearer the time to confirm.

Think your guide is really helpful mate. I’m looking to visit with my girlfriend for at least a week in Oct before flying on to India, but we will not hire a car to keep the costs down, so hopefully we can visit places like Byblos and Kadisha Valley by bus/shared taxi etc as we’d love to do some hiking. Thanks again.

Awesome mate, glad the guide was helpful. Lebanon is very doable with public transport (and maybe a bit of hitchhiking to Kadisha). Enjoy India!

Is the situation pretty unstable atm mate? Been looking at uk gov website and it seems to say avoid all but essential travel to Lebanon. Not going until Oct, so I hope thing may improve then, but would you say wait to see if it calms down a bit before booking flights, or just take the gov advice with a pinch of salt? As your blog seems to indicate its not too bad 🙂 sorry for the bombardment of questions!

Hey mate, already replied to your email, but for anyone else reading, government travel warnings tend to exaggerate. It’s actually very peaceful here at the moment. Lebanese people are very friendly and crime rates are low. In Lebanon, the situation can change quickly, but I wouldn’t let that put you off visiting.

Hi Rowan, thanks for sharing those helpful Informations. Do you know if there is a possibility to get from Bcharré to Baalbek by public transportation in September

Hi Miriam. Glad the blog has been useful. Unfortunately, there is no public transport from Bcharré to Baalbek. By public transport, you’d need to go back to Beirut and then over the main highway to Baalbek, which is a huge detour. However, I’m sure you could hitchhike it without much difficultly. Lebanese people are very friendly and a female friend of mine who was volunteering in Anjar the past few weeks hitchhiked all over the country without problems.

Wowwwww I was just looking around, totally unsure about Lebanon and feeling no way I could Really do it but your post has totally changed my mind.

I hope to meet you for a coffee hello.

~A Solo woman traveller

Ps, Pls let me know your thoughts on overland travel from jordan through syria.

Hey, glad the blog helped inspire you! Overland travel from Jordan is possible with an organised tour, as that’s generally the only way to get the visa. It’s expensive but doable and I’ve spoken with people who’ve done it. A coffee sounds good, drop me a message on Insta @quitandgotravel when you know the dates.

This post re Lebanon is fantastic. I’m traveling alone; do you have any tour guide recommendations? Also, if you’re up for a cup of coffee and a chat, I’ll be there the first week of July.

Hi Stacy, great to hear the post is useful. I never use tour guides (except in North Korea, where it’s mandatory), so can’t recommend one. However, Lebanon is very doable solo. I’d definitely be up for a coffee and should be here that week. Can you drop me a message on Insta? @quitandgotravel

This blog was really helpful – I’m a solo female traveler and have been looking to go to Beirut to visit my friend’s dog and bring him doggie treats (and I guess say hi to my friend too and bring human treats) but with everything that has happened in the past two years it has been a bit difficult to get it organised. Due to my nationality it also appears the visa process will take longer than normal in my current country of residence. I would rather not have to get my (human) friend send some sort of invitation letter in order for me to get a visa, but I guess I’ll just have to see and try and Lebanese Embassy. I look forward to reading more of your blog.

Your poor friend, I can see that he or she is definitely second to the dog! Good luck with the visa though, I hope you get it sorted out okay, and thanks for your kind comments.

Thanks so much for this guide. I’m Lebanese background and even I found it very very useful. My Aussie partner and I are going to Lebanon in September and I’m wondering which neighbourhood to book our Airbnb. We want to be able to walk all of Beirut, prefer to flush toilet paper down the toilet haha and want to be walking distance to cafes, bars and be able to walk home safely afterwards (or is it safer to get a service/taxi?). Also did you have any issues with being overcharged for things? Memories of taxi drivers taking me around the block a couple of times in Syria and charging me double haha

Hi Lili. Great to hear that my blog is even useful to Lebanese! For AirBNBs, Gemayze is probably the best Neighborhood. It’s walking distance to most things and has power more often than Hamra, so is less dark. Beirut is still very safe and walkable, even now. I think it’s a cultural thing, but despite the ever increasing poverty levels, crime rates are still low here. Most people are pretty honest, so rip offs are not common. The worst are taxis, especially from the airport, so use Uber or Bolt and set the app to pay cash (don’t pay more than 200,000 LBP from the airport).

Rowan, as others have said this is a great blog. Many thanks for all this info. I am a keen cyclist but cannot find any of the major adventure tour companies who offer cycling holidays in Lebanon. Do you know of any cycling organisations in Lebanon who might be able to help me put together an itinerary.

Hi David. I’m happy you liked the blog. I focus on independent travel, so not sure about tour companies to be honest. I don’t think cycling is a big thing here though (drivers are not so considerate), but that said, it could be a good way to see the country.

I had planned a trip to Lebanon in May 2020 (tickets paid for and everything) but Covid happened. Since then, Lebanon had gone through some significant changes like the economic crisis, etc, and I was really unsure if this year was the right time to be visiting Lebanon; was thinking of doing so in December.

Your blog had really helped, it is positive yet realistic. I am leaning heavily on traveling to Lebanon this year.

I heard it is easy to do a day trip to Damascus from Beirut? Have you done this trip? If so, was it a good experience?

Hi Ivy. Great to hear that you’re planning to visit Lebanon. Keep your eye on the news, but if it stays like it is now, you’ll have a great time. Day trips to Damascus are easily arranged. I don’t like organised tours, so I haven’t done one. I’m still working on the visa now, but hope to visit Syria independently for a couple of weeks in the near future.

Thank you so much for all this great information. My husband & am planning to move to Jadra, Lebanon with in the next year and I am doing research now and came across your blog. Any information you can send me in a email would be much appreciated. I have never traveled outside the U.S. . We plan on visiting for 2 weeks before we actually move there.

Hey that’s awesome that you’re moving here to Lebanon. It’s a wonderful country. Jadra is an interesting choice of location though! Most of the relevant information is in the blog, but feel free to let me know if you have specific questions.

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Lebanon Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Lebanon. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles April 26, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is  widespread  in Lebanon. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Lebanon.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Lebanon. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Lebanon.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Lebanon. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Lebanon, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Lebanon. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

• Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads
• May spread from to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• May spread to people from camels.

Middle East Respiratory virus syndrome (MERS)

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Counsel your patients on actions they can take on their trip to stay healthy and safe.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Lebanon. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Lebanon include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Lebanon. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Lebanon’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Lebanon may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Lebanon, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Remind your patients to pack health and safety items. Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Lebanon for a list of health-related items they should consider packing.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Lebanon travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 16, 2024 07:58 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, lebanon - avoid all travel.

The security situation can deteriorate further without warning.

If the armed conflict intensifies it could impact your ability to depart the country by commercial means. You should not rely on the Government of Canada for assisted departure or evacuation.

In the event of an evacuation, Government of Canada assisted departures will only be available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Lebanon, as well as their accompanying spouse and dependent children. All travellers will require valid travel documents for their assisted departure. The required onward travel to Canada from a safe third location will be at your own expense.

Make sure your travel documents and those of your spouse and children are up to date and secure at all times.

You should consider leaving by commercial means now, if you can do so safely.

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Security situation in Beirut and southern Lebanon

The situation in Lebanon remains volatile and unpredictable due to violent clashes along the border with Israel, including daily rocket and missile fire as well as air strikes. On January 2, 2024, explosions caused by suspected drone strikes occurred in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut, resulting in casualties. The attacks appear to be related to the ongoing conflict in the region and could lead to an escalation of hostilities in Lebanon.

Your safety and security could be at risk. If you intend to travel to Lebanon despite the advisory, you should consult local authorities and/or experienced local partners, plan a secure route, and monitor the security situation where you are travelling. Emergencies may require you to shelter in place with robust supplies of food, water and medications. Since October 2023, the Government of Canada has advised Canadians to leave Lebanon while commercial options remain available.

If you are in Lebanon, including in Beirut:

• be extremely vigilant and aware of your surroundings
• book a flight to leave the country
• expect a heightened security presence
• carry identification documents at all times
• avoid the area along the borders with Israel and Syria
• make sure your passport and travel documents are up-to-date, including those of your family
• register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Lebanon to do so

Security situation

The security situation is precarious in Lebanon. Large-scale protests in response to the situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have lead to civil unrest, particularly in Beirut. Protestors have targeted foreign embassies and international organizations.

The country faces a major economic crisis, resulting in severe shortages of basic necessities including medicines and fuel. Tensions and altercations between individuals waiting at gas stations and pharmacies have occurred outside Beirut. The economic instability has also affected the delivery of public services, including healthcare.

The crime rate is on the rise. Decreasing resources within security forces affects law enforcement capabilities.

Pre-existing sectarian tensions, coupled with the spillover of the conflict in Syria, are also playing a destabilizing role in the country.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons are discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.  Incitement to violence and attacks on 2SLGBTQI+ persons occur. On August 23, 2023, members of an organized group stormed a queer-friendly bar in Beirut and physically attacked clients.

There are reports of individuals using popular dating apps and websites to threaten, extort and blackmail 2SLGBTQI+ persons.

• Beware of people who show a keen interest online
• You could be the victim of a scam if you agree to meet with an online acquaintance
• Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
• Inviting a stranger to your hotel room or apartment can be risky

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Areas South of Litani River

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) maintains additional peacekeepers south of the Litani River near the border with Israel due to the security situation. This region remains highly militarized and volatile. Rocket launches and border incidents resulting in casualties occasionally occur, provoking retaliatory attacks in this region and elsewhere in Lebanon.

Forces other than the Lebanese authorities exert significant control over parts of this region. Access restrictions may delay or prevent Canadian officials from providing assistance to citizens in these areas.

The international border between Lebanon and Israel is not entirely defined. UNIFIL enforces the Blue Line, which separates the two countries. Areas adjacent to the Blue Line are often heavily mined. The areas of Ghajar, Kfar Shouba Hills and Shebaa Farms are inaccessible from Lebanon. The border with Israel is closed.

Avoid all travel south of the Litani River, especially near the border with Israel due to ongoing military activity.

If you are travelling to the city of Tyre, use only the main coastal highway. Travel permits from Lebanese authorities and/or UNIFIL may be required to enter areas south of the Litani River that border Israel.

Southern Suburbs of Beirut

Armed groups are present in large parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs. These neighbourhoods are targets for organized crime and terrorist attacks causing deaths and injuries. Tactics used by terrorists include car bombing, suicide bombing and rocket fire. There is also a risk of kidnapping and you could be caught in violent clashes between armed groups.

North Lebanon

While Lebanese security forces have conducted operations in northern Lebanon to improve the security situation, some parts of the region remain unstable. Some of these areas have experienced inter-communal violence that can spread to outlying areas. Heavy weapons fire (machine guns, grenades and rocket-propelled grenades), sniper activity and terrorist incidents have occurred.

Extremist groups have sought refuge in northern Lebanon, including throughout Akkar District.

Border region with Syria

The security situation in regions bordering Syria has deteriorated as a result of the ongoing conflict. Armed groups as well as the Lebanese and Syrian military have carried out operations resulting in casualties. Tensions between armed groups have also increased in border areas, resulting in violent clashes and kidnappings.

The border is not always clearly marked.

North Eastern Bekaa Valley

The security situation in the North Eastern Bekaa Valley is volatile and there is an ongoing risk of sporadic violence, organized crime, and kidnapping.

Palestinian refugee camps

The security situation in Palestinian refugee camps and surrounding areas remains tense and unpredictable. Violence is common in some camps—particularly Ain el Helweh, near Saida, and Beddawi, near Tripoli.

Refugee camps are often located close to urban centres and are not always visibly demarcated. Exercise caution and remain aware of your whereabouts at all times in order to avoid unknowingly entering a camp. Palestinian authorities control the security in most camps and may delay or refuse to grant Canadian officials access to Canadian in these areas.

There’s a threat of terrorism. Attacks can occur at any time and any place in Lebanon.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, military installations and schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Local authorities are on a high state of alert and carry out anti-terrorism operations across the country to prevent attacks. The potential for attacks and a rapid deterioration of the security situation remains across the country, including in Beirut.

There is a significant presence of terrorist groups in several areas of southern Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut and the northern Bekaa Valley. Armed actors other than Lebanese authorities exert a large amount of control in some areas, and they may delay or prevent Canadian officials from assisting Canadians in the region.

Politically-motivated attacks also remain likely. A number of such attacks have taken place in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during sporting events, religious holidays and other public celebrations. Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Lebanon is experiencing chronic fuel shortages. You may have some difficulties securing fuel.

There are frequent, prolonged and unpredictable closures of fuel stations. Long lineups have formed at gas stations, creating road blockades which have led to several accidents. Arguments and violent altercations, sometimes involving use of weapons have also occurred. Decrease in fuel quality has also been reported causing damages to vehicles.

Fuel and diesel shortages are also impacting other sectors such as:

• telecommunication, including internet
• water and waste collection
• shops, cafes and restaurants

The difficulty to access fuel and diesel has led to frequent unplanned closures of power generators and interruptions in the delivery of basic commodities such as water, flour, and gas.

Medicine and medical supplies

There are shortages of medicine and medical supplies. When available, these may be very costly. Such shortages have also significantly affected the health care sector, with many private hospitals closing or reducing their services.

Ensure that your emergency kit is complete.

Exchange rates and foreign currency

In recent months, the value of the Lebanese Pound has depreciated quickly against the US Dollar. As a result, there is a high inflation on prices of most goods and services. The economic situation could affect your ability to pay for goods and services.

There is also a severe shortage of foreign currency. It is very difficult to access US Dollars locally. Change in foreign currency may also not be available. While ATMs are generally stocked with Lebanese Pounds, there may be limits on daily withdrawals imposed by certain banks.

Many stores and companies no longer accept credit/debit cards.

• Plan accordingly
• Ensure that you have access to adequate cash
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash on yourself and keep foreign currency out of sight

Power disruptions

Power outages and rationing of electricity are common in many parts of the country, including in Beirut. They may affect critical infrastructure, such as hospitals. They could also affect other essential services such as food production and distribution.

Other services are often disrupted during such events, including:

• public water supply
• communications, mainly cellular telephone and Internet

Demonstrations

The deterioration of the security environment and the political uncertainty may lead to an increase in civil unrest at any time. Planned and spontaneous demonstrations related to the domestic and regional situations regularly occur in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

The road to Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is subject to sporadic closures, due to various factors including clashes between various local groups. Access to the airport may be unavailable for extended periods when the security situation deteriorates.

• Avoid all areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Allow extra time to get to and from the airport
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

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

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.

• Look for posted landmine warnings
• Stay on paved roads
• Avoid walking or hiking in these areas.

Petty crime has significantly increased since 2020. Purse snatching, pick pocketing, car thefts, and residential break-ins, occur regularly.

There are reports of thefts at Beirut’s international airport. Criminals have stolen goods from luggage, looking especially for medications.

• Be vigilant in all crowded locations
• Don’t carry large sums of money
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Violent crime and sexual assault have also increased. Shooting incidents, especially at gas stations, have led to injuries and deaths of civilians.

There is a highly visible security presence throughout the country. 

• Exercise vigilance and appropriate safety precautions
• Carry personal documentation with you and follow the instructions of Lebanese security authorities

Road safety

Congestion and aggressive driving are serious problems throughout the country. Drivers often don’t respect the rules of the road, and traffic laws are not consistently enforced. Be cautious when crossing streets, as drivers don’t always give pedestrians and cyclists the right of way.

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. Increased power cuts have led to interruptions of traffic lights in the city centre, including at major intersections.

Public transportation

Avoid public transportation, which is crowded, unsafe and unreliable.

Foreigners using shared transportation have been victims of armed robbery, either by the driver or other passengers. Most major hotel chains will have an agreement with a reputable taxi company and can arrange the taxi for you.

• Don’t use shared or “service” taxis.
• Always pre-arrange transportation with a safe and reliable taxi company.
• Don’t hail taxis off the street and avoid using unmarked taxi services.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Lebanese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Lebanon.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Student visa: required Work visa: required Business visa: required

As a Canadian citizen, you must obtain a visa to visit Lebanon. Ensure you apply for the proper type of visa for the specific purpose of your trip. Visas are available at Lebanese diplomatic missions abroad or at any port of entry into Lebanon.

Make sure your visa is valid for the duration of your stay. An expired entry visa must be extended by Lebanese authorities or you will not be allowed to leave the country.

Entry stamp

Your passport must show a Lebanese entry stamp in order to exit the country. If you acquire a new passport while in Lebanon, you must present your old passport containing proof of entry to authorities upon departure.

Travel bans

Local authorities may issue travel bans that won’t allow you to enter or exit Lebanon, regardless of your nationality.

You may also be denied re-entry to Lebanon if you left Lebanon as a refugee. To ensure that you are not subject to a travel ban to re-enter Lebanon, contact the Lebanese authorities prior to your departure to Lebanon

Regional travel

Travel to or from Israel is illegal in Lebanon. You may be refused entry into Lebanon if your 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 you visited Israel prior to visiting Lebanon.

South of the Litani River

Travel permits from Lebanese authorities and/or UNIFIL may be required to enter areas south of the Litani River bordering Israel.

Children and travel

Children travelling with only one parent may be required to provide an authorization letter from the other parent to exit Lebanon.

• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Cases of locally-acquired   Middle East respiratory syndrome  (MERS) have been reported in this country.

MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Some people infected with MERS-CoV experience no symptoms, while others may experience mild flu-like or more severe pneumonia-like symptoms. About one-third of reported cases have result ed in death.

Eat and drink safely ,   and   avoid close contact with animals, especially camels. If you must visit a farm or market, make sure you practise good hygiene and  wash your hands  before and after contact with animals.

There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect against MERS.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

The medical services and supplies in Lebanon are being affected by the economic crisis and the fuel shortages. As such :

• air conditioning and lighting may be turned off
• non-essential medical treatment may be cancelled
• some sections of hospitals may have reduced capacity or be closed
• hospitals may refuse to admit patients due to the lack of space or supplies

Medical care facilities could be difficult to access and services can be expensive. Private facilities may not have access to basic resources and may be forced to close or reduce their services, increasing the pressures on the public health system.

Payment in advance is almost always required in private health care facilities.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Photography

It is prohibited to photograph or videotape government buildings or military personnel, equipment and installations.

Avoid photographing individuals without their permission.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. 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 throughout the judicial process. This process often takes years.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dress and behaviour

The dress code in Lebanon is more relaxed than most Middle Eastern countries.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Ensure your travel insurance is valid for driving in Lebanon.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

Lebanese law criminalizes sexual acts ''contradicting the laws of nature’’ and a ''man disguising as a woman.’’ These provisions may be interpreted broadly to arrest, detain and prosecute 2SLGBTQI+ persons. If you are convicted, you could face imprisonment.

Authorities regularly ban peaceful gatherings and events related to 2SLGBTQI+ issues.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Lebanon.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Lebanon. However, local authorities will treat dual Canadian-Lebanese citizens as Lebanese nationals.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Lebanon, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

Family law matters in Lebanon, including child custody and divorce-related decisions, are settled according to local religious laws.

Canadian custody documents, including Canadian court orders pertaining to custody, may not be automatically recognized or enforceable in Lebanon. 

Relatives frequently place travel bans on Canadians. If you are involved in custody or other family disputes, consult a lawyer for advice on how religious law in Lebanon may affect your family situation.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Lebanon.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Lebanon by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Lebanon to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The currency is the Lebanese pound (LBP).

There is also a severe shortage of foreign currency. It is very difficult to access US Dollars locally. Change in foreign currency may not be available. While ATMs are generally stocked with Lebanese Pounds, there may be limits on daily withdrawals imposed by certain banks.

Traveller’s cheques are not accepted and will not be changed by local financial institutions.

Lebanon is located in a seismic zone. There have been several minor earthquakes in recent years.

In the winter months, mountain roads, including the main Beirut–Damascus highway, may be temporarily blocked or become impassable due to heavy snowfall. Flash floods can occur, rendering roads temporarily dangerous or impracticable.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 112
• medical assistance: 140
• firefighters: 175

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Beirut and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Is Beirut Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Lebanon : Safety by City

Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon and by far its biggest city (and since Lebanon is small, it’s always had the reputation of being the only truly cosmopolitan city in the country).

Beirut, just like any other city in the world, has its rich and poor areas.

A lot of traffic during the day, with absolutely no respect for the road and driving laws.

The city has an amazing culture and is a multi-confessional city.

People are less conservative and more business-oriented than the rest of Lebanon.

Lebanon has one of the best nightlife scenes in the country.

Clubs and pubs are all around you.

Cinemas, coffee shops, malls, VR Arcades, computer networks, you name it – you’ll find it.

• Warnings & Dangers in Beirut

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Beirut is mostly a safe city to visit. You shouldn't have any problems if you apply common sense and use caution as you would anywhere else.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Generally, the roads in Beirut are in good condition, but the problem is the number of reckless drivers. Traffic jams are also the norm in Beirut. Use caution when on public transport because that's where pickpockets operate.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets do operate in Beirut and tourists are commonly the victims of pickpocketing or bag snatching. Be careful in crowded places such as bus and train stations and keep your valuables in your accommodation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Beirut is susceptible to several natural disasters, among which the most prominent one is the danger of earthquakes. The 551 Beirut earthquake occurred on 9 July, triggered a devastating tsunami and caused a lot of deaths.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

You should be somewhat careful when it comes to violent crime in Beirut, although most of the violent crimes don't affect foreigners. Still, use extra caution at night.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

There is a high risk of a terrorist attack in Beirut. Even though it's far from the border-towns, Beirut has suffered from car bombings and terror attacks in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The most recent terrorist attacks were car bombs, that occurred in the Beirut suburb of Bourj el-Barajneh in 2015 and in the suburb of Hamra in June 2016.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams exist in Beirut and you should use your wits while in this country. Double-check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of people trying to distract you.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Beirut isn't dangerous for women particularly, but it is advised for tourists in general, regardless of their sex, not to roam around unaccompanied by someone who knows the safe and unsafe parts of the country.

• So... How Safe Is Beirut Really?

For the time being, Beirut is pretty safe on both counts.

And, just like any other city in the world, is has its rich and poor areas.

As long as you stay in there main areas away from Palestinian and Syrian camps and of Hezbollah Hezbollah in southern suburbs.

And of course, you are strongly advised to stay away from any border area with Syria (which is pretty far from Beirut)

Another thing visitors keep complaining about is the roads and driving.

The roads are crazy.

There are no speed traps, red-light cameras, or even police monitoring road behavior.

Drivers take full advantage, doing whatever it takes to get to their destination as fast as possible.

When walking alongside the road, it’s very important to walk in straight lines.

Drivers often come very close to pedestrians, so an unexpected movement could be problematic.

These drivers have an incredible eye, though, because they don’t hit anything on the sides of the road that they tiptoe.

People are super friendly in Beirut.

Ask anyone for directions and they can take you all the way there.

However, they do ask you a lot of personal questions.

• How Does Beirut Compare?
• Useful Information

Many countries do need a visa to enter Beirut. Luckily, a one-month visa can be easily acquired on arrival at Beirut International Airport or any other port of entry at the Lebanese border. Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next six months. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Lebanon embassy for further information.

Lebanese pound is the official currency in Beirut. ATMs are widespread throughout the city, and credit cards are accepted in most establishments. US dollars are also widely accepted in the city.

The climate in Beirut is mediterranean with long, hot and dry summers and short, cool and rainy winters. Lebanon's location the African continent and the eastern Mediterranean area determine the climate of the country and the capital city.

Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport formerly known as Beirut International Airport, is Beirut's primary airport. It is located 9 km from the city center.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Beirut, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Beirut Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Lebanon - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

2 Reviews on Beirut

Rooftop dinner.

People are friendly but I feel more comfortable going around through private transportation. Also if you extra money to burn a stay in Hotel Albergo might tickle your fancy. You can have a meal at their rooftop and my oh my a romantic evening with your partner there would be just awesome. I felt generally safe in the short time I was there.

So underrated

Lebanon is absolutely gorgeous on every level. Yes, the driving and the roads are horrific, but using private taxi transport is great, and cheap! Venture out of Beirut to see some of the most gorgeous landscapes and hot beaches and take a ride into the mountains for skiing and snow. AND TGE FOOD….I’m hungry just thinking about it. Such a vibrant country – all of it.

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Article Contents

• Beirut : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Is it Safe to Travel to Lebanon? Tourist Advice

A personal account from our contributing writer Erin Henk

It was two days before my family and I were scheduled to move to Beirut .

In the midst of the chaos of packing and shedding the seemingly endless amounts of stuff we’d acquired from nearly four years of living in Paris, I was trying to check “get a haircut” off my to-do list. As sat in the salon chair, zoning out, my phone started buzzing with texts from faraway friends.

“Oh my god, huge explosion in Beirut!”

“It looks like a nuke just went off.”

I immediately scrambled to find out more information, my fingers frantically typing and scrolling. What was going on? What was happening and what did this mean for Beirut? And (selfishly) what did it mean for us?

We were about to embark on a big move that would start a new chapter in our lives. Perhaps this would mean that our plans would have to change?

What unfolded over the next few days in the tale of the Beirut Port explosion of August 2020 was the heartbreaking and enraging story of unbelievable negligence and corruption. The explosion killed more than 150 people, injured more than 5,000, and left thousands more homeless, jobless, and traumatized.

This was all due to a large stockpile of highly-explosive ammonium nitrate, which had been left sitting in a warehouse for about six years while no one in government bothered to do anything about it until a fire is said to have started in the warehouse.

We decided to forge ahead with our plans to move once we learned more. My husband left for Beirut two weeks after our initially scheduled date to start his new job. My son and I followed about three weeks later.

“Are you sure?” asked everyone from my cardiologist to my close friends when we said that we, indeed, were still moving to Lebanon.

But this is Lebanon….

With a history that includes 15 years of civil war and chaos, terrorism, along with neighbour issues with Syria and Israel , Lebanon, and Beirut in particular, still hasn’t completely shaken its reputation for being synonymous with war and violence.

While we haven’t looked back since coming here, it’s understandable that in a country like this, nestled in the heart of a region like the Middle East, many may wonder whether or not it is really safe to bring your family to Lebanon?

Depending on who you ask, Lebanon is likely going to be a place where opinions on safety for travellers may vary, particularly for families.

While a certain amount of instability and unpredictability comes with the territory in Lebanon (so to speak) it is nonetheless a place where you can bring your family, have wonderful experiences, and forge some lifelong memories, as long as you keep your wits about you and follow some basic safety guidelines and practices. 

Lebanese Civil War

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A tiny nation (about a quarter the size of Switzerland), Lebanon’s more recent history has been tumultuous and complicated and warrants more explanation than we can include here. But here’s a very brief overview:

From 1975 to 1990, the nation was plagued by a complex civil war in addition to separate occupations by Syria and Israel. Today, tensions remain with Israel to the south.

Syria’s civil war has also brought between 1-1.5 million (estimates vary) displaced Syrians into Lebanon as well since it began in 2011, which has put a strain on already weak infrastructure and services.

In addition to the current Syrian crisis, the country is also home to about 475,000 Palestinians (again, estimates vary); many of whom are deemed stateless by the Lebanese government, live in designated camps, and are denied government assistance and legal residency.

Contrary to the old rumours, Lebanon is not a hotbed of terrorism. This reputation most likely comes from the fact that the country is the birthplace of Hezbollah . However, if you avoid the Hezbollah-controlled areas of the country, there is no need to let this be a reason for you to not travel to Lebanon.

While tensions between Hezbollah and Israel ignited into a month-long war during the summer of 2006, Lebanon has been largely free from war and widespread violence since the end of the civil war.

Today, Lebanon’s biggest problems are mainly rooted in the impacts of an incredibly grave economic crisis, an unstable and corrupt government, and inadequate and overstretched infrastructure and services, all of which can understandably cause civil unrest.

The World Bank has called Lebanon’s enormous economic and financial crisis one of the top 10 most severe crises globally since the mid-19 th century [source: World Bank ]. Compounding this is the government’s lack of initiative and consensus to enact reforms to alleviate the situation so as to avoid upsetting the lifestyles of a privileged minority. (Ahem, corruption.)

The Lebanese pound has lost 90% of its value since 2019, which has plunged about 4 million families into poverty in roughly just two years [source: Save the Children ].

As a result of such astounding depreciation and inflation, many Lebanese people who are paid in the local currency have seen the value of their salaries shrink to unlivable levels, making staples like food, medicine, and fuel largely unaffordable. (For example, many employed by the military or police who previously earned about USD 1,000-1,500 per month have seen their salaries shrink to USD 50-100 per month.)

As a result, much of the population is simply unable to support themselves or their families. However, with a large diaspora, a portion of Lebanese people are very reliant on remittances from family abroad to keep them afloat. Others who are fortunate enough to be paid in US dollars or who have bank accounts abroad can still live relatively comfortably.

That said, however, a visitor can easily see the contradiction of today’s Lebanon, one in which millions are struggling while restaurants and hotels remain full (with Lebanese people and not exclusively foreigners), traffic is a big issue, and new businesses are still opening up. (I’ve seen several open up in my own neighbourhood alone in just a year and a half.)

What Do The Travel Advisories Say About Lebanon Now?

You should always check relevant government advisories before planning to travel to Lebanon. But beware that some may outright warn you against visiting the country at all.

For example, at the time of writing, the U.S. Department of State had Lebanon marked at Level 4 Advisory, which instructs people not to travel to the country due to “crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and Embassy Beirut’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.”

Others like Canada and the UK say to exercise a high degree of caution due to the security situation and the risk of a terrorist attack if you plan to travel to Lebanon.

Also, keep in mind that the situation here is dynamic and can change rapidly. If coming to Lebanon, it is wise to register with your embassy before your arrival and sign up for alerts if you can.

There are definitely areas of Lebanon you should avoid, of course, especially if you’re travelling with children. Some of the main areas are the following:

This area is generally safe. However, Beirut’s southern suburbs have high rates of criminality and kidnappings, including the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium near Rafik Hariri International Airport; and the neighbourhoods of Bourj el Barajneh , which is Hezbollah controlled.

It’s recommended to avoid going to the Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen neighbourhoods in Tripoli, where occasional clashes have happened between Sunni and Alawi Muslims. These neighbourhoods are far from the city centre so you should be fine to visit Tripoli itself.

North of Tripoli is the Akkar District , which is also recommended to avoid.

Avoid all areas within 10 km of the Syrian border due to landmines.

This is an area heavily dominated and controlled by Hezbollah. It is also the region where you can visit the incredible historic ruins of Baalbek .

While it’s best to check the security situation immediately beforehand to see if there have been any changes on the ground, the ruins are normally totally safe to visit . You will see the distinctive yellow Hezbollah flags displayed in the site’s immediate vicinity, but don’t panic. The same advice goes for the cities of Zahlé and the ruins of Anjar , which are also in the region.

Avoid all areas to the south of the Litani River , near the Israeli border, excluding the coastal city of Tyre .

There are 12 Palestinian refugee camps in the country, such as Shatila in Beirut and Ain al-Hilweh in Saida, which should be avoided.

Lebanon Travel Safety

Lebanon is incredibly diverse, especially since it’s so tiny. There are about  18 different religious groups represented here and Beirut itself is quite cosmopolitan and international; you’ll find people from all over the world here.

Previously known as the Paris of the Middle East, the city has been known for its nightlife and party scene, so people here are generally open to different types of cultures and dress. Arabic, French, and English are widely spoken by many, which should also help you navigate around the country.  

As a whole, the Lebanese love children, so it’s likely that your small children will get a lot of attention during your visit.

The following are some things to be aware of during your trip: 

The economic crisis has definitely made things more tense and unpredictable in Lebanon. Since the revolution of 2019, when people (rightfully so) began protesting government corruption, unemployment, and a host of other things, demonstrations have continually flared up in different places in and around Beirut; some have occasionally blocked highways for several hours, making it difficult to travel by car.

To be safe, steer clear of such protests as best you can; signing up for embassy alerts could be of help to keep you abreast of the situation.

The economic crisis compounded by the impacts of COVID-19 has caused an increase in criminality, so it’s best to take standard precautions when carrying cash and valuables around the city and at tourist sites like the ruins of Baalbek.  

You will most certainly encounter many people who will ask you for money, many of them children. It’s not unusual to be approached multiple times on a daily basis and it’s heartbreaking to witness.

Some people can get a bit aggressive when asking for money. (I’ve had people asking me for more, saying what I gave them was not enough.)

Children especially can be quite persistent, but it’s all understandable considering the situation in the country. (Since many children can be forced to beg due to trafficking and other harmful reasons, I usually try to give away food as much as possible.)

If you don’t want to give, just bear in mind that you may likely have to say a firm “la, shukran” (no, thank you) or “no, sorry” to get the message across.

Also, keep in mind that if you dine on the street side you are guaranteed to be approached multiple times. You may prefer an inside table instead.

You may also be approached around certain historic sites by people who want to be your guide and immediately start spouting some historical facts. Again, a firm “no thank you” should do it. (You may find a similar story over in our safety guide to Egypt !)

Infrastructure is undeniably poor in Lebanon. This means safety standards are lower. The public electricity is only available a few hours per day so you may encounter stores and restaurants without power, or power cuts happening while you’re out to dinner, for example. Don’t panic. It’s normal.

Most hotels, especially larger ones, will have generators, making the cuts last only a minute or two. Smaller, family-owned or boutique hotels may have periods (typically during the night) when the power cuts for several hours.

Many medicines for chronic conditions are currently unavailable in Lebanon due to the situation so be sure to come prepared with your own supply of any necessary medication.

Also, many of Lebanon’s top professionals, like doctors, have left the country since the start of the economic crisis. But there are still reliable hospitals in Beirut where one could go for urgent medical care, such as:

• Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital
• American University of Beirut Medical Center

Safety and Getting Around in Beirut with kids

With the exception of the corniche, Beirut isn’t the most pedestrian-friendly city, so it’s wise to pay attention when walking around. Uneven, jagged and disappearing sidewalks can be dangerous.

Also—and it might be needless to say here—but be extremely careful when crossing the street. No one really plays by the rules of the road in Lebanon, and most drivers go the wrong way down one-way streets and think nothing of it.

Frequent power cuts also often mean traffic lights often are not working. I am still amazed by how many drivers surmount this hurdle and safely get from one place to another.

Apps like Uber and Bolt are widely used in Beirut and work well to help you get around. However, not all cars will have working seatbelts or will be in the best condition, so be prepared for that.

Another option is to book taxis in advance through local companies like Allo Taxi (which has an app you can download) where you can know the price and type of vehicle beforehand.

Street taxis have red and white license plates, but they can be confusing to take so it’s probably best to arrange transport through the alternatives.

• Use bottled water , even for brushing your teeth, as the water is not safe to drink.
• Trash collection and sanitation can be an issue and one can frequently one can find trash blocking sidewalks and walkways. It’s another reason to be careful where you are walking.
• Gunfire is not uncommon to hear in Beirut. It can often be attributed to birthday celebrations and funerals. If you are outside and hear gunshots try to move inside as quickly as you can. 
• You will often see a heavy military presence in Beirut especially. While travelling through the country, you will encounter military checkpoints. They are nothing to be necessarily nervous about. Be polite and friendly and have your ID on you always just in case. (I’ve never once been asked for mine.)  Also, refrain from taking photos of anything related to the military as it’s forbidden.
• Finally, there’s money . Be aware that the prices of many things change on a daily basis so it’s always wise to verify the price of something before you buy.
• Be sure to bring cash with you (preferably in USD) to avoid using ATMs and fluctuating exchange rates as much as possible.

In a nutshell, research the country’s security situation before your trip, practice street smarts, and keep these points in mind. There’s no reason you and your family can’t have an amazing trip to this beautiful country.

Don’t miss our further family-friendly guides to exploring Lebanon with kids:

• Best of Beirut with Kids
• 12 incredible places to visit in Lebanon
• The best time to plan a trip to Lebanon
• What to pack for your trip to Lebanon

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This post was written by contributing writer Erin Henk. A humanitarian aid and development worker, she has lived with her family in Beirut since 2020. Facts correct as at the time of publishing May 2022.

The Family Travel in the Middle East team of travel writers are all parents based in the Middle East, sharing first hand experiences and reviews from across the region to help you plan your next family adventure.

Find me on: Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

You may also enjoy:

12 incredible places to visit in lebanon, 25 best things to do in beirut with …, when is the best time to visit …, beyond beirut: 8 best day trips from beirut.

Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling in Lebanon

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I was hosted by TourLeb while visiting Lebanon. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Want to experience Lebanon firsthand? Come with me on a GROUP TRIP to Lebanon this Summer (Aug 19 – 27, 2023). Space is limited. Reserve your spot with a deposit by clicking this link .

“Have you been to crazy countries before, or is this your first time?” 

My guide, Nada, asked me moments after I slid into her car at the busy Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, weary after the 20-hour journey from Los Angeles to Beirut.

“Yes?” I replied, after making eye contact with my boyfriend Jacob sitting next to me in the back seat. My family is from the Philippines and Jacob’s is from Mexico , after all. Despite it being our first time in the Middle East, we didn’t feel out of place in a country worlds apart from our own, both geographically, culturally, and socio-politically. In fact, my heart was racing for a different reason. I was thrilled to finally set foot in a place I’d dreamt of visiting since I was 13.

“Good,” she chuckled, and with that we whizzed off to Beirut. Welcome to Lebanon! 

Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Lebanon is fascinatingly, multi-dimensionally rich. Within just 4,036 square miles, Lebanon encompasses six million people, 18 religions, multiple languages and dialects, diverse geography, and more than 6,000 years of history that has carved the country into what it is today. 

While traveling in Lebanon is relatively safe, there are lots of things you should know before you visit this country. Familiarizing yourself with Lebanon’s culture, religions, safety, politics, and economic situation will help you orient yourself more quickly.

Once you do, you’ll be able to better appreciate the spirit of Lebanese people, their joy, their food, and their joie de vivre.

So, let’s get into it. Here are 14 things you should know before traveling to Lebanon!

14 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Lebanon

1. Guide vs Solo: Should You Visit Lebanon On Your Own?

First, do you need a guide when traveling to Lebanon? As a frequent solo traveler and avid trip planner, I am used to being fiercely independent when I travel abroad. So, I tend to only seek out local guides for individual activities, like walking tours and cooking classes. 

But, after spending 10 days traveling in Lebanon, I can say with certainty that I wouldn’t have been able to do or see even half of the things I got to experience without having a local guide.

Lebanon is a chaotically beautiful country and many things work differently than you might be used to.

Some examples of this include:

• Street signs often only shown in Arabic or French 
• Local guesthouses often not searchable on platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb
• Guesthouse staff, on occasion, not speaking English 
• Navigating different cultural intricacies, from visiting mosques to traveling to more conservative parts of the country – like Tripoli and Saida 
• Money being more difficult to understand in general (more on this later)
• More sensitive areas, like the Beqaa Valley near the Syrian border, having heightened precautions in order to visit safely

And so on. 

Visiting Lebanon With TourLeb

I visited Lebanon on a private, almost fully-guided itinerary with TourLeb , a women-owned tour company-meets-social enterprise that prioritizes responsible tourism and uplifting local businesses.

The TourLeb staff are unmatched in their knowledge of Lebanon, and I often joked throughout my trip that Nada has the entire country’s six million people on speed dial. In fact, she and her co-founder Joelle started TourLeb after traveling around Lebanon to interview 6,000 people across 1,000 villages to publish a book, Hyphen Islam Christianity , about the people and stories that interweave together to create the oft-hyphenated identities of Lebanon.

So, yes, they’re extremely well connected!

TourLeb offers a couple different options to help travelers visit Lebanon: 

• Fully Bespoke Private Tours: Ranging from $900-$1500 per week for a couple (or $250 per day for parties of up to 4). This is what I did when I visited Lebanon!
• Itinerary Planning: $30/day to give you a blueprint for your own self-guided Lebanon holiday.
• Day Trips: Whether you want a private day trip (like, to visit the Beqaa Valley or Tripoli) or are interested in joining one of TourLeb’s weekly day trips that explore off-the-beaten-path Lebanese villages, they often provide excursions that can help you see more of the country even if you’re on a budget.

Want to Visit Lebanon with Me?

I’m hosting a group trip to Lebanon this summer! From August 19 – 27, 2023, we’ll walk the footsteps of ancient Romans, cheers to delicious mediterranean wines, dance the night away in Beirut, experience unmatched Lebanese hospitality, uncover palaces and hammams, soak up the sun at the beach, and eat like you’ve never eaten before.

See the full itinerary here or click the button below to reserve your spot! (LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE)

While I recommend having a local guide for your Lebanon trip, you might prefer flying solo. If you do, I still recommend hiring a driver – at least for your first visit – because navigating the roads, army checkpoints, and any unexpected situations in this country would be very tricky without one! 

RELATED: Top Woman-Owned Travel Companies That Should Be on Your Radar

2. How to Get to Lebanon

Getting to Lebanon is actually easier than you might think!

While there are currently no direct flights from the USA to Lebanon, you can often find routes that only require one layover. Airlines like Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Air France have regular Beirut routes with layovers in Dubai, Istanbul, Doha, or Paris. Compare airlines and prices on Google Flights or Kayak to see which route is best for you. 

When you arrive in Lebanon, you’ll be landing in Beirut. You’ll fill out a brief immigration document and go through customs upon arrival. Unlike the bad rap US customs officials get, customs officials in Lebanon are actually so kind and welcoming to tourists!

The only thing you need to remember? You cannot have any Israeli passport stamps or security stickers in your passport . If you do, you’ll be denied entry to Lebanon.

3. Lebanon’s History

From the ancient Phoeniciean and Assyrian eras, to Roman and Byzantine regimes, to Crusaders, Mamluks, and eventually, Ottoman Rule, this ancient land had been molded and shaped by countless layers of influence and culture. 

When 300 years of Ottoman rule dissolved after WWI, Lebanon finally became the country we know today. But, its complex history only gets even more nuanced in the last 100 years. Starting with the French Mandate (which is why you’ll hear French as commonly as you will Arabic) in the early 1900s, to the war in the 70s, to the economic and electricity crises of today, to the Beirut Blast of 2020, Lebanon has been dealt a series of hurdles – emerging from each even more resilient than the last. 

Spend some time exploring this country and you’ll begin to see these layers reveal themselves.

You’ll see it in the ruins that rival those of Athens, the French and Arabic dialects that echo across the souks, the ancient fish fossils of Byblos, the neighboring churches and mosques, and the chic cafes that are serenaded by daily calls to prayer.

4. Safety in Lebanon: Is Lebanon Safe to Visit?

You might be asking yourself – is Lebanon safe? And with everything going on, is it safe to travel to Lebanon now ? 

General Lebanon Safety Overview

In general, traveling to Lebanon is quite safe for tourists. Much safer than the news and our government-issued travel advisories would have us believe. I want to stress this, because the country is desperately in need of tourism and many Lebanese people are quite eager to shed the negative perceptions of their country that the media have long associated with Lebanon.

In fact, I was often met with a combination of surprise (that an American would be visiting their village, restaurant, or hotel!) and delight that resulted in some of the most unbelievable hospitality I’ve ever experienced. 

Geographic / Political Situations Surrounding Lebanon

Now, with that said, Lebanon still presents safety issues you should be aware of.

You shouldn’t visit refugee camps or the borders between Lebanon and Syria, particularly without a guide. The southern region of Lebanon is also the main location of Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel as well, and you’ll begin to see a UN presence once you reach the southern seaside town of Tyre for that very reason.

However, I traveled to both Tyre and the Beqaa Valley near the Syrian border, and in both cases I felt safe and had absolutely no issues. I was super happy to have my TourLeb hosts explaining the history, sociopolitical tensions, and safety protocols every step of the way so I knew what to expect at all times.

In fact, one of my favorite meals was in Rayak, just minutes from the Syrian border crossing to Damascus. 

On the day we traveled to the Beqaa Valley, there was one moment I was particularly grateful to have a local guide. We were visiting the Baalbek ruins, and saw a wedding near the entrance to the site. Our guide told us to anticipate gun shots, as shooting up into the sky is a common way of ‘celebrating’ the new couple’s union. Within moments, we heard gun shots off in the distance. Had we not been briefed on this cultural practice, we would’ve been so spooked!

Economic Situation in Lebanon

Lebanon is undergoing an ongoing economic, fuel, and electricity crisis. While crime rates are actually fairly low in the country, desperate times can mean some desperate situations, and petty theft isn’t unheard of as local people navigate unprecedented economic hardships. Keep close watch of your belongings but also, use this as an opportunity to patronize local businesses and support the local economy with your tourism dollars. 

Safety for Women and Solo Female Travelers in Lebanon

Economic and political landscapes aside, I can’t tell you how many times I was told that Lebanon is one of the safest places for woman to travel solo in the Middle East. Likening this to Lebanon’s Arab and Muslim influence (combined with the fact that English and French are widely spoken, making it easier for solo travelers that don’t speak Arabic to get around), people strive to treat solo female travelers the way they’d treat their own sisters, and want to make extra sure these travelers feel safe and welcome when moving throughout the country. This is especially true in the areas more commonly frequented by travelers, like Beirut, Byblos, Batroun, Jounieh, and Tyre. 

Above all else, you can read as much as you want about safety while traveling in Lebanon ahead of time. But, one of the best things you can do is check in with locals throughout your trip. They’ll often have the latest advice on what’s safe, what isn’t, and what precautions you might want to take.

5. Languages Spoken in Lebanon

The national language of Lebanon is Arabic. However, as I just mentioned, French is also super prevalent due to the country’s French Mandate era of the early 1900s. Today, just under half of the Lebanese population is French-speaking, and another 15% are partially French-speaking, as most schools still teach using French as a second language.

Because of the coexistence of French and Arabic, Lebanese people have derived some unique expressions that blur the lines between the two languages. One example of this is saying “merci kteer” instead of “merci beaucoup” to express “thank you very much.” “Merci” is French for “thank you,” while “kteer” is Arabic for “many.” 

Beyond that, English is commonly spoken by around 30% of the population, especially those in the tourism and business industries. Younger generations also lean heavily towards English in day to day conversation.

6. Religions in Lebanon

It is often said that without Lebanon’s enduring political and economic issues, the country could be a model for how the rest of the world can coexist. As a small country with more than 18 religious communities, Lebanon is a multi-faith society where mosques and churches coexist and bell towers and calls to prayer are equally common sounds of daily life. 

Approximately 60% of the Lebanese population is Muslim (including Shiite, Sunni, Druze, Ismaili, and Alawi), and 40% is Christian (including Catholic communities like Maronites, Armenian Catholics, Greek Catholics; and non-Catholic communities like Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Protestants, etc). 

Lebanon is not without its own religious tensions and disagreements. But, as a country that recognizes and respects several religious communities, it is a remarkable thing to witness as a visitor! Here, you can visit mosques and churches in pretty much any city, hike through the Christian monasteries of the Kadisha Valley, and witness the Druze community’s Jumblatt Palace in the Chouf. All of it makes up equal importance in the fabric of what makes Lebanon, Lebanon. 

7. Currency and Exchanging Money in Lebanon

Due to decades of debt, Lebanon is experiencing a financial crisis that can be felt in all aspects of daily life. It’s so bad that Lebanese people are largely unable to withdraw money from their bank accounts, and many salaries that were once livable are now worth mere fractions of what they once were. 

Lebanon uses the Lebanese Pound or Lira, and you’ll see online that $1 USD = approximately 1,513 Lebanese Pounds. But (and it’s a BIG but!), Lebanon widely operates on a black market exchange . On the black market, $1 USD = anywhere from 24,000 – 35,000 Lebanese Pounds at the time of writing this article. 

Because of this, you’ll want to bring your own local currency to Lebanon and exchange currency there, versus trying to find Lebanese currency abroad (most likely, you will not be able to anyway). Once in Lebanon, exchange your money at a reliable place using the ‘black market’ exchange rate, which fluctuates hourly. This way, you’ll get a fair exchange against the actual market value of everyday life in Lebanon. 

I found that navigating the money exchange in Lebanon was one of the most confusing parts of visiting the country. Fortunately, my guide helped with this throughout my 10 days in Lebanon.

8. Lebanon Geography and Places to Visit

When we think of the Mediterranean, most people may first think of Greece, Italy, or Croatia. But Lebanon is a Mediterranean gem in its own right, with beautiful coastlines and many stretches of crystal clear, aquamarine waters. 

Bordering Lebanon are Israel to the south, and Syria to the north and east. No doubt, this is a region all too familiar with conflict and tension. However, in my experience – going with a guide allowed us to travel all over Lebanon while remaining both informed and safe. There are military checkpoints throughout the country monitoring the roads. At one point after visiting Baalbek in the far east, we found ourselves wine tasting on a vineyard just a stone’s throw from the Syrian border. Again, with our guides monitoring the daily conditions of the region, we felt incredibly safe and welcomed by the people in the Beqaa Valley!

Though Lebanon is a tiny country, it will surprise you – from Mediterranean coastlines, to mountain regions fit for skiing in the winter, to verdant green valleys and relaxing wine regions, Lebanon’s geographic diversity is truly unbelievable. 

Some of the Top Places to Visit in Lebanon Include:

• Beirut : The Paris of the Middle East and the capital city of Lebanon, Beirut should be on any first-timer’s list when traveling to Lebanon. Come here historical city center and neighborhoods, stay for the incredible food and nightlife!
• Byblos : Also known as Jbeil or Jebeil, the seaside village of Byblos is a remarkable symbol of civilization. Byblos has been continuously inhabited throughout the past 8,000 years, and today, the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Jounieh : A once sleepy fishing village that now hosts a long list of attractions, Jounieh is just 30 minutes outside of Beirut and well worth a visit. Take the Teleferique cable car, visit the Casino du Liban, explore the famous Jeita Grotto, or go paragliding over the Mediterranean coast. The views are unbelievable!
• Tripoli : You shouldn’t miss the dizzying, magnificent city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon. Here, you’ll find the largest crusader fortress in Lebanon, a labyrinthine network of souks, and the chilled out fisherman’s village of El Mina which is not to be missed.
• Baalbek : The ruins of Baalbek are so impressive, they are absolutely worth the trek. Here, you can find some of the finest remaining structures of the Roman Empire, like the Temple of Bacchus.
• Saida and Tyre : You can visit the southern seaside towns of Saida and Tyre on a single day trip. Visit the Crusader Sea Castle and the old souks in Saida, and the Hippodrome and Al Mina ruins in Tyre, before ending the day on the Tyre Port and Christian Quarter.
• Chouf : Chouf (also referred to as ‘The Chouf’) is a beautiful region filled with palaces, mountainside villages, a cedar tree reserve, and a large population of Lebanese Druze. Don’t miss the Jumblatt or the Beiteddine Palaces.
• Kadisha Valley : The famous Holy Valley is located high up in the Mount Lebanon chain, and has been home to countless monastic communities for centuries. The drive through the Kadisha Valley is one of the most stunning in all of Lebanon, featuring rugged landscapes dotted with churches and monasteries throughout. You can visit them by car or even hike between the monasteries on foot.

Read my list of all the places you should visit when traveling to Lebanon next!

9. Culture and Etiquette in Lebanon

Lebanon is home to a myriad of cultures and customs, and while there is no sole “fixed” way of doing things, I found the country to be incredibly welcoming and inviting for foreign travelers.

I observed Lebanese teens in Beirut dressed in shorts and sneakers hanging out with friends at local bars, streets filled with locals smoking shisha and playing cards until late in the evenings, veiled and unveiled women at restaurants sharing tea and gossip, you name it. 

With all that said, there are some things you should keep in mind when visiting Lebanon.

General Tips to Follow When Traveling to Lebanon:

• You can dine with both hands – dining with the right hand only doesn’t really apply in Lebanon 
• PDA isn’t extremely taboo, but outside of holding hands, tourists should probably do it sparingly (no need to attract unnecessary attention or judgment, especially from more conservative onlookers). And, unfortunately I’d say LGBTQ+ couples should exercise more caution here and adhere to a zero PDA policy when out and about. 
• Punctuality isn’t really a thing in Lebanon – hours are more fluid and you shouldn’t judge your tours or reservations if they don’t start immediately on time. 
• Lebanese hospitality is unparalleled. I can’t stress this enough! I’ve never had a better breakfast, better hosts, or better conversations than I did while on this trip. Be a gracious guest and try everything when offered homemade food, be prepared to stay long periods of time and engage in conversation, and bring gifts when appropriate. Hosting is seen as an honor and a privilege, and it isn’t uncommon for even those with the smallest homes to invite you in for a coffee as their guest. 
• To most Lebanese, Israel is a huge point of contention. Regardless of your understanding of the situation, it’ll serve you well to simply respect the opinions of locals. And, if you’ve ever traveled to Israel in the past, make sure there is no evidence of that trip in your passport when entering the country. 
• While daily life can be quite relaxed in Lebanon, you should never forget that the country is in the crossroads of conflict. Always remain alert and vigilant with your belongings and with the locations you travel to when traveling to Lebanon, and rely on the advice of locals at all times.

10. Weather in Lebanon

Lebanon generally has a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and rainy winters. The coastline will be hotter and more humid than inland and mountainous regions, which can even get enough snowfall in the colder months for skiing and snowboarding. 

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Lebanon based on the weather, March – May, and September – October are ideal. However, we came in early November and it was still so warm. We even took a dip in the Mediterranean! The only caveat is that in the winter months, the sun will set around 4:30 pm and your daylight hours will be shorter.

Depending on where you plan to go, I recommend packing a variety of clothing fit for both the coastal areas and mountain regions, with some extra layers for any chilly evenings.

11. What to Pack for and Wear in Lebanon

Lebanon is a pretty liberal country. So, what you pack will be dictated by your activities and the places you want to visit, rather than based on any particular custom or requirement.

You’ll generally find very casual as well as stylishly dressed people in Beirut, and naturally, a bit more traditionally and modestly dressed people in less densely populated areas. No matter where you go, it won’t be uncommon to see women in modern sundresses and jeans alongside women in veils or burkas in the same setting. 

My Packing Tips for Lebanon:

• Avoid dresses and skirts / shorts that are extra short, as well as plunging necklines or backless tops (to me, this was honestly less about feeling inappropriate, and more about making sure I was not making any local men or women feel uncomfortable) 
• Pack swimsuits with a bit more coverage (bikinis are totally fine, but I personally didn’t bring any that were more skimpy) 
• Stick to breathable fabrics – Lebanon can be hot especially along the coasts! 
• Bring layers if you plan to visit Lebanon’s mountain regions, particularly in the winter months 
• Bring a variety of scarves, as you’ll need to cover your hair and shoulders when visiting mosques out of respect. I tied one to my purse every day so I could throw it on when needed.
• When visiting mosques, as well as more conservative cities like Tripoli and Saida, it’s best to wear pants or a skirt / dress that falls below the knees 
• Take your shoes off when entering a mosque. If you don’t like the idea of being barefoot, wear socks. The floors will most likely be carpeted!
• Men should avoid wearing shorts or tank tops in mosques, as your shoulders and legs need to be covered, too

12. Transportation and Getting Around when Traveling in Lebanon

You could theoretically rent a car and drive while traveling in Lebanon, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Especially if it’s your first time traveling to the country. The roads are confusing, everyone drives with their own rules, and there are military checkpoints throughout the country that – while generally safe – can seem intimidating for foreigners. 

Careem, a transportation app similar to Uber and Lyft, is supposed to be available in Beirut and Jounieh. But, I didn’t get a chance to confirm this for myself while I was there. If you use this app (or any others) when visiting Lebanon, let me know in the comments!

All that said, if you can swing it, I highly recommend booking tours with transportation included, and / or hiring a private guide like we did with TourLeb. If we had driven ourselves, we probably would’ve done less than half of the things we had on our itinerary. The logistics would’ve been too much to navigate, and there are certain parts of the country – like Tripoli and Baalbek – where it really is best to visit with a local that knows their way around. 

13. Food, Alcohol, and Tipping in Lebanon

Lebanese people are serious about their food – and it is my absolute favorite cuisine in the world for this very reason. 

Their Mediterranean climate combined with fresh Middle Eastern herbs and centuries-old traditions make even the simplest dining experiences a phenomenal occasion. You’ll want to try all of it, and you’ll want to do a good amount of walking during your visit to balance it all out 🙂

Some of my absolute favorite bites of food in Lebanon included: 

• A simple, yet crisply fried falafel pita (which cost less than $1 USD) in Saida 
• Handmade zaatar and cheese manakish (well, anything covered in zaatar, to be honest) 
• Savory sesame-studded ka’ak filled with cheese and, you guessed it, zaatar
• Sweet, indulgent knafeh covered in orange blossom syrup and stuffed into a pita, which coincidentally made for a fantastic hangover breakfast 
• Mezze for every meal of the day 
• Lahme baajin made on the side of the road in the Chouf 
• Freshly prepared kibbeh at a cozy restaurant tucked into the mountains of Ehden

I could keep on going – the food is just that good.

Alcohol Etiquette in Lebanon: Do People in Lebanon Drink?

Lebanon is one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East, and you can easily – and abundantly – enjoy alcohol throughout most of the country. In fact, Lebanon proudly produces tons of local beer, wine, and even spirits.

The only restrictions on this will be in the more conservative parts of the country, like Tripoli and Saida, where alcohol will be sparse or nonexistent out of respect for larger concentrations of Muslim populations.

Outside of this, you will be able to easily find and enjoy a drink in Lebanon freely and without worry.

Tipping in Lebanon: Is It Appropriate?

When it comes to tipping in Lebanon, it’s generally advisable to either round up or pay 10 – 15% at restaurants depending on the service you received.

You’ll also want to carry small bills for other tipping encounters, including supermarket trips (if they carry your groceries to your car), gas station stops (an attendant will fill your tank), and buying drinks at a bar.

14. Travel Insurance For Traveling to Lebanon: Do You Need It?

Whether or not you need travel insurance is your own personal choice. But, keep in mind that without insurance, any incidents (stolen gear, hospitalization, etc) will need to be covered out of pocket while abroad.

Some reputable travel insurance companies with good reviews include:

• World Nomads
• Allianz Travel Insurance

It’s hard for me to put into words how much I loved my time traveling in Lebanon, so I’ll end by saying this: if you’re feeling adventurous and considering visiting Lebanon, you must do it. Lebanon has been without a doubt one of the most culturally enriching, delicious, eye-opening, educational, authentic, raw, and fun countries I’ve visited to date, and I can’t wait to go back!

P.S. Skipped to the end? Don’t fret! While you can travel to Lebanon on your own, some might feel more comfortable visiting with a local tour company. If that’s you, you might want to consider traveling to Lebanon with TourLeb. Mention ‘Rachel Off Duty’ when booking to get up to 15% off a private tour of 3 days or more. Contact them here .

Or, travel with me to Lebanon on a group trip this summer (August 19 – 27). See the itinerary and reserve your spot by clicking this link .

Are you considering traveling to Lebanon? Did you find these tips helpful? Let me know your plans in the comments! 

Read This Next:

• 10 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Lebanon
• 10+ Effortless Ways to Start Saving Money for Travel
• The Best First-Time Solo Female Travel Destinations
• Solo Female Traveler Safety Tips Every Woman Should Know

Pin For Later:

Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride. Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

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Is it safe to visit Lebanon? Foreign Office advice as Britons encouraged to leave

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Following the outbreak of war in Israel, anxieties in bordering countries have been rising amid fears the fighting will spread to neighbouring territories.

Lebanon shares a border with Israel to the south, and the historic tensions between the two are threatening to flare up again, with Hezbollah – a Lebanese militant group – an important component in the potential escalation of the conflict .

In recent days, the Israeli military have exchanged fire with Hezbollah along the border, and the Foreign Office withdrew some staff from the British Embassy in Lebanon early on the 6 November, citing the current security situation.

Here is the latest information on whether the country remains safe for foreign travellers.

Where is Lebanon?

Lebanon sits to the north of Israel, bordering Syria to the north and the east. The capital, Beirut, sits along the Mediterranean Sea, and was a target of Israeli bombings during the Lebanon War in 2006.

Skirmishes between Israel and militant groups have so far been limited to areas around the border in the south. Most recently, on 6 November it was reported in Lebanese media that a woman and three children were killed by an Israeli airstrike while travelling between the towns of Ainata and Aitaroun.

What does the Foreign Office say?

The latest update from the Foreign Office (FCDO), dated 6 November, states: “You are advised against all travel to the whole of Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now while commercial options remain available. 

“If you are a British national in Lebanon, please  register your presence , which includes recording your up to date contact information. You should fill in this form for every member of your family or group who is a British national. Your registration will allow us to share any updates.”

The update adds advice for those who cannot leave Lebanon, saying that “you should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government and be prepared in case you need to leave quickly. However, if you cannot leave Lebanon, you should shelter in place if you judge it necessary and safe to do so.

“See  safety and security  and  regional risks  for information on known security risks in Lebanon and advice on how to keep yourself safe. You should still register your presence to receive updates and sign up to  get email notifications  when this travel advice is updated.”

As recently as 18 October, the official advice had been to avoid “all but essential travel” to much of the country, but this has changed in the wake of intensifying clashes and unrest. The FCDO states that “events in Lebanon are fast moving. The situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and with no warning.

“Commercial routes out of Lebanon could be severely disrupted or cancelled at short notice and roads across the country could be closed.

“Travel within or out of Lebanon is at your own risk. The FCDO cannot tell you whether it is safe to travel to any departure point within Lebanon. However, see  safety and security  for information on known security risks in Lebanon and advice on how to keep yourself safe.”

Regarding the conflict in Israel specifically, it says: “[The] FCDO advises against all travel to Lebanon due to risks associated with the conflict between Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. There are ongoing mortar, artillery exchanges and airstrikes in South Lebanon, on the border with Israel. Tensions are high and events could escalate with little warning, which could affect or limit exit routes out of Lebanon.

“There is also a risk of civil unrest. There have been large protests outside embassies, including outside the US and French embassies on 17 October. Further protests are expected. British Nationals should exercise caution and avoid areas where demonstrations may be held.

“Due to the security situation, some staff at the British embassy and all family members of staff have been temporarily withdrawn. The embassy continues with essential work including services to British nationals.”

Additional security risks are present in Lebanon due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping, with groups mainly operating in Tripoli, areas close to the Syrian border (such as around Hermel and Aarsal), Palestinian refugee camps and the southern suburbs of Beirut. The FCDO states that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Lebanon,” adding that violence may occur between security forces, protesters and supporters of political groups.

What about flights to and from Lebanon?

Flights from the UK to Lebanon are currently operating with a reduced schedule.

Will my insurance be invalid if I travel to Lebanon?

Anyone who chooses to travel to Lebanon will immediately have their travel insurance invalidated unless they have a specialist policy, as the FCDO advises against all travel to the country.

The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your provider, though if you have a trip already booked to Lebanon, you should be able to cancel and make an insurance claim as the Foreign Office is now advising against all travel there.

If already in Lebanon, contact your airline and insurance provider to find out the conditions of travelling home early.

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ASIA , BEIRUT , LEBANON · August 15, 2019 Last Updated on March 13, 2024

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING BEIRUT, LEBANON

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Packed with fascinating history, awesome natural wonders and a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, Beirut is quickly starting to gain popularity among travellers who prefer adventure and luxury without the hordes of tourists.

Everyone I have talked to who has visited Beirut has quickly fallen in love with it. The largely progressive city is nothing like its middle eastern neighbours. Beirut is a unique place where you can find a nightclub next to a mosque, a bombed-out building next to a Chanel boutique, a place where Christianity and Islam sit together side by side and share a bowl of hummus.

Due to its past conflict, Lebanon is still feared by many as being unsafe, so a lot of travellers would not consider the country as a holiday destination. This means it has retained a strong sense of authenticity and creates a spectacular atmosphere for those who do choose to venture there.

I ended up going back to Lebanon twice (once was not enough) and had to share a few of my favourite features from this small but dynamic country. Discover your guide to this secret gem of a destination and get to Beirut before everyone else does!

WHERE TO STAY IN BEIRUT

Luxury hotels.

On my first trip to Lebanon, I stayed at the opulent and historic Hotel Albergo . A hot spot for the wealthy Lebanese and by far one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed in.

Spending a night or two here in their luxuriously decorated rooms will have you feeling like a Persian princess. Every detail of their hotel is meticulously thought out right down to the dried rose petals for you to throw in your bath while you soak.

Breakfast on their rooftop terrace is a must and I would highly recommend a sunset alfresco dinner in the same spot for a romantic evening under the stars while the call to prayer tings out over the city. The concierge will also be happy to help you with any further information you need about the city.

Other well reviewed luxury options in Beirut include:

• Four Seasons Hotel Beirut
• InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut
• Louis V Hotel Beirut

On my second trip back to Lebanon I was doing some work for an NGO and needed somewhere a little more down to earth. There are not a lot of hostels in Beirut, which was why I was super lucky to grab a few nights at Beirut Hostel .

Famous among backpackers in Beirut, this is not a party hostel but has a welcoming and inclusive vibe, helped by its beautiful communal outdoor seating areas. A great safe space for solo travellers and groups alike, they also give the proceeds of the hostel to an NGO helping refugees in Lebanon.

There is no shortage of stunning, internationally owned, luxury chain hotels in the city, however, I prefer to go local whenever possible and I’m so glad that I did after finding these unique gems! Make sure you book in advance to secure your room in these popular places.

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!

WHERE TO EAT IN BEIRUT

The late and great Anthony Bourdain was a huge fan of Beirut , so much so it even gained the title as one of his favourite “douche free destinations”, and it’s not hard to see why. Food is humble, with a homemade feeling, simple but utterly delicious. It’s no wonder that such a small country has such a large reputation for delicious food, and these restaurants will let you enjoy the best of the cuisine.

EM SHERIF RESTAURANT

Em Sherif Restaurant  was undoubtedly the best meal I had while in Lebanon. The service is impeccable, the decor is opulent and the food was drool-worthy. We let the waiter choose a selection of food for us as we were having trouble deciding and we were not disappointed! A must-visit for a special night out!

Babel  is located on the waterfront this is a great spot for those who love seafood and a bustling atmosphere. With both indoor and outdoor seating it’s the perfect place to soak in the vibe of Beirut while enjoying delicious mouth-watering food.

AL HAMRA STREET

Al Hamra Street  is a great place for a more local, street food atmosphere check out El Hamra street. This lively street is packed with cool dive bars, English style pubs and of course delicious street food (falafel heaven). It’s also a great area to go out at night and meet the friendly locals.

WHAT TO DO IN BEIRUT

Sursock museum.

The Sursock Museum is not only houses but some beautiful exhibitions and artworks but is a stunning work of architecture itself. Even better is that it’s free!

My favourite part of the museum was a section detailing the trips of the early European explorers to come to the middle east including some beautiful photos of Lebanon in the late 1800s. After making your way through the museum it’s worth having a drink at their sunny outdoor café in the courtyard.

JEITA GROTTO

Jeita Grotto is one of the most memorable experiences I have had when it comes to natural world phenomena. Entering these caves is like entering a whole new underground world that looks like something out of a David Bowie, Labyrinth fairy tale.

Stalactites and stalagmites surround you to create the most otherworldly atmosphere that leaves most people speechless. You are not allowed to take photos inside and you will be asked to leave your camera at the entrance, so just be in the moment and enjoy the wonder!

BAALBEK TEMPLES

Forget Rome or Greece. For the most jaw-dropping incredible ruins, the Baalbek Temples are where it’s at!

Baalbek is an ancient Phoenecian city 85 km from Beirut which dates back as early as 3 rd century B.C. The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the largest noble Roman and temples ever built which are among the best preserved in the world with breath-taking detail and 20 metre high columns still intact.

And what’s possibly even more incredible is that fact that you will highly likely have this place all to yourselves! You will need to hire a driver or join a tour to get out there and due to its proximity to the Syrian conflict, it may not always be possible to go. But if you can, do not miss it!

HELABI BOOKSHOP

Helabi bookshop  is a 70-year-old bookshop located near the Palestinian refugee compound has become an institution in Beirut. Packed with books from floor to ceiling you will want to stay in the cosy atmosphere and chat to its owner Abdallah forever. He’s normally happy to meet people all over will probably offer you a cup of coffee and a chat.

CHATEAU KSARA

If you’re keen on trying some Lebanese wine then Chateau Ksara is a great stop on your way to the Temples of Baalbek. The Ksara winery offers guided tours of its huge underground roman caves followed by a tasting.

Ksara has been making wine consistently since 1857 and is the country’s oldest winery. I personally wasn’t a big fan of the wine itself, but the experience is the perfect little pick me up for your drive.

WALK AROUND THE CITY

Beirut has got to be one of the most interesting cities to just wander around in. The mix of modern building and post-war ruins mixed with street art and funky shops means you can keep exploring forever. In the summer bougainvillaea flourishes in the city, making for some very Instagram worthy moments!

HOW TO GET AROUND

Taxis are aplenty and easily found in Beirut. You can choose from a shared taxi called “service” where the cost is divided among the passengers or a private taxi. Let the driver know which you would like when getting in the taxi. A taxi around anywhere in the city should not cost you more than 10,000 LBP (~$7 USD).

PRIVATE DRIVER

On my first trip to Beirut, we hired a private driver for a few days. It was a great way to see the country in comfort with the added bonus of having an experienced and knowledgeable local who was also able to act as our guide. If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday, I would highly recommend this.

OUTSIDE OF BEIRUT: BYBLOS

If you want somewhere even more relaxed than Beirut, then Byblos is the perfect seaside escape. This small but historic UNESCO town houses a range of great bars and restaurants in the most photogenic surroundings. Make sure you grab lunch at Chez Pepe’s restaurant , an institution in Byblos famous for its mouth-watering fresh food and beautiful port views.

You may decide you want to stay in this ancient beautiful town for a couple of nights and I wouldn’t blame you. There are a few great little hotels including Chez Pepe’s which offers accommodation next door to its restaurant, so you don’t have to wander far for lunch. Other well reviewed hotels in Byblos include:

• Aleph Boutique Hotel
• Monoberge Hotel
• Byblostar Hotel

If you do have an extra day there make sure you also take the time to check out the stunning  Crusader Castle  and harrowing  Armenian Memorial Museum .

Lebanon was one of the most underrated countries I have ever been to, and if it’s not on your bucket list, it should be! If you’re into exploring places before they become too cool, I would be booking my ticket as soon as possible. The history, architecture, culture, and (more importantly) food in Beirut awaits you!

We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit Beruit, Lebanon. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Read More About The Middle East

• The Best Things To Do In Haifa, Israel
• Visiting Jordan Without a Tour
• A Foodie’s Guide To Israel
• A Guide To Photography in Petra, Jordan
• Things To Do In Oman

We Are Travel Girls Contributor Ainsley Duyvestyn Smith   of AinsleyAboutTheWorld.com Connect with Ainsley   Instagram  | Pinterest  | Facebook  | YouTube  | Twitter

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You’ll Also Love

Florian says

December 3, 2019 at 1:41 am

I am planning a trip to the middle east and our main stations will be Dubai, Riyadh and Beirut!

Do you have a recommendation for us for how long to stay in each city or where it is from your point of view most exciting and beautiful? Sadly, we have only 1,5 weeks for our whole journey!

Kind regards, Florian

Adriana Covate says

January 2, 2020 at 11:23 am

Hi there. Can you provide me with your private driver’s information? Any additional details around cost and where they took you would be great. Thanks!

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25 Practical Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Lebanon

Lebanon, the tiny country in the Middle East, locked in by their neighbors Israel and Syria. Is it even safe to be traveling to Lebanon? Can you travel to Lebanon as a solo female traveler? I just got back from an amazing trip to Lebanon and the country surprised me more than I thought it would.

Lebanon is a complex country with multi-layered communities, varied landscapes, different languages, and amazing experiences! Here are 25 things you should know before traveling to Lebanon.

I paid for everything in full myself. I was not paid or sponsored. All my opinions and experiences are my own.

Probe around the Globe does use affiliate links. If you decide to follow one of my links and make a purchase, I’ll earn a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you.

Traveling to Lebanon

If you’re planning to travel to Lebanon, you probably have an interest in the Middle East or know why Lebanon is so awesome. You’ve checked Skyscanner for the cheapest flights to Beirut, you’ve booked your hotel via booking.com , Hostelworld or Airbnb , and have an idea of the things you want to do while traveling in Lebanon. You probably know you cannot enter the country with a visa stamp from Israel and you’ve checked your local government’s website to see what they have to say.

You probably did all that or you can do it now. (I’ll wait). And NOW you wish to know what it is like to actually travel to Lebanon and explore Beirut and the other amazing sights. Here are some things you cannot look up in a guide book but my first-hand experiences of things that stood out to me while traveling in Lebanon. Enjoy!

Check out my YouTube Channel for more Lebanon Travel Videos. Make sure to subscribe to not miss a thing!

1. Don’t assume everyone is Muslim in Lebanon

Lebanon is located in the Middle East and surrounded by Arab nations, hence, Lebanon is Arabic and Muslim? Right? Wrong!

Half of the population of Lebanon is Christian and when traveling in Lebanon, you’ll experience a wide range of religions from Greek Orthodox Christians to Sunni Muslims, from Maronite Christians to Druzes and almost everything in between.

On a Sunday, you can hear the tolling of church bells at one moment, followed by the call to prayer from the mosques the next. Read up about Lebanon before you go and travel to Beirut. For example, pick up a copy of the Bradt Lebanon guide book .

2. There is more to Lebanon than just Beirut

When you travel to Lebanon, chances are, you’ll land in Beirut. As Lebanon currently is only accessible via air transport, you’ll land at Beirut airport and probably explore the capital first.

This bustling mega-city was surprisingly relaxed. I don’t like big cities, so I only allocated one day to explore Beirut. For me, this was more than enough as the rest of the country is equally diverse and exciting!

Many people go to Lebanon and spend their week or 10 days in the capital, taking day trips across the country. Although there is nothing wrong with that, I found the other cities and villages in Lebanon equally impressive and staying overnight, for example in Byblos or the Bekaa Valley, allows you to explore more in-depth instead of rushing back to Beirut.

I share my 10-day Lebanon itinerary with you for ideas and tips on where to travel in Lebanon.

3. Traveling to Lebanon felt perfectly safe as a solo female traveler

Yes, there is an ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel which mainly takes place in the south of Lebanon. If you wish to travel further south than Tyre, you need a permit that you can get in Saida. The UNIFIL (The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) is controlling the region and you can see them in the streets.

When I visited the Bekaa valley, which my government advises not to travel to or only travel to when needed, I felt perfectly safe. Yes, I drove on the Beirut- Damascus highway. When I was in Aanjar, I was only minutes away from the Syrian border and the area was full of checkpoints and military presence. However, I never felt unsafe.

People go about their business, shops are open, families go out for a picnic. There are some astonishing treasures in the Bekaa Valley and I really loved my stay there. I felt perfectly safe, crossing the country on my own. Going out at night, walking the streets in Beirut but also in Tyre, Tripoli, and Zahlé. It felt like any other city in the world and I wasn’t hassled by street vendors or salespeople.

4. You will see checkpoints and the army is present in Lebanon

Having said that, for me it is uncommon to see checkpoints and soldiers in the streets, wearing their machine gun in front of them with their finger on the trigger. Yes, this startled me. On my first day in Lebanon, I was walking down the street, following my Google Maps advice to get from A to B when I noticed the street was suspiciously quiet.

As I was walking, I suddenly got a tap on my shoulder and a soldier asked me where I was going? It turned out, I was walking right into a no-go zone and the soldier didn’t really pay attention to my presence. I apologized and turned around.

In Beirut, there are many places with barbwire and where you can’t photograph. Just follow instructions of the people walking around. Regardless of all this, I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable.

5. Be wowed by the long history of Lebanon

I sure was! From ancient Phoenicians to Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans, to Byzantines, via Persians, Arabs, Crusaders, and Ottomans to the French, all cultures left their mark on Lebanon, making it an intriguing mixture of history! I loved roaming around the different ruins of Lebanon and discovering new features everywhere. I made a plan to travel around Lebanon and see as many ruins as possible.

6. Bring a pen in your hand luggage when you travel to Lebanon

Uhmm… a pen you say? Yes, super useful. When you enter the country and when you leave, you need to fill out a tiny immigration document. The airline handed out the documents on the plane, but of course, they didn’t provide a pen. Save time and whisk out the pen from your hand luggage and beat the queues at the airport by just being prepared!

7. Bring hiking shoes and outdoor clothes for your trip to Lebanon

If you love nature and like to escape the big city of Beirut, make sure to bring hiking shoes and some outdoor clothes. Even a pair of jeans can be enough. Lebanon is equipped with some pristine nature and impressive national parks.

The nation’s symbol, the Cedar trees, is protected in several national parks across the country. Extensive hiking trails, long but also short, are set out and you can easily connect with nature in Lebanon.

Hike the Qadisha Valley near Bcharré or explore the Shouf Cedars National Park to connect with nature. You’ll be happy to bring your hiking shoes and a jacket.

8. There is no such thing as overdoing it on perfume.

When you’re packing for your trip to Lebanon, make sure to bring some extra perfume. Why? Because perfume is used in abundance by Lebanese people. Everywhere I went, when passing people on the street, I got a strong whiff of Gucci, Calvin Klein or Hugo.

Spray on a little extra before you go out in Beirut, to blend in. I use these super useful carry-on perfume dispensers , so I always have a small bit of my favorite perfume ( DKNY ) in my purse.

9. Be prepared to be underdressed or out dressed.

As a solo female traveler, I love to look good when I travel, but I don’t pack a whole wardrobe. Mainly, because I am not stylish enough but mostly, because I don’t care enough.

But I felt really, really , underdressed walking around in Beirut. The men and young women are sooo stylish in Beirut and the rest of the country. Flowy dresses, matching shoes, designer purse and earrings, and immaculate make-up. I felt majorly outdressed in Lebanon.

If you plan on hitting the clubs in Beirut when you travel to Lebanon, make sure to make an effort of your appearance.

10. Smoking is allowed, almost everywhere

I was shocked to see people lit up a cigarette at the breakfast table in my hotel in Beirut . I was almost offended when people smoked on the cramped bus but apparently, smoking in public places in Lebanon is perfectly normal. Whether it be normal cigarettes or the typical nargile (or shisha), smoking is a social event and must be done at any moment of the day, in any place.

11. Pay with US Dollars or Lebanese Pounds when you’re traveling around Lebanon

Moneywise, Lebanon is super easy to travel to. Bring a wad of American Dollars, and just pay with them at almost all occasions. Just ask for the change to be in Lebanese pound and you never have to stop at a bank or exchange office during your trip to Lebanon.

Of course, withdrawing money from an ATM is perfectly fine or exchange your money at an exchange office, but I found it easier to just exchange at hotels, cab drivers, bigger markets and restaurants.

Although we have the Euro at home, I brought US dollars with me to Lebanon and didn’t need to withdraw money. I paid the hotels with my credit card (charged in US dollars) and the rest I exchanged as I went along.

1 dollar equals 1.500 LL so it is also easy to calculate. Just pay with smaller dollar bills (like 20$ for example) and always have some Lebanese money for the shared taxi, buses and small purchases in shops.

12. Travel in Lebanon is expensive

When you’re traveling to Lebanon, expect to pay the same prices as in Europe or North America. I found the price level to be equal to the Netherlands, France, Italy, and the UK. The shared taxi service was quite cheap, but hotels, meals, and attractions will burn a hole in your travel budget.

Expect to pay between 80 and 100 $ for a mid-range hotel room across the country. For a Lebanese meal, with mezzes, drinks, main course, and dessert, you’ll pay roughly 25-40 $ depending on how many people you’ll share the meal with.

A tour from Beirut can cost up to 80$ for a group tour, to 250$ for a private tour. I’ll share my spending and more budget tips later, so be sure to check back soon!

13. Take a taxi when needed

I never take a taxi at home. Hoping in a cab is just crazy expensive and I’d rather walk. But not in Lebanon! Shared taxis are cheap as chips and super easy.

Expect to pay 1.500 to 2.000 LL per ride within the city. Just say shared or service when you get in.

Most people pay the driver when they get in but you can also pay when you leave the taxi.

For smaller rides, the fare is lower, but I never had the courage to haggle with the taxi driver to get 500 LL back, so I always paid 2.000 LL.

14. Having said that, a taxi to the airport is considerably more expensive

It seems to be a golden rule that taxi to and from the airport need to be crazy expensive. Even when the airport is only a 20-minute ride to the city. When you leave Beirut airport to go to Beirut downtown, the fixed price for a taxi from the airport seems to be $27 at the moment.

If you wish to go from downtown Beirut to the airport, expect to pay 23$. Your hotel can easily arrange for a taxi and they will wait for you with a sign with your name on it.

Allo Taxi is used quite often for this service, but the trick is, you can also arrange them yourself. If you download their app (iOS here , Android here ), you can request a taxi from the airport to Beirut downtown for $23. Going back will cost 25.000 LL or 16-17$ which will save you a few bucks for the exact same service.

Don’t use them to get around Beirut though, you’ll pay roughly 10$ for a single ride, where the shared service taxi will cost you $1.50 max.

15. Don’t be offended by honking cars on the streets

When walking down the street, especially along busy roads, it is not uncommon to hear honking cars all the time. They slowly drive past you, trying to catch your eye. This is not creepy and you shouldn’t be offended.

This is just the way how shared service taxis are looking for customers! It seems everyone in Beirut and the rest of Lebanon drives to where they wish to go, so walking along the street must mean you need a taxi! Just wave your hand or shake your head to indicate you don’t need a taxi.

16. Go skiing in the morning, take a dip in the ocean in the afternoon.

Lebanon prides herself with being so diverse and with good reason. It is really true that you can go skiing or snowboarding in the morning in the mountains of Lebanon. And then plunge in the Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon. Having said so, this also means the weather can vary a lot within just 1-hour drive! It can be 22 degrees in Beirut and one-hour driving in-land, you can be caught in a snow blizzard.

During my 10 day travel in Lebanon, I encountered sun and sea but also hail, wind, and snow! On the day of my departure, it was snowing outside my hotel room at -1 degree Celsius (30F), but by the time I got to Beirut, it was sunny and 18 degrees outside (64F).

17. Don’t accept any extra food you didn’t order

When eating out, I absolutely advise you to try the Lebanese mezzes! They stash your whole table with cold and warm mezzes, small dishes to share across the table. Eating out in Lebanon is always a good idea as I found the food of exquisite freshness and quality.

But be aware of the oldest trick in the book. Especially at more touristy restaurants, they will put extra food (or drinks) on the table that you didn’t order. Now an extra bottle of water is not the worst thing, but at one night, I got billed nearly 20$ extra for mezzes I didn’t order and a refill on my drink that I didn’t ask for (and didn’t touch). If you didn’t order it and you don’t want it, don’t eat it and send it back.

18. Don’t expect everyone to speak English in Lebanon

Maybe I assumed English would get me quite far. And if not, I could always rely on my rusty French from high school. Turned out, I found myself in quite a few situations where I really wanted to communicate with the local Lebanese people, but we didn’t have any language in common.

If only I had learned a couple of words of Arabic! I meant to, but you know how life gets in the way and it is so hard to learn a new language at an older age. All excuses, but I really wished I spoke at least a few basic words in Arabic .

19. You can’t order Coca Cola or Sprite in Lebanon

Ok, this might seem like a minor thing, but as a true fan of Coca Cola and a strong opinion about Pepsi, this really stood out to me! Pepsi, and thus 7Up, dominate the drink industry in Lebanon. They never left the country and they are rock solid connection with all Horeca outlets. If you look really hard, I’m sure you can find a can of Coca Cola somewhere, but the majority will be Pepsi and 7Up.

20. Ask the locals for advice but be aware who you’re talking to.

I always find it a good idea to ask locals for advice. They know the region best, the know if roads are open, how long things take and how much simple things costs. The receptionist at your hotel in Beirut can help you out a lot but also the people at the local tourist offices are very helpful.

However, I did notice, people in Lebanon can be pretty biased with their recommendations and advice. For example, I asked the lady at the reception of my hotel in Beirut about going to Tyre for a day trip and she made an awful face. Nose up, frowned eyebrows and an overall fowl look of disgust, asking me why I would want to go there.

When I was passing through several villages on the way, I asked someone if they knew any good place for lunch. The man advice against me stopping in the next village, because the places were no good and I should definitely continue half an hour to another village. As I passed the first village, it looked really appealing and relaxed but when I got to the recommended village, it was an absolute dump.

21. Be careful to be caught in a political discussion

It seems everywhere I went, people wanted to mention the horrors of the war and the ongoing struggles of the country. In several situations, I felt really uncomfortable when people were trashing their fellow Lebanese countrymen for having a different religion or advising me to go somewhere else because that city or town was full of terrorist and thieves.

As a non-religious person myself, it is deeply troubling to hear people let their lives dictated by the difference and not by the common grounds we humans share. I felt very eager to steer any conversation away from those topics and keep things light and casual. I’m not saying you should avoid talking about a certain subject, but it made me very uncomfortable at times.

22. There is no kissing on TV

All the hotel rooms I stayed in, had a tv. At first, I didn’t use them, because I figured it would be all in Arabic. But it turns out, most of these tv’s had quite a few other channels with English movies and Arabic subtitles. I spend a nice evening watching one sappy romantic story after another. But one thing you’ll notice is, that the kissing scenes are all cut! There is no kissing on tv in Lebanon. Odd little fact but I thought you should know.

23. You can’t use the call-function on WhatsApp in Lebanon

I purchased a Lebanese sim card with data for my stay in Lebanon. The salesman asked me if I wanted to purchase minutes too because you can’t voice dial with Whatsapp. I found this a bit odd especially seeing how expensive it is to purchase minutes. But Lebanese people have a resourceful solution for this. They leave voice messages for each other on Whatsapp.

Sitting on the bus, I was puzzled as to why the man in front of me was constantly speaking into his phone but didn’t seem to have a conversation. Turns out, he sends voice messages back and forth with the people in his contact list.

24. Double security at the Beirut airport

When my traveling in Lebanon was over, I returned to the airport to be surprised to see no check-in lines at the departure gates. On the left and the right, there were security lines and I was doubting where to go to check-in and leave my luggage.

Turns out, you first go through general security and then you’ll find the check-in desks and the places to drop off your luggage. After this, you go through immigration and have to fill out the form with your passport details. After the exit stamp in your passport, you’ll find yourself in the departure hall.

25. There is only 1 common restaurant at Beirut airport

I wanted to eat something before the flight home, but it seems there is only one restaurant where you can have a sit-down dinner at the Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport. The rest is carefully protected in private lounges where you just can’t get in if you’re not with a certain club or card or whatever. I was a bit disappointed by this, as apparently, the new airport lounge is supposed to be really relaxed and cool.

• Bradt Lebanon Guidebook is a good guide for information and practical travel tips. Purchase your copy here .
• Book your hotels in Lebanon via Booking.com or Hotels.com
• Book your direct flights to Beirut, Lebanon here
• Travel in style with your Lebanon Passport cover! Absolutely love these !
• Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel in Lebanon. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Traveling in Lebanon

Now, of course, these are just snippets of information I gathered myself. Most of them stood out because of my own references and things I knew or expected about the country. I hope it gives you a fun insight into what you can expect when you’re traveling in Lebanon.

• My 10-Day Lebanon Itinerary
• Day trip to Tyre and Sidon from Beirut
• 10 Remarkable Roman Ruins in Lebanon you must visit
• Epic Outdoor Adventures in Lebanon for Nature Lovers
• My Lebanon Travel Budget Breakdown
• 17 Amazing Things To Do in Beirut – Lebanon

Are you planning a trip to Lebanon? What is it you wish to know before you go? Let me know in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you.

Author: Naomi

We were very recently on a long trip through 5 countries in the Middle East, and wanted to give some input to your posts on Lebanon which we found quite valuable.

We are independent explorers travelling to places less travelled, hence doing all our own research online and finding speaking to locals invaluable. On the odd occasion that we did look at a blog post for Lebanon – yours stood out giving depth to the experiences. So thank you.

We absolutely loved Beirut, Byblos & Batroun in particular – food, culture and music scenes. They are all dotted along the Med Sea, and perhaps not the prettiest but certainly the most interesting compared to other more developed neighbours on the Med.

Outside of the current crisis situation in this region (more southern Lebanon) – we can confirm that it is safe and easy to travel to both Tyre & Sidon from Beirut by public transport (1 taxi from Cola Station takes you to both towns) or your own vehicle. There are UN checkpoints, but nothing serious – in fact an added measure of safety.

And off course, you cannot visit Lebanon without seeing the majestic city of Baalbek. All news reports tell you not to visit, with travel advisories in place because it’s close to the Syrian border with some reported tourist muggings and a kidnapping in recent years (not 100% unique to Baalbek in the global picture). We spoke to locals, hotel managers, coffee shop owners etc – all advising otherwise and so we went. From Beirut hotel, we took an Uber to Cola Bus Station and a then mini van directly to Baalbek (about 2hr 30min). The incredible scale of the ruins are magnificent to see – and cannot be missed.

Crucial tip for travellers is to withdraw US$ BEFORE you land in Lebanon, so that you dont get the banks 15,000 LBP to 1$ rate. We withdrew at the Doha airport – and were so so so happy we did. Once you have USD you can trade on the black market rate very very easily. No credit cards accepted anywhere.

Oh and final comment : Hands down, Lebanon (& Israel) have the best food in the Middle East :). So encourage people to go, and wish for PEACE in this time !!

Glad you found my article worth the read Janine. And that you had a great time in Lebanon. Happy travels

I’m wanting to visit a friend, so thinking of going in October. With the present upheaval in the world, my family and friend’s think I’m crazy, but I’m not put off. Thank you for your sharing yiur views, makes me definitely want to visit. I was rhete 40 years ago so can’t wait to see the changes.

I’m sure you won’t recognize certain parts, Anne! A lot had changed, but a lot has stayed the same for sure. Safe travels.

Good observations! Some notes: As of September 2019, you can use uber in Beirut. For getting into the city from the airport, just exit the airport building upstairs and get one of the taxis that brought the passengers to Departures. You will pay a lot less, around 15 USD or 20000 LBP. And as of now, whatsapp call function works all right.

Good to know Alex. Thanks for sharing.

Neomi you are such a jewel .I am a Lebanese/American who hadn’t been to Lebanon for some time now and looking at your trip it was very encouraging and motivating at the same time nostalgic as it brought up memories since I know how the corrupt system there is and how negligent drivers are . While is is also very scary to drive the first day or two you find yourself at risk when you get back as you get carried with the way they drive after few days when you gain some confidence so getting citations when you return can be a challenge to avoid till you gain your normal driving mode back 🙂 .Any way your description is fun to read and I will be your fan and read each and every trip you make and wish I could be some day your companion traveler when time and circumstances allows it .I wish you the best in all your efforts and all the fun and best of all be safe and always keep posting new trips .Best regards .

Thank you for your kinds words Kam. You are right, the first few days after I returned I was scared to get in my car as I’d probably not drive correctly for my country. But it faded and now I have only good memories of Lebanon and driving around in Lebanon. Feel free to check out my other posts about Lebanon that I wrote in the meantime. You can find them under destinations>> Lebanon.

Comments are closed.

Ultimate guide for traveling to Beirut

By Joan Torres 27 Comments Last updated on April 25, 2024

Lebanon is currently going through a deep economical crisis. Read: How to travel in Lebanon during the crisis

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is a city that suffered one of the longest contemporary Civil Wars (25 years, ended in 1991).

However, today, among all the destroyed buildings, Beirut brags about being one of the safest cities in the region and, with unbelievable economic growth and the rapid rise of the middle class, it also stands as the most liberal and westernized city in the Middle East, outside of Israel. 

I love Beirut because of its deep, rich and contrasting history, composed of dozens of districts that differ massively from each other: the hipster district of Gemmayzeh, Hezbollah areas like Bourj al-Barajneh, the student neighborhood of Hamra, old Palestinian refugee camps, the Armenian district of Bourj Hammoud, several Christian areas and much, much more!

Beirut is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.

Furthermore, in Beirut, you also find the best food and parties in the Middle East . Did you know that 40% of the population are Christians? Surprised? Beer is widely available and, you know the best of it? Drinking in the street is allowed!

From the deepest underground parties to the most glamorous clubs, from local eateries to the best fine dining restaurants in the region, Beirut is a city adaptable to any kind of traveler and budget. 

The following Beirut Travel Guide will show you the best things to do in Beirut, as well as how to move around, accommodation options and many other travel tips.

In this Beirut travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Beirut during the crisis
• Where to stay
• How to move around
• Where to eat
• Things to do
• More Information

our recommended travel insurance for Lebanon

IATI Insurance is the most versatile insurance for any destination, including Lebanon.

💰 Visiting Beirut during the crisis

As you know, the situation in Lebanon is absolutely awful, and things are not expecting to get better any time soon.

The currency keeps devaluing, the exchange rate versus the dollar dropping from 1500 to 27000 Lebanese Pounds in just a few years.

The first thing you need to know before traveling to Beirut is that Lebanon has become today a cash economy, since the banks are still using the old bank rate (1500LPB = 1USD).

This means that you shouldn’t withdraw from an ATM because you’d be losing nearly 18 times the original value, but you need to exchange your € or dollars in the black market, where the current rate is around 27000LBP.

How to exchange money in the black market of Beirut

Basically, the black market for exchanging money is anywhere but the banks, and that includes that ordinary money exchange offices.

You can find exchange offices all over the city, but the best place to exchange is in Hamra Street , where you’ll find at least 10 of them.

For more information on traveling in Beirut during the crisis, check my Lebanon travel guide .

🏨 Where to stay in Beirut

Backpacker Hostel – Hamra Urban Gardens – A sister hotel of Saifi Urban Garden, this hostel is located in the main Hamra Street. It offers both suite and dorm rooms with a seasonal outdoor pool and bar.

Budget Hotel  –  Embassy Hotel – This is, practically, the only budget hotel in town. The rooms and bathroom are a bit old but, for this price, you are not likely to find anything better. However, it is in a very good location, right at the heart of Hamra, one of the coolest areas in the city.

Mid-range Hotel – O Monot Boutique – Strategically located at the heart of Beirut, this property was highly recommended by many because of their amazing facilities especially their rooftop bar with a panoramic view of Beirut.

Top-end Hotel –  Radisson Blu Hotel – If you are looking for a comfortable place which has a delightful design, a good restaurant and other various facilities, this 5-star hotel is a perfect choice. Located in Dunes shopping center and 5-minute walk away from the beach.

🛺 How to move around Beirut

How to get from the airport to the city center.

There’s no public transportation for going from the airport to the center of Beirut.

If you want to avoid negotiating with drivers, I suggest you book a taxi ahead through this link .

Otherwise, taxis typically charge up to 20USD for going anywhere within the city. If they see you are a foreigner, however, the starting price is around 40USD but you can easily bargain it down.

Additionally, the airport is located pretty much in the city itself so, if there is no minibus, on the ground level, after the airport’s parking, continue walking towards the city center and, once on the main road, after 500m, you’ll find plenty of local minibusses.

How to move around Beirut

There are minivans driving around the city but alternatively, locals have a system called service , which is basically a shared taxi service. Basically, when you stop a taxi in the middle of the street, say service and, on the way, he will be picking up other passengers. A single, short ride costs 25,000LBP.

Uber is highly available in Lebanon, so are regular, ordinary taxis.

How to get out of Beirut

Cola Station – Cola is the largest bus station in Beirut, with plenty of buses going in all directions, especially to the south. However, it is a bit away from downtown and a bit limited when it comes to northern cities, even though you can find plenty of buses going to the Baalbek region and Tripoli.

Charles Helou – For northern cities, this bus station is way more convenient, as it has more choices plus it is located very close to both downtown and Gemmayzeh, where most tourists stay. However, for going to the south of Lebanon, to places like Tyr or Sayda, you should definitely depart from Cola Station. This is also the station where shared taxis to Syria depart from.

🍲 My favorite places to eat in Beirut

Budget local eatery – Restaurant Le Chef – Always frequented by both local workers and businessmen, the restaurant Le Chef serves a large variety of local home-made dishes that changes every day. If available, you must try syadye , a rice-based dish with fish and almonds.

Nice Lebanese restaurant – Bayt em Nazih – On the second floor of Hamra Urban Gardens, there’s an excellent Lebanese restaurant which is always packed.

Nice Lebanese restaurant – T Marbouta   – Similar to Em-Nazih but serving a larger variety of mezza and more of a restaurant than a café with music. You must try kibbeh mouloukyeh , fried meat with pomegranate.

Best place for traditional breakfast – El Soussi – Very authentic eatery with a real local vibe where to have the best hummus for breakfast.

Things to do in Beirut

Beirut is a city where monuments and tourist sites as such barely exist.

Instead, people travel to Beirut to enjoy its culture and history, by walking around its dozens of different neighborhoods, admiring the war-destroyed buildings, eating and savoring the awesome, social local life.

Map of the things to do in Beirut

When you are wandering the streets of Gemmayzeh, it’s hard to remember that you are actually in the heart of the most turbulent region in the world.

With an endless number of bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants, Gemmayzeh is a Christian, trendy and sort of bohemian neighborhood, filled with narrow alleys, colonial buildings from the French era, and art galleries.

This is, perhaps, the most Westernized area in the entire Middle East (outside of Israel ) and one of the highlights for anyone traveling to Beirut.

Unfortunately, this was also the most affected area by the port explosion and it hasn’t recovered since then.

Read: A travel guide to Palestine

Pigeon Rocks

If you want to forget that you are in a big city, I definitely recommend going to the Pigeon Rocks, which are the only natural beauty in Beirut.

The Pigeon Rocks are two rock arches situated next to a cliff from where you get amazing sunsets and views of the ocean.

It’s a place where families and people from all social classes like to spend the weekend.

Want to travel to Syria? Read:  How to travel to Syria – Everything you need to know

The history books say that, during the Lebanese Civil War, Hamra was the center of intellectual activity, as it was full of theaters and other cultural institutions.

Today, Hamra holds the most prestigious university in the Middle East , the American University of Beirut, and, even though this area is not as cool and trendy as Gemmayzeh, there’s a friendly student vibe strolling the streets and drinking at the several bars and cafés.

Before the Civil War, Downtown Beirut was often called the Paris of the Middle East.

After the war, the district had to be completely rebuilt and, today, this is the most pedestrianized and cleanest area in the city.

It’s full of glamorous boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and the top fine-dining restaurants. Nevertheless, the locals claim that, since the reconstruction, this part of the city has lost its soul and you are likely to find more tourists from the Persian Gulf than local Lebanese.

However, due to the recent violent protests , most downtown area is today inaccessible, since that’s where the Lebanese elite lives in.

Read: How to travel to Saudi Arabia (How to get a tourist visa + Tips)

The blend of Islam and Christianity

Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims, Maronite Catholics, Druze, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholics, Armenian Apostolic, and Protestants, just to name a few.

The religious diversity is very rich and one can easily realize about it, as there are mosques and churches for each and every branch of the two major religions in the country.

This diversity was one of the main triggers of the Civil War but, nowadays, all religions live in peace and harmony and, sometimes, both mosques and churches are built side by side, like in the picture below.

Bourj Hammoud

Welcome to Little Armenia!

Bourj Hammoud is a neighborhood founded by survivors of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. If you want to get a glimpse of Armenian culture and eat at tasty Armenian restaurants and bakeries, I highly recommend spending half a day in this area.

There is plenty of pretty cool graffiti claiming Turkey is the only party guilty of the genocide and also, this is sort of a commercial hub, where you’ll find the best deals on clothes and electronics in the city. If you don’t know what to do in Beirut on your second or third day, this is a cool place to go.

The legacy of war

The Civil War in Lebanon ended more than 25 years ago, in 1990, but still, Beirut has loads of destroyed buildings that haven’t been restored yet. Once, I asked a Lebanese:

Me: Why aren’t you restoring all these buildings?

The Lebanese: Actually, we kind of like them. It’s retro and gives an underground touch to the city

Me: And what about all the people that were affected by the war? In my country, we removed everything that reminded us of our Civil War. People didn’t want to see those things anymore

The Lebanese: I don’t know, we find them pretty cool

Destroyed buildings, as well as inhabited buildings with bullet holes can still be found all over the city and, for me, this is the most interesting thing to do in Beirut.

Shatila is one of the oldest Palestinian refugee camps outside of Palestine.

It was set up in 1949 and today, it’s attached to the city of Beirut. Shatila caught the eyes of the outside world because, during the Civil War in Lebanon, a Christian militia was responsible for one of the bloodiest massacres ever , as they killed around 3,500 civilians, mostly Suni Palestinians and Shia Lebanese. Today, the population has doubled due to the massive flux of Syrian refugees.

If you decide to visit Shatila, you need to bear in mind that this is neither a tourist attraction nor a place to have fun but, one goes there to learn and empathize with the local Palestinians. In Lebanon, around 10% of the population are Palestinians, 56% of them are unemployed and many of them survive on less than $7 a day.

Note: If you want to live a real and unconventional experience, in Shatila, there is a guest house where you can even do some volunteer work if you want. Prices are lower than anywhere else in Beirut and are also likely to meet plenty of very interesting people. For further details, visit their website .

Read: Visiting a Syrian refugee camp in Iraq

Bourj al-Barajneh

This is one of the most fucked up places (sorry for the expression) in Beirut and you are likely to be called crazy by the locals if they ever find out that you hanged in this area. You should only go if you are interested in local politics.

Bourj al-Barajneh is where the last suicide bombings happened, as this is a Hezbollah area targeted by ISIS. The heart of the neighborhood is a real ghetto, as it’s composed of extremely narrow alleys with electric cables hanging from everywhere. Due to the terrorist threat, there are endless checkpoints.

This is quite a sensitive area which it’s possible to visit, but taking pictures is strictly forbidden. If you get caught, you can be in real trouble, like it happened to me when a group of locals saw me taking a photo with my phone, so they retained for nearly 2 hours.

Also, bear in mind that the locals don’t understand why a foreigner would even want to visit the area for tourism purposes so, for them, any foreigner could potentially be a spy. If you go there, it’s 100% recommended to go with a local.

In order to better understand the situation in the Hezbollah areas, you should read some of my previous articles:

The day I was accused of being an Islamic State Spy Is it safe to travel to Lebanon?

❗ More information for visiting Beirut

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Lebanon destination

• Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Solo Female Travel Guide in Lebanon
• The day I was accused of being an Islamic State spy
• Is Lebanon Safe

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27 comments

I love your blog and the guide is so detailed and helpful! Thanks for sharing.

Hi Cheryl, thank you so much! Glad you like it! Are you planning to go to Beirut?

hey! we ll be visiting lebanon in the first week of august and i m wondering if you have any new info on safety in baalbek and byblos? is it ok to drive there or should we get a taxi and a local with us (guide)? which area in beirut we should stay at? heard some friends mentioning a christina areas, but i dont know which ones are considered to be christian? we have only one week and would like to know if you have some itinerary or tips on what we must see besides bierut:) was also wondering if you ve ever been to the balkans/serbia ? or norway?:)

Hello Jovana. Baalbek and Byblos are safe all year long. You shouldn’t be worried about that. you can drive yourself but you can also go by public transport from Cola Station, which will be much cheaper. In Beirut, stay in GemmayzeH. I am already recommending some hotels in the article, which are located in these areas. Besides Beirut, check out this article: https://againstthecompass.com/en/things-to-do-in-lebanon/

I would love to hear you got on in August. My wife and I ( both elderly ) love going off the beaten track. We are going to be in Lebanon mid- September 2018 and intend to visit Baalbek and Tripoli. Are we crazy? We have heard from a few people on the ground that most of Lebanon is safe. We would like advise from fellow travelers.

You are not crazy, you rock! It is a safe region, don’t worry!

Joan, your comments and general commentary are very reassuring indeed. In 2015 after a significant health diagnosis,, I intensified my travel experience even more than before. In the last couple of years we have visited Korea ( demilitarized zone) Japan Philippines Iran, Oman and UAE. I am 77 and have just returned from a 4 mile walk. I admire free spirits of any age. I would like your undoubted knowledge of another Lebanese City! – Tripoli. Could you enlighten me please? J.

Tripoli is nice, it is a city to just walk around and hang out with locals, besides having a few historical sites. Here I give a few more details: https://againstthecompass.com/en/things-to-do-in-lebanon/

Also, if you go there, a good friend of mine, local, can give you a free tour.

Hi Joantow, I’m lebanese and happy that you liked your visit to Lebanon! I’m surprised you visited some of the places that you mentioned since they are not touristic places. Few suggestions for travelers: Jeita Grotto (and Harissa same trip), jezzine area in the south, baalback temples, jounieh area, north for hiking, cedar trees, Ehden. And so much more! Also we have uber if you need it!

Hi Riwa! Thanks! I still need to visit some of the places you mention. Will go back there next spring! All the best!

Thank you so much for the inspiration! These are information you cannot get from a book 🙂 So excited for my trip in one month! Gotta read your other posts about Lebanon as well, I might change my plans 😉

Thanks! I am so jealous that you are going to Lebanon 🙂 I will be in the Middle East during the next month and, if I find a cheap flight, I will go back there to re-visit some pending places.

I invite you to check the blog: http://chasingstories.blog/ for a better and wider view related to tourism in Lebanon.

You didn’t mention the CYC guesthouse in Shatilla camp, its the cheapest place to stay in Beirut and if you’ve got any useful skills you can do voluntary work for the charity that runs it. Food and essentials are much cheaper than near the other accommodation you mention and you can cook there as well so definitely the best place for travellers on a budget. There were a load of really interesting people staying when I was there and I found people in the area welcoming. Contact them through their website https://cycshatila.org/

Hi Graham, thanks for the suggestion. I have added the information in the Shatila section. Cheers!

Beirut and Lebanon, in general, are seldom mentioned, so I was happy to stumble upon your article. We spent fantastic time there couple of years ago (even managed to get lost in the mountains which added an additional layer to our appreciation of local hospitality). Lovely to see some new street art that I either missed or it appeared after our visit. Speaking of how to get around Beirut, I just want to add that traffic is generally absolutely atrocious there, so sometimes walking works the best.

Hi Elena! Oh nice, I didn’t have much time to really explore the mountains, except for a half day around Kadisha, so can’t say much about it! Thank you for the transportation tip, yeah, forgot to mention that traffic is insane there! Cheers!

Hi Joan, we are headed to Beirut this week and this is a very handy guide. Thanks for putting it together.

You are welcome! Anything just let me know, enjoy!

Hi, I was intending to only visit Egypt, Jordan and finishing in Israel and I thought I should include Lebanon since they are altogether however as I understand the passport issue, is it possible if I travel in this order: Egypt-Lebanon-Jordan-Israel? I am likely to fly out of Tel Aviv back home. When I enter Israel at Eilat, will there be any issue as they will see the Lebanese passport stamp?

Hello: I am going to Beirut in July for the first time. I was trying to get a travel guide — i.e. a book — but they seem to not exist anymore! Or, if I’m wrong, can you suggest something in the form of a book with maps, etc.

Thanks! Yasmine

you can buy the Bradt Guide for Lebanon, recommended at the end of this post: https://againstthecompass.com/en/safe-travel-lebanon/

Greetings from one world traveller ( I have visited 66 countries so far) to another. I really enjoyed your latest news and updates for Beirut and the itinerary around Lebanon. My first visit to Lebanon I stayed with my local friend and was fully under his wing for the whole time. I am going more independently now.. My other favourite places in the world are Iran, Yemen ( Sana’a) , Bangkok, Cape Verde and Sri Lanka. I want to explore and experience more of India and Pakistan next time! Would love to rendezvous?

Should I get my Lebanese visa at the embassy or should I get the visa on arrival? I heard the Beirut airport is really crazy and getting a visa on arrival takes forever.

Great Blog. I am planning to visit Beirut next month, this blog will be very helpful for me.

From the comments it appears this article was originally written in 2017 and you just change the date on it to make it look current but in the process you failed to update it about the exchange rate. Which you fall asleep say in here is stable throughout the country at 1500 LBP≠$1 US. THIS IS AN ENORMOUS FAILURE ON YOUR PART BECAUSE THE LOCAL TAXI RIDE THAT YOU SAID WAS $10 USD IS NOW ACTUALLY 50 US CENTS. You only get one opportunity to make a good first impression and you colossally failed on a major point. By the way my travel blog has 350,000 readers and I’m part Lebanese. You have done a large disservice to your unknowing readers

Just chill bro, you seem angry with the world 😉

Congratulations on your blog! Impressive figures, you must be so proud. If you are so good at blogging, however, then you’ll know that the publishing date is different from updating date, the latter being changed automatically every time you make a change in a post, even if it’s adding a new comma.

Scroll to the end of the post and you’ll see that the publishing date is 2018, the date when this travel guide suffered the last major update 🙂

The reason why the updating date is so recent is that we have been updating certain affiliate links across all posts.

I know what’s the situation like in Lebanon. I have been to Beirut twice this year, and returning there in September, since that’s the starting and ending point of our tours to Syria. I wish I had the time to update all that info but we have over 400 posts to take care of, plus a travel company to run.

Don’t worry, we will update it eventually and meanwhile, I recommend you to relax 😉

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‘Where can you hide from pollution?’: cancer rises 30% in Beirut as diesel generators poison city

Lebanon’s economy and electricity system are broken and much power is now generated locally, with devastating effects on air quality and health

S mog hangs over Beirut most days, a brownish cloud that darkens the city’s skyline of minarets and concrete towers. An estimated 8,000 diesel generators have been powering Lebanese cities since the nation’s economic collapse in 2019. The generators can be heard, smelled and seen on the streets, but their worst impact is on the air the city’s inhabitants are forced to breathe.

New research, to be published by scientists at American University of Beirut (AUB), has found that the Lebanese capital’s over-reliance on the diesel generators in the past five years has directly doubled the risk of developing cancer. Rates of positive diagnosis, oncologists say, are shooting up.

• A common condition

The human toll of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is huge and rising. These illnesses end the lives of approximately 41 million of the 56 million people who die every year – and three quarters of them are in the developing world.

NCDs are simply that; unlike, say, a virus, you can’t catch them. Instead, they are caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. The main types are cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses, diabetes and cardiovascular disease – heart attacks and stroke. Approximately 80% are preventable, and all are on the rise, spreading inexorably around the world as ageing populations and lifestyles pushed by economic growth and urbanisation make being unhealthy a global phenomenon.

NCDs, once seen as illnesses of the wealthy, now have a grip on the poor. Disease, disability and death are perfectly designed to create and widen inequality – and being poor makes it less likely you will be diagnosed accurately or treated.

Investment in tackling these common and chronic conditions that kill 71% of us is incredibly low, while the cost to families, economies and communities is staggeringly high.

In low-income countries NCDs – typically slow and debilitating illnesses – are seeing a fraction of the money needed being invested or donated. Attention remains focused on the threats from communicable diseases, yet cancer death rates have long sped past the death toll from malaria, TB and HIV/Aids combined.

'A common condition' is a Guardian series reporting on NCDs in the developing world: their prevalence, the solutions, the causes and consequences, telling the stories of people living with these illnesses.

Tracy McVeigh, editor

“The results are alarming,” says Najat Saliba, an atmospheric chemist who led the study. In the area of Makassed, one of the more densely populated parts of Beirut tested, levels of pollution from fine particulates – that is, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5) – peaked at 60 micrograms a cubic metre, four times the 15 mcg/m³ level the World Health Organization says people should be not exposed to for more than 3-4 days a year.

Since 2017, the last time AUB took these measurements, the level of carcinogenic pollutants emitted into the atmosphere has doubled across three areas of Beirut. Saliba says calculations suggest cancer risk will have risen by approximately 50%.

“It’s directly related,” she says. “We calculate the cancer risk based on the carcinogen materials emitted from diesel generators, some of which are classified as category 1A carcinogens .”

Generators used to fill a three-hour gap in national grid provision. Then, in 2019, one of the world’s most catastrophic economic collapses since the mid-19th century began in Lebanon. Within months the state energy grid came close to collapse and the diesel generators took over. The explosion in August 2020 , which killed more than 200 people and devastated Beirut’s commercial port, further brought the country to its knees.

Anecdotally, oncologists in Beirut now estimate that general cancer rates have been rising by 30% annually since 2020. There is a common observation – although as yet no definite data – that patients are getting younger and the tumours more aggressive.

Hani Nassar runs a cancer support association in the name of his late wife, Barbara Nassar. In his office in Beirut he points to a box of Lynparza, used to treat ovarian cancer. It is one of the medications not subsidised by the health ministry and costs $6,000 for a month’s supply. His association supports 40 women and he sometimes has to share one box among all of them.

Money is the biggest problem facing cancer patients in Lebanon , he says. The crisis has wreaked chaos. The average public sector salary is about $150 a month, far below the cost of chemotherapy.

“We have a lot of cancer patients who have not even begun any treatment,” says Hani. “They just end up saying, ‘OK, I will die – I don’t want to deprive my family of our house, our car, etc, just to pay for this.’”

In 2023, Human Rights Watch reported that lack of a reliable power supply had affected people’s right to electricity, and pointed to the Lebanese government continually adopting policies that entrenched oil dependency even as nations around the world try to transition to renewable energy.

“Diesel importers exert great influence, primarily because of the overlap between the shareholders of these companies and the political establishment,” the report noted.

Saliba says generator-owners and fuel importers are “making a fortune from burning diesel inside the city and suffocating people”. In 2017, Lebanon imported around $900m (£720m) worth of diesel for generators. By 2022, that figure was reported to have jumped to $1.9bn .

Lebanon’s government, paralysed politically and failing to enact anti-corruption measures that could unlock a bailout deal from the International Monetary Fund, has frozen ministry budgets, affecting all areas of life.

The air pollution monitor network – funded by the EU – has been out of service since 2019.

Lebanon is stuck in a “big vicious cycle” Saliba says. “We are a very poor country now, so we keep asking for all this money. But the trend across all sectors – and everything the government has handled over the past 10 years – is to take the money, install what needs installing, and then leave it without operating costs or any willingness to put the effort in to keep it running.”

The billions of dollars pumped into Lebanon by various international donors for infrastructure projects have not corrected the most basic issues, she says: “There is still no clean air, water or soil. There is nothing to show for any of it.”

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Julien Jreissati from Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa says an inoperative air pollution monitor network is consistent with other environmental projects.

“At least it was used and was a useful source of information for a time,” Jreissati says. “Unlike in the waste-management sector – which has seen millions of dollars poured into infrastructure projects, by the EU and other funders, such as funding wastewater-treatment plants or recycling plants.”

Many of these internationally funded projects, he adds, were never operational and some were never connected to the wastewater network.

A 2020 Greenpeace study estimated that 2,700 people died prematurely in Lebanon because of air pollution in 2018 – the highest rate per capita in the Middle East, joint with Egypt. The report found that the economic cost of air pollution in Lebanon amounted to $1.4bn – 2% of its GDP. Now, with no systemic data, there is no way to estimate the premature deaths.

Oncologists interviewed by the Guardian were keen to stress that while diesel generators harm public health, there is no getting away from Lebanon’s tobacco consumption.

An estimated 70% of the adult population of Lebanon smoke regularly and 38% are full-time smokers.

Dr Fadlo Khuri, the president of AUB and an oncologist specialising in lung and neck cancer says what is happening in Beirut is “a confluence of circumstances”.

Lebanon only taxes imported tobacco products: a packet of 20 Marlboro Gold costs £2.20 (in the UK it costs about £15), while the local brand Cedars costs 60p for 20. The domestic tobacco industry, Khuri says dryly, is “probably the only remaining functional branch of the government, besides the armed forces”.

He also says the health effects caused by long-term exposure to the airborne carcinogens from the generators – such as emphysema, heart disease and cancers – could take years more to see.

“The AUB did measurements and mathematic modelling and found that 40% of daily exposure by people in Lebanon to airborne carcinogens comes from one source: diesel generators,” Khuri says. “You’re not going to see the impact of that on lung and neck and bladder cancer rates for years because these are diseases which take years of chronic exposure.”

For Pia Saadeh, 27, diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer six months ago, the government does not take the link between Lebanon’s worsening environment and rising cancer rates seriously enough.

“Generators should be gone,” she says. “The government has to take back control over the electricity sector. Where can you hide from the pollution here? It’s in the water, it’s the air, it’s in what you eat, it’s everywhere.”

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At least nine dead in Beirut restaurant gas leak explosion

Questions raised over public safety standards in lebanon after blast.

Police and residents gather outside the burnt restaurant in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA

At least nine people died and two were injured due to an explosion caused by a gas leak in a Beirut restaurant on Tuesday, Lebanese authorities said.

The explosion happened at the Pizza Secrets restaurant in central Beirut, with the victims dying of suffocation from fumes, the city's fire department said.

Footage posted online showed the restaurant ablaze as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.

Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said at least nine people had been killed, as he promised a thorough investigation into the incident.

Speaking from the scene, Tourism Minister Walid Nassar described the gas leak as “a tragedy, which brings to the forefront the need to [strengthen] the conditions of public safety”.

All of those who died were employees of the restaurant.

“It's a crime scene, public safety is never taken seriously in this country,” Beirut MP Paula Yacoubian told reporters outside the restaurant.

Politician Ibrahim Mneimneh, who is closely linked to protests against the Lebanese elite that swept the country in 2019 and led to the downfall of the government that year, questioned safety standards at the restaurant.

The accident “shows this place was not in line with public safety standards”, Mr Mneimneh said.

Pizza Secrets is on Bechara El Khoury Street, a busy thoroughfare into the centre of the Lebanese capital, and in the same building as the Ministry of Finance's import division.