Lebanon faces the Mediterranean Sea, and its capital, Beirut, was once praised as the “Paris of the Middle East” for its beauty. However, with its history of war with Israel and its border shared with Syria, which is still experiencing civil war, many people may feel uneasy about Lebanon’s safety. Here, we will provide information on safety in Lebanon, points to be cautious about, and dangerous areas to avoid.
1. Avoid Arsal
Arsal, Lebanon, is a town located along the border with Syria. It is one of the areas in Lebanon with particularly poor security.
Arsal has a large number of refugees from Syria, and missiles fired from Syria have landed there. Kidnappings targeting wealthy individuals occur frequently. Do not approach Arsal casually.
In addition to Arsal, the areas near the Syrian and Israeli borders are among the most unstable in Lebanon in terms of security. It is best to avoid traveling to these places.
2. Beirut and the Risk of Terrorism
Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, has been steadily recovering from civil war, and its beautiful cityscape reminiscent of Europe has returned. Walking through the tourist-filled central district, you may not feel any sense of poor security.
Although the number of terrorist incidents has been decreasing, in 2015 a suicide bombing killed 43 people, making major headlines. In 2016, the Lebanese Armed Forces announced that Islamic extremists had planned terrorist attacks in tourist spots and other crowded places. Even in relatively safe Beirut, the security situation is such that a terrorist attack could happen at any time.
3. Be Mindful Regarding Politics and Religion
It is no exaggeration to say that Lebanon’s security is strongly influenced by politics and religion. Therefore, you should be very mindful of these topics and avoid making careless statements.
In Lebanon, political power is distributed among different religious sects, and politics and religion are closely linked. Sectarian conflicts are not merely a thing of the past. Talking about politics or religion in public could involve you in unnecessary trouble, so be careful.
In addition, about half of Lebanon’s population is Muslim. Regardless of security conditions, it is wise to be considerate of cultural practices — such as avoiding drinking alcohol in public places outside of restaurants or hotels, and being mindful of eating during Ramadan — to prevent potential issues.
4. Avoid Places with Few People
In Lebanon, where the security situation is unstable, you should avoid going to places with few people, even during the daytime. Beirut and other areas may appear relatively safe, but in urban centers there are incidents of snatch theft and armed robbery involving handguns.
Even men, as well as women, have been attacked by groups, so it is not advisable to walk in sparsely populated areas or go out late at night.
If you are unlucky enough to be robbed, do not resist — hand over your money and valuables to protect your life. Even in cases of snatch theft, the perpetrator may be armed. Chasing after them to retrieve your belongings is dangerous.
5. Be Cautious with Shared Taxis
Considering the security situation in Lebanon, you may need to use taxis during your trip, but extra caution is required when using shared taxis called “service” (servees). Many pickpocketing incidents occur inside these shared taxis with strangers. Avoid keeping valuables in your pockets and never take your eyes off your belongings.
There have also been cases of passengers in shared taxis being sexually assaulted. Even if it is more expensive, it is safer to use a radio-dispatched taxi or a service taxi arranged by your hotel.
Another thing to watch out for in Lebanon’s safety situation is traffic accidents. Taxi and bus drivers often drive aggressively and do not follow traffic rules, so be careful when getting in and out of vehicles.
6. Women Should Avoid Walking Alone
With its bright Mediterranean sunlight, Lebanon may appear to be an open and modern country, seemingly at odds with its security situation. While it is true that Lebanon has this side, many Asian women work there as maids or in other low-wage jobs. Perhaps because of this, there have been cases of women walking alone being subjected to insulting remarks or experiencing discrimination in restaurants.
Although this does not directly lead to crime, considering both these social realities and Lebanon’s security situation, it is safer for women to avoid walking alone whenever possible.
◎ Summary
Lebanon’s security situation remains unstable, and the country is still exposed to the threat of terrorism. While Lebanon is a small country, it has many attractions and is known for its delicious food. Its capital, Beirut — the “Paris of the Middle East” — is a very beautiful city. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ information, avoid dangerous places, and follow basic safety precautions so that you can enjoy sightseeing in Lebanon.