Lebanon Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Lebanon.
Hospitals, private clinics, and public wards form Lebanon's medical web, densest in Beirut and the larger towns.
American University Medical Center, Hotel-Dieu de France, and Saint George Hospital all take international insurance and never close their emergency doors.
Most Western drugs sit on pharmacy shelves. Doors stay open late, and English-speaking pharmacists will write you a script for everyday problems.
Buy solid travel insurance, private hospitals want cash up front or proof you're covered.
- ✓ Bring prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letter
- ✓ Download the Lebanese Red Cross app for emergency medical locations
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing in crowded areas and bag-snatching from motorcycles
Aggressive driving, limited traffic law enforcement, and varied road conditions
Spontaneous protests related to economic or political issues
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Scam alert: men flashing fake badges, asking for passports, then inventing instant fines for trivial offenses.
Street money changers sometimes palm bills or slip counterfeits while swapping USD for Lebanese pounds.
Drivers claiming meters are broken or taking longer routes to inflate fares
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • Download the Bolt or Careem apps for transparent pricing
- • Avoid service taxis (shared taxis) if unfamiliar with routes
- • Register with your embassy upon arrival
- • Buy a local SIM card (Alfa or Touch) for reliable internet access
- • Photographing military installations, checkpoints, or soldiers is prohibited
- • During Ramadan, stash snacks and cigarettes out of sight in conservative districts until sunset.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Lebanon leans liberal next to its neighbors: women fill cafés, clubs, and parliaments. But pack a cover-up for conservative quarters.
- → In Tripoli and rural areas, wear longer sleeves and pants
- → Sit in women-only sections on public buses
- → Trust your instincts - harassment exists but is usually verbal
Article 534 still outlaws same-sex relations, though prosecutions are rare; Beirut's LGBTQ+ nightlife thrives in the legal gray zone.
- → Connect with local LGBTQ+ groups like Helem for current safety updates
- → Hotels in Hamra and Achrafieh are generally welcoming
- → Avoid public displays of affection outside Beirut
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
The economic crash has drained hospital budgets and drug stocks, pack bulletproof insurance for any serious mishap.
Ready to plan your trip to Lebanon?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.