Lebanon : Safety by City
Lebanon draws you in with its stunning coastline, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture, but none of that erases the fact that it’s currently one of the most volatile places you could choose to visit.
Tucked between Syria and Israel on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, Lebanon has weathered civil war, economic collapse, political paralysis, and multiple armed conflicts.
What makes it especially dangerous today is the escalating violence along its southern border and the growing influence of armed factions across the country.
Despite all this, tourism is showing signs of life.
Over 1.1 million people visited in 2024, with March 2025 setting a new monthly record at 300,000 arrivals.
Many are expats, regional travelers, or those drawn to its food, history, nightlife, and mountains.
The Ministry of Tourism is pushing hard to revive the industry, but numbers don’t tell the full story.
Most governments still advise against travel, and for good reason.
No destination is worth your safety.
As of mid-2025, Lebanon remains a high-risk country where the potential for violence and disruption far outweighs the rewards of sightseeing or cultural curiosity.
Warnings & Dangers in Lebanon
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Lebanon is a high-risk all the way around. It is facing ongoing instability, with armed conflicts, political tension, and frequent infrastructure failures. Embassies may have limited ability to help, especially if you enter areas they’ve warned against. It’s not just a challenging destination right now, it’s a dangerous one.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Getting around Lebanon is tricky even on a good day. Roads are chaotic, signage is spotty, and drivers tend to treat traffic laws as suggestions. Public transportation is unreliable and often unsafe. Taxis aren’t regulated, so scams and overcharging are common.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Petty theft isn’t your biggest concern, but it does happen, especially in crowded places or near markets. What makes it more serious is that some thieves carry weapons or work in groups. Flashing valuables or losing focus in public spaces can quickly make you a target. Keep your stuff close and your eyes open.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Natural disasters aren’t Lebanon’s biggest issue, but they’re still possible. Seasonal flooding and wildfires can disrupt travel, and the country sits on a fault line, so earthquakes are a long-term concern. The real problem is the lack of emergency response if something does go wrong.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Muggings are a risk in Lebanon, especially at night or in areas with little lighting and no real police presence. But when the economy worsens, so does the threat. Desperation drives up violent crime, and muggings can turn aggressive fast.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Lebanon has several armed groups operating within its borders, and the threat of attacks is always present. These aren’t just headline risks; they impact daily life, especially in areas near conflict zones.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
From fake tour guides to “official” fees that mysteriously appear, scams are fairly common. Corruption also plays into this. Some officials may try to solicit bribes or make up violations.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Women, especially those traveling alone, face added layers of risk. Harassment is common and not always taken seriously if reported. Dress codes can vary by area, and ignoring local norms can draw unwanted attention.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water in Lebanon isn’t safe to drink, no matter what a hotel might tell you. Contamination from broken infrastructure and inconsistent treatment makes it a gamble. Stick to bottled water.
Safest Places to Visit in Lebanon
The Lebanon Tourism Service runs the website mot.gov.lb/en/the-ministry.
That’s about as close to an official tourism website as you’re going to get.
While I’m going to mention some of the top attractions and draws here, it’s worth noting that there are no safe places to visit in Lebanon.
Beirut remains the cultural heart, with museums, galleries, and neighborhoods like Gemmayzeh and Hamra known for their history and food scenes.
Tourists often head to Byblos, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, to walk through ruins and stroll the harbor.
Baalbek’s Roman temple complex is a huge draw for archaeology buffs, even if it’s currently in a region that’s far too risky to access.
Jeita Grotto and the mountain village of Harissa attract day-trippers from the coast, and wine lovers visit the Bekaa Valley for its historic vineyards.
In better conditions, places like Sidon, Tyre, and the Chouf Mountains also top the list.
Places to Avoid in Lebanon
To reiterate, there isn’t a safe place to visit in Lebanon, but some regions come with higher risks than others.
Southern Lebanon, especially areas south of the Litani River and around Saida, is an active conflict zone with frequent strikes and ongoing military activity.
The Lebanon–Syria border and the Akkar region are hotspots for cross-border violence, armed group activity, and smuggling.
Roadside security is unpredictable, and foreign travelers are especially vulnerable.
In Beirut, the southern suburbs, like Dahieh, Bourj el鈥態arajneh, Chiyah, Hadath, and Shatila, are controlled by armed factions and are known for kidnappings, clashes, and organized crime.
Even locals are cautious here.
The Bekaa Valley and Baalbek-Hermel area are no-go zones due to militia activity, terrorism risks, and drug-related violence.
Tripoli may look calmer at times, but sectarian tensions, armed groups, and instability make it unsafe to visit.
Palestinian refugee camps across the country also remain highly volatile with regular outbreaks of violence, including gunfire and explosions.
Avoid them completely.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Lebanon
- Lebanon’s police force is the Internal Security Forces (ISF), but don’t expect the same kind of protection you’d get at home. The emergency number is 112, but response times can vary wildly. If you’re visiting during a Level 4 travel advisory, your embassy may not be able to help you, especially if things go south near conflict zones.
- There’s no official nationwide emergency alert system for tourists in Lebanon. Your best bet is to register with your embassy for travel updates and monitor local news outlets or Telegram channels. Situations can escalate quickly, so staying informed is up to you.
- There are no required vaccines to enter Lebanon, but hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended. There have been periodic outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne illnesses, especially in areas with unreliable sanitation. Mosquito-borne illnesses are also a concern in warmer months.
- Foreign drivers need an International Driving Permit paired with a valid license from their home country. The roads are chaotic—think potholes, minimal signage, and drivers who treat traffic laws as suggestions. Expect aggressive driving and unpredictable conditions, especially in rural or mountainous areas. We strongly suggest you reconsider driving here.
- Arabic is the official language, but you’ll hear French and English, especially in Beirut. Most younger people speak some English, but don’t expect fluency everywhere. In rural areas, language barriers are real.
- Always carry your passport or a copy of your ID. Lebanon has military checkpoints throughout the country, and you will absolutely be stopped and questioned if you’re driving or traveling through certain areas. Being polite, cooperative, and prepared.
- Foreigners with Middle Eastern names or heritage may face extra scrutiny when entering Lebanon. Officials may ask for proof of parentage, like a birth certificate that shows your father’s name.
- LGBTQ+ travelers need to know that same-sex relationships are criminalized under Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code. While enforcement is inconsistent, arrests have happened, often after unrelated detentions or phone searches.
- Lebanon’s Ministry of Health has strict rules around medications, so check before bringing any prescriptions. Some medications require prior approval, and what’s considered legal at home might not fly here. Don’t expect reliable access to refills or even legitimate pharmacies. Counterfeit meds are a known issue, especially outside major cities.
- Fuel, food, and medicine shortages are a real issue in Lebanon. When supply chains break down, desperation can lead to a spike in theft, scams, or worse. If you’re traveling during times of political or economic instability, stay aware and don’t assume your safety is guaranteed.
So... How Safe Is Lebanon Really?
While Lebanon gets a mixed bag of risk reviews from global governments, there’s consensus on the details.
Let’s break it down.
Most countries issue travel advisories on a four-tiered scale, where one is the lowest and four is the highest.
For Lebanon:
- United States– Level 4: Do Not Travel
- Canada– Level 3: Avoid Non-Essential Travel
- Australia– Level 4: Do Not Travel
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) provides a map of places where travel should be avoided altogether and other places where all but essential travel is allowed.
Even Canada’s advisory of Level 3 comes with Level 4 areas to avoid.
The challenges here aren’t just run-of-the-mill safety concerns.
It includes risks like terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and violent crimes.
Even the U.S. travel advisory states, “The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.”
Lebanon is not safe to visit, and you have no protection if you choose to go there against the advisories.
However, there is potential for the risk level to change in the future.
Tourism is starting to rebound in Lebanon, at least on paper.
March 2025 saw around 300,000 passengers arrive through Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, a massive jump compared to recent years.
This uptick follows key shifts, like the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait lifting their long-standing travel bans.
Those Gulf countries have historically brought in high-spending tourists, and their return is being seen as a lifeline for Lebanon’s struggling economy.
Add to that the election of President Joseph Aoun and a reform-minded government, and there’s a fresh push to make the country seem stable, secure, and open for business again.
How Does Lebanon Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Lebanon | 35 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers need a visa to enter Lebanon, but the good news is it’s usually easy to get. Many nationalities can snag one on arrival at the airport or apply online. Just make sure your passport isn’t stamped with Israeli entry or exit stamps, or you’ll be turned away at the border.
Currency
Lebanon uses the Lebanese pound (LBP), but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Just know the exchange rate changes constantly, and cash is king. ATMs can be hit or miss, and credit cards aren’t always reliable, especially outside Beirut. Bring small bills, and expect to do some quick math when prices are quoted in both currencies.
Weather
The weather in Lebanon is one of its underrated perks. Summers are dry and hot, great for beach days or rooftop dinners. Winters bring snow to the mountains and rain to the coast. Spring and fall are perfect; mild, green, and ideal for exploring everything from ruins to wineries.
Airports
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is the only major airport in Lebanon. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. Security can be strict, so arrive early. Taxis from the airport are unregulated. Pre-book a ride through your hotel if you want to avoid a hassle.
Travel Insurance
If you’re going to Lebanon, travel insurance should be on your non-negotiable list. The challenge will be finding a place that offers insurance for a country with so many risks. Be prepared to pay top dollar if you can even find a policy at all.
Lebanon Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
17 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 20 |
| Low °C |
12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 13 |
| High °F |
63 | 64 | 68 | 73 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 68 |
| Low °F |
54 | 54 | 57 | 59 | 64 | 72 | 77 | 79 | 77 | 70 | 63 | 55 |
Lebanon - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Beirut | 54 |
Please relook at the risk number
Please look into the actual facts on the ground.
The risk should be at 60, but 35 is too low based on my many years of experience.
As a woman I can freely walk and hold my bag and no one will approach or try to steal.
Please fix the nunber to encourage tourists.
What about Jews?
Jessie, Lebanon is known to be very hostile to Jews, I actually agree with this site’s review.
I can’t imagine a Jew walking around for a long period of time with more than a dew signs of being Jewish and not being attacked in any sort of way.
How will they know you are a jew? don’t be ridiculous.
Maybe that’s because Jews have a history of genocide. The Armenian/Greek/Assyrian genocide, the Holodomor, and the Palestinian genocide. I could go on. They are probably smart enough to know that as Israel’s neighbors, they could be next.
Fairy tales
Wow what fiction are you reading? “Palestinian genocide”? Fairy tales.
LIARS ARE INTOLERAB;E
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” You need to go back to school, learn how to read, read facts and not make up stories I guess, being that you’re a MORON, you forgot about their slavery adventures under Pharaoh in Egypt for some 300+ years but what’s 300+ years, right MOON? Your ignorance is truly unbelievable considering the Greeks defiled the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. I guess you expected the Jews to lay down their arms and not fight back? Your lack of correct Biblical history is beyond embarrassing. FACT: There is NO palestine and there never was a palestine !!! There can never be any palestinians. You’re such a stupid head, wasting my time on a knucklehead. In the Hebrew Bible there is NO mention of such an entity. The Romans hated the Jews and so “the Romans” renamed Israel – palestinia.
are you going to put a sign around your neck and say I am a jew? if you will do that, then this is called being provocative. If you walk around normally no one will actually tell you anything and they will be the friendliest around! stop spreading false new and false assumptions
lebanon is not pariticularly bad to jews. they are at war with Israel but I never heard stories of anything bad. if you have Israeli stamp forget getting in but that goes for everyone. Lebanon does not target specific people.
I have been around europe and i am always scared to visit even a single middle eastern countries for many reasons but i guess Lebanon will be my first choice.
Every season has a flavor in Lebanon don't miss it
I actually live in Lebanon and I think that maybe you should come and visit Lebanon then I am sure you will change a lot of what is written.
Thanks
How is Lebanon 35 lol? It’s safer then most of the countries out there. Just avoid political and religious talk and you’re super safe. Rating should be like 65-70.
that aint true
no cause from the bombing
You mean 65-70 bombings? None of what you said correlates to a single fact about Lebanon. When you set peoples expectations high they hate it even more because you have to lie.
Increase the rating
Beirut is a safe country in general and 35 is a very very low rating. Also Beirut is the capital of Lebanon and not Israel.
Beirut is not a country. It’s a city which the article mentioned that it’s relatively safer than the border areas.
When people visits a country, they don’t usually stick to one city always. Tourists wants to explore other cities within the country and I think this article is reasonable.
Amazing Place to visit
My husband and i visited Lebanon in March 2019. At no point did we feel that we were in danger. We walked the sheets of Beirut. We rented a car and drove to the interior of the country including Bylbos, Bcharre, Zahle, Qaraoun, and the Bekha Valley. Traffic in Beirut is crazy, but outside the city it was fine. Roads were well marked. I cannot stress enough how safe we felt this entire time. As Americans, we were concerned that we would face hostilities. It was the opposite. The people were warm and welcoming. All over the country I saw optimism and hope for the future of the country. There was evidence of young entrepreneurs everywhere, especially in businesses related to tourism. This country is a jewel. Do not be scared off by biased reports.
Wrong rating
natural disasters risk is high? I think the one who wrote that shit ass article is high. Lebanon is one of the safest countries in the middle east and rating it 35 is really unjustified…
e
nice place but because of the explosion, it isn’t nice
Mafia country
I think Lebanon is a mafia country from the smallest person to the big leaders!
But it’s a safe country I can assure you, the women are open-minded! They are intelligent people but at the same time a bit naive because they destroy their beautiful country by stealing everything in it!
They don’t steal from you directly like in Egypt for example, but they scams you in everything, from the person who sells sandwiches to the big leaders of the country, they try always to save money and earn big money from you by giving you low-quality products but in the at the same time showing to you that this product is the best quality in the world.
They have this mentality in everything, and they are proud that they can do this when they are talking to each other! They are very happy and proud of it when they talk: “I ripped that person and stole his money”, and “his a pure and simple person” … but they forget that they are thieves!
I give you an example: one friend of mine went to fix his car and always he keeps a recording machine in his car to hear his wife what she talk and with who, he put the car in the garage and the next day he goes back to take it, they told him cannot fix his car all the gearbox is broken and need to change all or at least at the beginning need to take it out and see if they can change a part inside and then he can save a lot of money, in the same while he sees the workers laughing behind the car when the boss of the garage talk to my friend, so he was suspicious at that time but he cannot do anything, he said ok start to fix the car but first wait for a while to go the bank to see if his client send him money to his account today, if not he will call him to let him know to send money fast because he needs to fix the car urgently. , so he asks from the boss of the garage to give him two hours to solve the problem of money and the boss he said no problem take your time, the car is safe here , then my friend he go inside his car and take the small recording machine and he go to the nearest coffee to hear what they talk , and here the surprise: he heard the mechanical talk to the boss , that the problem is one fuse is broken and we need to change it ( this fuse is an electric small part cost normally 0.2$ To 0.5$ maximum ) and the boss he was angry and he shout on him and said : are you stupid ? We need to take off the gearbox , don’t speak anything to the client , how I pay salary for you ? If change this part only & he said to him : don’t speak to the client , when he came told him to speak to me only . And then my friend he go to the nearest police station to let the police come to his garage! But here the surprise, the police officers was his best friend of this boss , so he start to to talk to my friend , you put this machine in your car it’s illegal , and when He told him the reason of putting this machine inside his car , he ask the number of his wife from him and he want to call her and he want to arrest him , then my friend he scared a lot from his wife and he said to the police ok forget the case I will not speak to the garage boss anything , then the police he obliged him to sign a paper to not disturb the garage privacy anymore and he took his recording machine and he said to my friend if we know you make any problem to the garage boss , we will call your wife and bring her to show her the recording machine !!!!! So that’s why I told you at the beginning it’s a mafia country , so pay attention if you would like to visit this country because the law in the Lebanon that there is no low , BUT still really it’s a beautiful country who I definitely advice for visit ! Just keep your eyes open everywhere every time !!!
Your friend’s plan was not too smart.
Check your info before writing
Really?
Pickpockets risk? You can walk around with all your jewels on!
Natural disasters risk?earthquakes and tsunami? Ridiculous…we haven’t have any of these in millions of years maybe!
Terrorism?
In every country you have suburbs and mafia concentrated in small places!
Be real!who the hell wrote this article?
Okay it isn’t like before but this is wayyyy exaggerated!
I’m just looking through this for school and I can tell just by reading the ratings, that this is way too over-exaggerated. Like come on why are some of these things so high, I have family in Lebanon and I can tell by what my family has told me too that it is nothing like this.
I am planning to travel to Lebanon this end of August 2022. Which is the best safest city to visit and by reading this article I am bit in two minds. Furthermore, is it too costly ?
Excellent and Best place I have ever been to
Hello,
I strongly advise to visit this beautiful country as compared to what I have seen on the comments its not the same at all.
Visit on instagram “Livelove.tyre” “Livelovebeirut” “livelove.batroun” and check how lovely this country is!
The people are super friendly, generous and food is something YOU HAVE to TRy.
Dont forget to visit the best beaches, blue crystal sea and the nightlife in beirut!!!
Lebanon is fun but score is legit
This rating system is correct and everyone claiming otherwise 100% wrong. Lebanon doesnt deserve a higher safety score and the citizens dont strive to prove that wrong, with stupid things like firing guns straight up in the air and many negligent discarges.
I love lebanon
This article is slightly exaggerated I am an American female, I went to Lebanon alone, for the first time in may of this year I was there for a month, I stayed in gymayze, rented an apartment there by myself. I honestly felt more safe in Lebanon than I do in the states. I walked the around alone during the day and night, in the us I carry a gun because of how bad crime is where I live. I never felt the need to have to be armed at all. yeah theres issues on the borders just stay away from those areas. I don’t know what information this article was based on, but in 30 days i saw more people helping people that I have ever seen in the u.s. I am actually getting ready to board a plane in a few hours to go back. I happened to meet the love of my life there. Lebanon definitely has an economy crisis lights, water all that aren’t on a lot. However as far as the people and the safety value I think this article doesn’t do Lebanon justice at all.
Scary!
The score should be lower, Hezbollah, a known terrorist organization with its own military and missiles it there, what other countries have that kind of thing? do you see that in Italy? Canda? The UK? No!
This is not a safe environment and terrorist organizations such as this should not exist, don’t travel here!
all the readers please this website is very good but do not believe the part of pickpocketing risk and natural disaster is not true