Beirut Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Beirut.
Healthcare System
Beirut has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities, with private hospitals offering the highest quality care. The healthcare system has been significantly strained by Lebanon's economic crisis, leading to shortages of medications, supplies, and challenges with electricity backup systems. Many medical professionals are highly trained, often with international experience, but the infrastructure is under pressure.
Hospitals
Major private hospitals serving international patients include American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Hotel Dieu de France, Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital (LAUMC-RH), and Clemenceau Medical Center. These facilities have emergency departments and English-speaking staff but require upfront payment or insurance guarantees.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Beirut, marked with green crosses. However, medication shortages are common due to the economic crisis. Bring essential medications from home with prescriptions. Some pharmacies operate 24 hours on rotation. Many common medications are available but may be expensive or in short supply.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment with upfront cash payment capability, as hospitals require payment before treatment. Medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended given the current situation.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a sufficient supply of all prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions, as local shortages are common
- Carry cash in US dollars for medical expenses, as credit cards may not be accepted and ATMs are unreliable
- Know the location of your nearest quality hospital before arrival
- Keep your insurance provider's emergency contact number readily available
- Consider medical evacuation insurance to Cyprus or Europe for serious conditions
- Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled water only
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date; Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and tourist sites. The economic crisis has led to increased property crime. Theft from vehicles and hotel rooms also occurs.
Protests and demonstrations occur frequently, often with little notice, due to ongoing economic and political crises. These can turn violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces, road blockages, and tire burning.
Beirut has chaotic traffic with aggressive driving, poor road conditions, motorcycles weaving through traffic, and limited traffic law enforcement. Pedestrians face significant risks crossing streets.
Frequent power outages (sometimes 20+ hours daily), fuel shortages, water supply interruptions, and telecommunications disruptions occur regularly due to the economic crisis. This affects everything from elevators to traffic lights.
While rare in central Beirut, unexploded ordnance from past conflicts may exist in some areas, particularly in southern suburbs and border regions. The 2020 port explosion site remains hazardous.
Lebanon has a complex sectarian landscape with periodic tensions between different religious and political groups. Certain areas are controlled by specific factions and may be sensitive to outsiders.
Verbal harassment, particularly toward women, can occur. Aggressive vendors and money changers may be pushy. The economic crisis has increased desperation in some quarters.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
With Lebanon's currency crisis and multiple exchange rates (official, black market, Sayrafa), money changers may shortchange tourists, use rigged calculators, or swap bills during counting. Street exchangers may offer attractive rates but provide counterfeit bills or disappear with your money.
Taxis often don't use meters and may quote inflated prices to tourists, take unnecessarily long routes, or claim the agreed price was in dollars not Lebanese pounds. Some drivers may refuse to take you if the destination isn't profitable.
Establishments may add items you didn't order, charge for bread or service without disclosure, use different prices for tourists, or add excessive service charges. With currency confusion, bills may be presented in dollars when you expected Lebanese pounds.
Unlicensed individuals approach tourists at historical sites offering guide services at low prices but provide poor information and pressure for large tips or lead tourists to shops where they receive commissions.
Due to banking restrictions, many ATMs are non-functional or only dispense limited amounts. Some may have skimming devices. Banks impose informal capital controls, and you may not be able to withdraw money even with a foreign card.
Properties may look different from online photos, lack promised amenities like generator backup or hot water, or demand payment in different currency than advertised. Some may claim booking platforms didn't pay them and demand double payment.
Individuals befriend tourists and gradually ask for financial help due to the economic crisis, request help transferring money, or lead tourists to expensive venues where they receive kickbacks.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and monitor their security updates
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly
- Keep your accommodation address written in Arabic for taxi drivers
- Carry a charged phone with local emergency numbers saved
- Stay informed about current events through reliable news sources daily
- Have a backup plan for leaving the country if the situation deteriorates
- Maintain situational awareness and trust your instincts
Money and Valuables
- Bring US dollars in cash (small denominations) as primary currency
- Don't rely on ATMs or credit cards; the banking system is severely restricted
- Use hotel safes for excess cash and valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extras secured
- Keep money in multiple locations on your person
- Be discreet when handling money; don't display large amounts
- Photograph your credit cards and important documents as backup
- Understand the current exchange rate situation before exchanging money
Transportation
- Use reputable ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt, Careem) rather than street taxis
- Avoid driving yourself unless experienced with chaotic traffic conditions
- Don't travel between cities after dark due to poor lighting and road conditions
- Always wear seatbelts; child car seats are rarely available
- Keep car doors locked and windows up in traffic
- Have offline maps downloaded as internet may be unreliable
- Be prepared for road closures due to protests or security incidents
- Avoid motorcycles and scooters as transportation
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (Alfa or Touch providers)
- Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival
- Learn basic Arabic phrases; English is widely spoken but not universal
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily available
- Have your hotel's address and phone number written in Arabic
- Be aware that internet can be slow or unavailable during power outages
- Consider a portable WiFi device or international roaming plan as backup
- Save important information offline on your phone
Health Precautions
- Only drink bottled water; avoid ice in drinks
- Eat at busy, reputable restaurants where food turnover is high
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Bring insect repellent for evenings, especially near water
- Protect against sun exposure with sunscreen and appropriate clothing
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are current before travel
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and personal medications
- Be cautious with street food; ensure it's freshly cooked and hot
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly, especially in religious areas and outside tourist zones
- Remove shoes when entering mosques or someone's home
- Ask permission before photographing people, religious sites, or military areas
- Respect prayer times and religious observances
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding
- Don't photograph government buildings, military installations, or checkpoints
- Be respectful when discussing politics, religion, or the civil war
- Learn about the different religious communities and their areas
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels with generator backup for continuous power
- Verify that accommodations have water storage systems
- Keep your room locked and use the deadbolt and chain when inside
- Know the location of emergency exits and stairwells
- Keep a flashlight accessible for power outages
- Don't open the door without verifying who is there
- Store valuables in the room safe if available
- Choose accommodations in safer neighborhoods like Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh, or Mar Mikhael
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women can travel in Beirut, but should exercise additional caution compared to many Western destinations. Beirut is more liberal than many Middle Eastern cities, particularly in areas like Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh, and Mar Mikhael, but street harassment and catcalling are common. The level of conservatism varies significantly by neighborhood. Solo women travelers may face unwanted attention, particularly in more conservative areas or at night. Lebanese women are generally well-educated and visible in public life, but cultural norms still differ from Western countries.
- Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas; cover shoulders and knees in conservative neighborhoods
- In more liberal areas like Gemmayzeh, Western clothing is acceptable, but read the room
- Ignore catcalls and harassment; responding often escalates the situation
- Use ride-sharing apps rather than flagging taxis on the street, especially at night
- Avoid walking alone late at night; stick to well-lit, populated areas
- Consider wearing sunglasses to avoid unwanted eye contact
- A wedding ring (real or fake) may reduce unwanted attention
- Be cautious in bars and nightclubs; don't leave drinks unattended
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave
- Stay in reputable hotels in safer neighborhoods
- Be aware that some hotels may question unmarried couples sharing a room
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts
- Be firm and assertive when declining unwanted attention or offers
- Carry a scarf to cover up when entering religious sites or conservative areas
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is technically illegal in Lebanon under Article 534 of the Penal Code, which prohibits 'unnatural sexual intercourse' with penalties of up to one year in prison. However, enforcement is inconsistent and some court rulings have challenged this law. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion; avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be cautious about discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with strangers
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly venues in advance through trusted sources
- Use dating apps with extreme caution; meetings can lead to harassment, blackmail, or violence
- Be aware that police harassment of LGBTQ+ individuals can occur
- Some hotels may question same-sex couples sharing a room; book LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations
- The areas of Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh are relatively more accepting but still require discretion
- Avoid conservative neighborhoods and southern suburbs entirely
- Don't photograph or openly discuss LGBTQ+ venues or events
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations discreetly if seeking community
- Be prepared to claim 'just friends' status if questioned
- Consider the current political and social climate; tensions may increase conservatism
- Have your embassy contact information readily available
- Trans travelers may face additional scrutiny; ensure documents match presentation
- Be aware that legal recourse for discrimination or harassment is limited
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Beirut given Lebanon's current economic crisis, political instability, infrastructure challenges, and strained healthcare system. Medical emergencies can be extremely expensive and require cash payment upfront in US dollars. The political situation can deteriorate rapidly, requiring evacuation. Standard travel insurance may not be sufficient; ensure your policy explicitly covers Lebanon and includes comprehensive medical coverage, evacuation, and trip cancellation/interruption due to civil unrest.
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