Safest cities in Lebanon
5 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
Areas the UK FCDO advises against visiting
- Areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate
- Areas in the South and Nabatiyeh Governorates
- Areas in the Beqaa Governorate
- Areas in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate
- Areas in the North Governorate
- Areas in the Akkar Governorate
- Palestinian refugee camps
- Tariq el Jdideh and the area east of Tariq el Jdideh, south of Jalloul Street, west of Hourch and the war cemetery (not including the war cemetery), and south of the Soulieman Bastani
- Ghobeiry and the area north of Ghobeiry but south of Yarmouk street, the war cemetery and Horsh park (not including Horsh park and the cemetery and Yarmouk street)
- Chiyah (south and west of the Rizkallah Semaan road)
- Haret Hraik
- Burj Al Barajneh
- Mraije
- Laylaki
- Jnah, south of El Imam Mousa El Sader street
- The Golf Club of Lebanon
- all other areas west of the Camil Chamoun Boulevard (south of Forn el Chebbak) that becomes the Old Saida Road through Hadath to Beirut airport
In full or in part — the official advisory lists exact boundaries and exceptions.
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in LebanonTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Lebanon.
- Terrorist kidnapThere’s a threat of kidnapping in Lebanon. The Lebanese authorities have warned that foreigners could be targeted.
Security situation
- Security advice for British nationalsYou should:
Severe economic crisis
- CurrencyLebanon is experiencing a prolonged economic crisis. This may affect your ability to pay for goods and services by credit or debit card. US dollars are widely accepted and are the main cash currency, including in most supermarkets, restaurants and other retail outlets. It may be difficult or expensive to access US dollars locally and many…
- Power cutsLebanon’s power plants are only producing limited electricity for the national grid. This can lead to power cuts. Many businesses rely heavily on generators for electricity, and electricity provision can vary. Have a torch to hand at night and plan how you would leave your accommodation in the dark.
Crime
- Protecting your belongingsThere is moderate risk to tourists from petty or violent crime. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings:
- Sexual assaultThere have been reported incidents of sexual harassment and assault in public areas. Consider whether it is safe to walk alone, particularly in less busy areas. Due to the lack of electricity, streetlights often do not work, so streets can be dark at night. Consider taking a torch with you at night and make sure your phone is charged in case of an…
- Drug smuggling and violent crimeCriminal gangs involved in drug cultivation and smuggling operate in parts of the Beqaa Valley, especially northern Beqaa. Other armed crimes, such as robbery and kidnap, can occur in these areas. There are also frequent armed clashes between gangs and the security forces.
Laws and cultural differences
- Using cameras and drones in secure areasAvoid photography in Lebanese Hizballah areas, including the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Beqaa Valley and areas in southern Lebanon. You may be detained if you are observed taking photographs.
- RamadanRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, be aware of:
- DiversityLebanon’s people are diverse, with many different Muslim and Christian sects represented. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and make sure your actions do not offend.
- Dress codeIn many areas you will find dress codes more relaxed than in other countries of the region, but you should still dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Illegal drugs and prison sentencesPossessing, using and trafficking illegal drugs (including small quantities) are all serious offences, punishable with prison sentences.
- LGBT+ travellersThe Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning ‘every sexual act against nature’. Lebanese courts might consider that this includes same sex sexual activity. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year. The Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health has resources for LGBT+…
- Child abduction and travel bansIf you have concerns about child custody, get legal advice before travelling to Lebanon about ‘travel bans’ that can be imposed by male heads of family. Even if you or your child holds a British passport you may be subject to Lebanese laws and regulations.
Transport risks
- Shared taxis and unofficial taxisDo not use shared taxis or taxis hailed on the street. In 2017, the Lebanese Interior Minister advised people in Lebanon not to use Uber taxis.
- Road travelYou need either a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence to drive in Lebanon. The 1949 IDP is not accepted anymore. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
- Licences and permitsCarry ID with you at all times and be prepared to stop at checkpoints to show your papers. The army has set up checkpoints on major and minor roads.
- RoadblocksProtests and roadblocks may restrict travel at short notice. Major roads in and out of Beirut and across the country, including the roads to and from Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport, have become blocked at short notice. If you’re travelling to or from the airport, check your flight status before leaving and allow extra time for your…
- LandminesLandmines and other unexploded weapons are present in Lebanon and are not always clearly marked. Use only well-travelled tracks and do not stray from their edges. Avoid remote abandoned properties. Use local guides and seek local knowledge if you are unsure.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- Forest firesThere is a heightened risk of forest fires in Lebanon, particularly during summer. Forest fires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. The authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety.
- EarthquakesLebanon is in an earthquake zone. There have been no damaging tremors in recent years, although Lebanon experienced strong aftershocks from an earthquake in Turkey in February 2023. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Lebanon, updated 2026-08-10 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 2.64 /100k2024
- Income inequality
- Gini 35.52022
- Human development
- HDI 0.7522023
- Income
- $11,790/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 16.4 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 42/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 38/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 23/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 6.4/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.57GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 26.7 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 48%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 2.7 doctors /1k2.7 hospital beds per 1,000
Natural hazards
- Earthquake
- 8.2/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Tsunami
- 3.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 2.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in Lebanon (as of 2025). This describes the law on the books, not necessarily enforcement practice.
How Lebanon compares
| Measure | Lebanon | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 2.6 /100k | 2.4 /100k | +0.3 /100k — better for World median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 35.5 | 35.2 | +0.3 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.752 | 0.763 | −0.011 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 16.4 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +1.0 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 38/100 | 52/100 | −14/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 23/100 | 39/100 | −16/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 26.7 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +7.0 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 6.4/10 | 3.8/10 | +2.6/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Lebanon | Asia median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 2.6 /100k | 1.5 /100k | +1.1 /100k — better for Asia median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 35.5 | 33.4 | +2.1 — better for Asia median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.752 | 0.771 | −0.019 — better for Asia median |
| Road deaths | 16.4 /100k | 14.9 /100k | +1.5 /100k — better for Asia median |
| Rule of law | 38/100 | 52/100 | −14/100 — better for Asia median |
| Corruption perceptions | 23/100 | 37/100 | −14/100 — better for Asia median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 26.7 µg/m³ | 28.6 µg/m³ | −1.9 µg/m³ — better for Lebanon |
| Natural-hazard risk | 6.4/10 | 3.6/10 | +2.8/10 — better for Asia median |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.