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Lebanon
- Lebanon faces a highly volatile security situation, exacerbated by political instability, terrorism, and armed conflict.
- Border areas with Syria and Israel have significantly higher risks due to ongoing conflicts and armed groups.
- Crime rates are high, including armed robberies and theft. Avoid displaying valuables and traveling at night.
Risk Factors
- Travelers in Lebanon face primarily petty theft and opportunistic crime risks such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas, markets, and tourist sites.
- Crime rates have sharply increased recently as a result of a fractured economy, particularly in urban centers like Beirut, Tripoli, and Zahle. Avoid displaying valuables and walking alone at night in unpopulated areas.
- The neighborhoods of Bourj Hammoud, Corniche al-Mazraa, and Tariq El Jdideh in Beirut have higher rates of petty crimes. Avoid secluded ATMs.
- Several criminal gangs operate in Lebanon, particularly in isolated regions like Baalbek and Hermel, engaging in car theft, narcotics trafficking, and kidnappings. While kidnapping of foreign nationals remains rare, incidents have occurred for political or financial purposes.
- While main highways are generally in good condition, side roads and rural areas may have potholes, poor lighting, and limited signage, making driving more hazardous. Self-driving in such areas, especially at night, is not recommended.
- Avoid overland travel outside major cities at night due to poor lighting and road conditions.
- Public transportation is unreliable and not recommended for travelers; use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem. Alternatively, consider hiring private car services through reputable hotels or agencies for greater safety and reliability.
- Large-scale protests occur regularly and can erupt with little notice, particularly in Beirut, as well as in other major cities like Tripoli, Sidon, and Tyre.
- Protests have the potential to attract large crowds, sometimes tens of thousands of people, and while many begin peacefully, they can escalate into violent clashes between protestors and security forces. The use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and occasionally live ammunition by security forces to disperse crowds increases the risk to bystanders.
- Stay informed of developments via alerts and avoid all political gatherings.
- Heavy rains, particularly during the winter months (December to February), can lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas, poorly drained roads, and urban centers. Monitor weather updates to stay abreast of developments.
- Lebanon is located in a seismically active region, with the potential for moderate to strong earthquakes. Though major quakes are infrequent, the risk exists due to the country's proximity to tectonic fault lines. Stay in reputable accommodations, which are more likely to be built to seismic code.
- Power outages are common, especially in rural areas. Packing a portable power bank is advised to preserve the ability to communicate by phone amid a black-out.
- Lebanon enforces strict public decency and political expression laws; violation of these laws can result in fines or imprisonment.
- Dress modestly, especially in conservative areas and at religious sites, and avoid public displays of affection.
- Photography of military sites and personnel is prohibited.