Is Lebanon safe to visit?

Beirut's popularity as a tourist destination has grown in recent years
Beirut's popularity as a tourist destination has grown in recent years Credit: Getty

The murder of a British embassy worker in Beirut has shone a spotlight on the safety of a country that in October had a number of travel restrictions lifted by the Foreign Office (FCO).

The body of Rebecca Dykes, who is believed to have been sexually assaulted and strangled, was found on the side of a motorway on the outskirts of the Lebanon capital on Saturday. A man, understood to be a taxi driver, has been arrested in connection with the murder.

Josie Ensor, the Telegraph’s correspondent in Beirut, said foreign residents in the city felt unsettled.

Is Beirut safe?

Ensor added: “Everyone is incredibly shocked. I know Beirut historically has been known for its brutal civil war... but Beirut is a very safe city.

“It is a village city, a very tight-knit community, so when something happens to one person, it feels quite close.”

According to the Foreign Office the city is largely safe to visit. However, it warns against all travel to several suburbs in the south of the city, near the airport.

Of the country as a whole, the FCO warns of a “moderate” risk from petty or violent crime, and says visitors should take sensible precautions.

“There have been incidents of armed robberies and physical attacks against passengers in shared taxis with passengers being attacked by either the driver or other passengers,” says the FCO.

“Don’t use shared taxis or taxis hailed on the street. Only use taxis from recognised companies. Hotels can advise on firms with cars that are recognised as being safe and well maintained.”

The FCO says Beirut is safe to visit
The FCO says Beirut is safe to visit

Whereas Beirut was the scene of a terrible civil war that raged between 1975 and 1990, the city has become increasingly popular in recent years, slowly reclaiming its historic image as a “Paris of the Middle East”.

In 2012, writing for Telegraph Travel, Ian Henderson said Beirut was “one of the most exciting and welcoming cities on Earth”.

Pigeon Rocks in Raouche, Beirut
Pigeon Rocks in Raouche, Beirut Credit: JPAaron - Fotolia

Why visit?

It is a city of cosmopolitan charms, scarred but not destroyed by the woes of the last five decades, which tends to surprise all who pay it a little attention, writes Chris Leadbeater.

He adds: “The bars and restaurants in the lively districts of Achrafieh and Gemayzeh have a pep and sophistication that you might expect in more celebrated European capitals, the busy district of Hamra swirls with Arabic coffee shops and a pleasing vibrancy, and Ramlet al-Baida is a beach whose loveliness reminds you that, just like Cannes, Barcelona and Valencia, Beirut is a city on the Mediterranean's edge.”

What about the rest of Lebanon?

The Foreign Office map of Lebanon is a patchwork of red, orange and green, denoting the variety of travel advice for Britons wishing to visit.

is lebanon safe
Credit: FCO

The FCO advises against all travel to regions near the border with Syria, understandably, while to numerous other areas, including Tripoli, Baalbek, and the Ain el Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Sidon, it advises against all but essential travel. 

In the wake of Donald Trump’s announcement that the US plans to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Foreign Office updated its advice to warn about public protests in Beirut and southern Lebanon, where there is a border of Israel.

It said that visitors “should remain vigilant at all times and avoid political gatherings”.

Otherwise, the FCO warns that the security situation in parts of Lebanon “can deteriorate quickly”.

“Celebratory gunfire into the air is common throughout Lebanon, including in response to speeches and messages by political leaders,” it says. “If you find yourself in an area where there’s celebratory gunfire, take cover in a building and move away from windows.

“The security situation can deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest can occur at short notice and often turn violent. Lebanese issues or regional and international developments can have an impact on the local security situation. Monitor local media and avoid all protests.”

Mapped: Where in the world is safe to visit?

What about terrorism?

“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Lebanon,” warns the Foreign Office.

“Islamist extremist groups will seek to target the Lebanese state, security services, and civilians, and have the intent to target foreigners inside Lebanon.

“Attacks could therefore take place in areas visited by foreigners, in Beirut and elsewhere, including hotels, restaurants and bars, markets, tourist and religious sites, large outdoor events, western-style shopping centres and supermarket chains. If you plan on visiting these places, you should make sure your security arrangements are sufficient.

“There is also currently a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals specifically, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.

“Extremist groups have in particular been known to operate within the city of Tripoli (Trablous), Palestinian refugee camps and in areas close to the Syrian border - including around Hermel and Aarsal

“Politically motivated terrorist attacks also remain likely. A number of such attacks have taken place in the southern suburbs of Beirut.”

The FCO also warns about a threat of kidnapping.

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