This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Lebanon. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Lebanon country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Lebanon at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Do not travel to the border with Syria, the border with Israel, or refugee settlements due to the potential for armed conflict. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The current Travel Advisory urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon because of the threats of terrorism, armed clashes, kidnapping, and outbreaks of violence near Lebanon’s borders with Syria and Israel. The U.S. Embassy may adjust internal security policies without advance notice. Security restrictions may prevent access by U.S. Embassy officials to certain areas of the country, especially in parts of metropolitan Beirut, Tripoli, northern and southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and refugee settlements.

Avoid the Lebanon-Syria-Israel border region. Ongoing cross-border tension between Israel and Lebanon means rocket attacks and responses can occur without warning. There are episodic clashes between Lebanese Hizb’allah, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, and the Government of Israel. Separate incidents in August and September 2019 included drone strikes, anti-tank missile strikes, and artillery fire. Landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) pose significant dangers throughout southern Lebanon, particularly south of the Litani River, as well as in areas where fighting was intense during the civil war. More than 40 Lebanese nationals have died and over 300 more have received injuries from UXO since the 2006 Israel-Hizb’allah war. Watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and UXO may be present.

• In May 2018, the press reported that Iranian forces fired approximately 20 rockets from Syrian territory towards the Golan Heights in Israel
• In December 2018, the IDF commenced its Operation Northern Shield, uncovering and destroying six tunnels dug between Southern Lebanon and Israeli territory
• In addition, there are reports of armed groups from Syria kidnapping or attacking Lebanese citizens living in border areas.

Avoid travel to refugee settlements. Violence within Palestinian and Syrian refugee settlements is common, with incidents ranging from petty crime to shootings and explosions. Palestinian groups hostile both to the Lebanese government and the U.S. operate autonomously in formal and informal refugee settlements throughout the country.

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Beirut as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Violent crime and sexual assault incidents against expatriates are rare but do happen. Criminal groups have abducted U.S. citizens for ransom and other motives, on at least one occasion using the lure of a business meeting. The Embassy receives regular reports of domestic abuse from dual U.S.-Lebanese citizens. Petty theft like pickpocketing and purse snatching is common in metropolitan Beirut, where criminals often target victims, such as the elderly or unaccompanied females, based on perceived vulnerability. Vehicle theft and carjacking is a common occurrence, with a combined nationwide average of 60 per month in 2019; authorities recover approximately one-third of stolen vehicles. Burglaries, while traditionally not as common as other crimes, are on the rise and spiked in the last quarter of 2019. Burglaries may continue to increase as economic conditions worsen. Police are responsive, but are often unable to affect a positive outcome, particularly in rural areas. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security. There are no special concerns regarding targeted victimization of U.S. citizens in scams or confidence schemes.

According to Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF – national police) crime statistics, Lebanon experienced a decrease in crime rates in some categories between 2018 and 2019. Most notably, homicides fell by 9.9%. However, robberies increased by 15.7%. Low-level criminal activity (e.g. pickpockets, petty theft, street crimes) remains common, with a notable increase of 59.1% from 2018 to 2019. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

The most noteworthy incidents reported to the Embassy regarding crimes targeting U.S. citizens and/or third-country national Embassy employees have involved taxis, for-hire vehicles, and web-based car services. The following incidents occurred in 2018:

The Embassy received several reports of taxi drivers robbing passengers or attempting to assault female passengers.

A visiting U.S. citizen complained that a taxi lured him into a windshield tour, during which the driver rendered the tourist unconscious, stealing his money and other valuables.

A male taxi driver accosted a female Embassy contractor, attempting to prevent her escape from the vehicle when she thwarted his advances. The female ultimately climbed out of the window of the car while it stopped in traffic.

Several criminally oriented families, clans, and gangs continue to operate in Lebanon. Police enforcement action against these families is difficult due to the geographically isolated areas in which many of the syndicates operate, and the limited police presence and resources in areas outside of Beirut and its surrounding governates. Baalbek and Hermel are two locations that suffer from this issue. The families participate in car thefts, narcotics trafficking, and kidnappings, and are likely responsible for a number of homicides. Criminal gangs may be responsible for many of Lebanon’s unsolved crimes.

Cybersecurity Issues

Credit card skimming, email phishing, cyber-attacks on local banks, and other cyber and financial scams occur, although no Embassy personnel have reported issues with credit/bank card compromise in the last year. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Email scams are frequent and have affected local and foreign businesses. Scammers have attempted to identify themselves as legitimate U.S. government entities to extort money from unwitting victims. Use caution when reading an email from an unknown individual or organization.

Transportation-Safety Situation

The Embassy does not offer protection services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens are responsible for arranging their own travel out of Lebanon.

The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut to be serious and requires personnel to live and work under strict security restrictions. The Embassy must approve off-compound employee movements in advance. Any travel in country must use armored vehicles under the operation of armed security personnel. The Embassy strictly controls the movement of its employees to certain areas of Lebanon.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Visitors must have an international driver’s license to drive legally. Driving can be difficult, as local drivers often maneuver aggressively and pay little regard to traffic lights/signs. High rates of speed, erratic traffic patterns, poorly marked merges/addresses, inconsistent police enforcement in the greater Beirut area, and little/no enforcement in other parts of the country make driving conditions hazardous. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

In certain areas of the country, pedestrians have minimal access to sidewalks and often must walk along the sides of the road, which can be dangerous. There are no lanes on the roads for cyclists. Beirut is known for its heavy traffic congestion. Outside greater Beirut, lanes may lack markings and roads may lack lighting. Traffic congestion is most noticeable during the morning and afternoon rush hours, and during inclement weather.

There is a lack of electronic traffic control signals, resulting in erratic traffic patterns and vehicle accidents. Police rarely respond to vehicle accidents. Insurance companies employ private accident investigators who respond to accidents and may have bias toward the insured party. Parties involved in traffic accidents usually settle matters among themselves, unless significant injury or material damage is involved. Emergency services are adequate in the event of a serious accident. In case of a road accident, emergency numbers are 140 for the Red Cross and 125 for the emergency civil police.

The Interior Ministry has been attempting to implement a new traffic law enacted in 2015, to include the prohibition of cell phone use (calling or texting) while driving. This has resulted in an uptick of traffic stops in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions. However, the frequency of such traffic enforcement is inconsistent and is of questionable efficacy, as the number of reported traffic accidents and injuries resulting from traffic accidents rose by over 10% in 2018, and the monthly average of traffic-related deaths in Lebanon was 41 in 2018.

Refer to the State Department’s Road Safety page for more information. The Embassy also recommends visiting Lebanon’s National Tourist Office website and that of its national authority responsible for road safety.

Public Transportation Conditions

U.S. citizens assigned to the U.S. Embassy may not use public transportation in Lebanon.

There is limited public mass transit. There are some government-run buses in Beirut. Outside of Beirut, there are also privately owned minivan, minibus, or shuttle companies with scheduled services. Use extreme caution when using public transport. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Call for taxi service from a reputable taxi company or a car-for-hire service rather than flagging down passing taxis or service cars. Uber and Careem are present and in wide use. Because of the risks inherent in using unknown transportation, be wary of so-called service cars, and carry the number of a reputable taxi company in case of emergencies. Ensure the car service you choose vets its drivers. Review OSAC’s report, Safety and Security in the Share Economy.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Local media reports expressed concern over the quality of security at Beirut Rafiq Hariri International Airport (BEY). Embassy personnel use the airport for official and personal travel. In 2017, BEY began the implementation of the Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record program. In 2019, the airport added additional passport control counters and upgraded its baggage handling and screening system to reduce congestion and wait times.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Lebanon’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Commercial aircraft are at risk when flying over conflict regions. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to Beirut. On April 14, 2018, the FAA issued an advisory Notice to Airmen (KICZ A00009/18) for U.S. civil aviation regarding operations in the airspace within 200nm from the Damascus FIR due to military activity in or around Syria including GPS interference, communications jamming, and errant long-range surface-to-air missiles. The FAA maintains a flight prohibition for the Damascus Flight Information Region, SFAR 114 due to the continued risk to civil aviation posed from the ongoing conflict and extremist threat.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Beirut as being a CRITICAL-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There is potential for death or injury in Lebanon because of terrorist bombings and attacks. Violent extremist groups operate in Lebanon, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations Hizb’allah, ISIS, Hamas, and the Abdullah Azzam Brigades (AAB). ISIS has claimed responsibility for suicide bombings in Lebanon. U.S. citizens have been the targets of terrorist attacks. The threat of anti-Western terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury as a non-targeted bystander.

• In June 2019 a gunman who was a member of ISIS killed two ISF officers and two LAF soldiers before blowing himself up in Tripoli.
• In January 2018, a Hamas militant leader residing in the Ain Al Hilweh refugee camp located in Sidon was the target of an assassination attempt when a bomb detonated under his car just outside the camp, injuring the individual.
• In January 2017, Lebanese security forces thwarted an attempted suicide attack at a busy café on Hamra Street in downtown Beirut.

Those living and working in Lebanon should carefully consider the risks of remaining in the country. Remain aware of the potential for terrorist attack, and take precautions (e.g. varying routes/times, avoiding demonstrations) to remain safe. Internal security policies limit, and may prevent, access by U.S. Embassy officials to certain areas of the country. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee protection against sudden outbreaks of violence. Armed clashes have occurred along the Lebanese borders and in Beirut.

Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly, leading to gunfire or other violence with no warning. Celebratory gunfire has also resulted in accidental injuries and deaths. In Tripoli, the neighborhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen remain tense. Armed clashes have resulted in deaths and injuries in these neighborhoods, where there are potentially large numbers of weapons in the hands of non-governmental elements. The Lebanese Armed Forces deploy routinely to quell the violence in these situations.

Clashes between Lebanese authorities and criminal elements continue in areas of the Bekaa Valley and border regions. In the central part of the Bekaa, improvised explosive device (IED) attacks have occurred over the past three years. Militant groups may have conducted the attacks.

Hizb’allah maintains a strong presence in the Bekaa Valley, in addition to areas in southern Lebanon and south Beirut.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

The threat of terrorist activity against U.S. citizens continues. Current information suggests that ISIS, its affiliates, and other violent extremist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against areas that Westerns frequent. Extremists may elect to employ various methods to attack, including suicide bombings, conventional bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings.

In November 2019, approximately 150 people held an anti-U.S. demonstration near the U.S. Embassy. The Government of Lebanon provided excellent support and protection to the U.S. Embassy while overseeing the security for the protest that mainly consisted of leftist organizations.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Beirut as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest 

The nationwide anti-government protests that began in October 2019 have largely been non-sectarian, with sporadic incidents of clashes between different sets of protest groups that have resulted in injuries. There have been numerous clashes between protestors and Lebanese security forces, the majority of which occur when the security services attempt to clear roadblocks. Because public demonstrations occur with little warning and may become violent, avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if near any large gatherings or protests.

Throughout the country, protestors have used burning tires and large objects to obstruct roadways; this style of protest typically lasts for a few hours to an entire day. Demonstrators have attempted to impede access on the primary road between downtown Beirut and the airport, but Lebanese authorities have generally been quick to reopen and maintain control of the road. However, airport access may be unavailable if the security situation deteriorates.

Since the start of the protests, demonstrators have continuously gathered in Martyr’s Square and Riad El-Solh square in downtown Beirut and large gatherings at these venues, as well as road closures and random pop-up demonstrations, are likely to continue as the protests show no signs of abating in the current economic and political climate.

Vehicular protestors occasionally cause congestion. Several hundred protestors can flood streets with their privately-owned vehicles and drive in a parade-like fashion around densely populated neighborhoods.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Lebanon experiences sectarian divisions and pressures from external and internal forces that can affect the government’s ability to function. Factionalism and sectarianism can result in political paralysis. Sectarian issues have resulted in the outbreak of violence, evidenced by the Lebanese civil war. Lebanon’s internal security situation remains unpredictable, with periods of relative calm interrupted by civil protests, heightened sectarian tensions, sporadic terror attacks such as a 2019 attack against security forces in Tripoli, and security force counter-terror operations such as the 2017 anti-ISIS campaign.

Sustained economic challenges include the need to reduce twin deficits in the current account balance and government budget, identify and eliminate inefficiency and corruption in delivery of public services and utilities, and address the difficulties individuals and business face seeking to obtain dollars in this import-driven economy. Despite the attempts of terror groups to launder money through Lebanese financial institutions, local banks work with U.S. authorities to counter threats of terrorist finance through domestic financial systems.

Post-specific Concerns

Personal Identity Concerns

Dual citizens who possess Lebanese nationality may also be subject to laws that impose special obligations on them as Lebanese citizens. Lebanese citizens who associate with Israeli citizens or officials, or who have traveled through Israel, are subject to arrest, detention, and prosecution. Authorities may detain, arrest, or deny entry to anyone arriving at a point of entry with an Israeli stamp in their passport. Penalties are often especially harsh if the traveler is of Arab origin or a dual national. Authorities have also detained travelers who have a family name considered of Israeli or Jewish origin.

Travelers with names reflecting Middle Eastern heritage may face additional scrutiny at Lebanese ports of entry and may be required to show documentary evidence of their parentage; specifically, official proof of their father’s name, such as a copy of a birth certificate.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Lebanon, punishable by up to one year in prison. LGBTI+ persons can face significant social stigma. Although prosecutions are rare, Lebanon has charged, tried, and sentenced LGBTI+ adults for engaging in consensual same-sex relations. Authorities have typically arrested LGBTI+ individuals for other minor offenses, and then subsequently charged them with violation of the law when discovering evidence of their LGBTI+ identity, often through searches of cell phones or other personal material. While prosecution is uncommon, short-term detentions can expose individuals to discrimination and abuse. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

While in Lebanon, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from the United States. Lebanon has passed laws that make it illegal to discriminate against those with disabilities, but authorities do not enforce the laws uniformly. These laws include sections on building accessibility, but building codes have yet to receive updates accordingly. Most public transportation, including taxis, is not accessible. Roads are often in disrepair, and there are few sidewalks or road crossings. Buildings and tourist sites are also often difficult to access for those with physical disabilities because of uneven ground and the lack of elevators and ramps. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

U.S. citizens who come to work in Lebanon should ensure that their Lebanese employer arranges for proper documentation for them to remain in the country. This includes professional athletes, who should make certain that their sponsoring club/team arranges for them to receive the correct visas valid for the duration of their stay. Travelers coming to Lebanon as professional athletes should ensure that a written contract is in place before traveling, as many athletes have experienced problems with scams and false offers of employment.

Drug-related Crime

Although ISF statistics for arrests made related to drug use dropped slightly from 2017 to 2018, arrests for drug trafficking increased, including one instance in November 2018 when the LAF G2 (intelligence unit) shot and killed a drug trafficker during an attempted car stop and arrest just 1.5 km from the U.S. Embassy compound. In December 2018, crime families operating a drug trade in the Baalbek area of the Bekaa Valley shot and killed two LAF soldiers after the LAF initiated an anti-drug campaign in that region. Drug trafficking across the Syrian border continues to be a problem. Additionally, Lebanon is a transit country for cocaine and heroin. Captagon manufactured in Lebanon and Syria is trafficked outside of Lebanon and distributed throughout the region.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, is a problem. Suspects in kidnappings sometimes have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations. The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens kidnapped or taken hostage. U.S. law makes it illegal to provide material support to terrorist organizations. Kidnappings linked to carjacking and taxi robberies have been reported. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Police Response

The emergency line Lebanon is 112. The U.S. government maintains excellent relations with host country law enforcement and security elements. Security services address urgent security concerns immediately. Overall, police are responsive, though they may have difficulty responding to crimes depending on the time of day and location.

For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page. Also see the State Department webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

Medical Emergencies

Medical care in Beirut and the surrounding area is good. Many hospitals have modern equipment and well-trained physicians. Long-term visitors should become familiar with hospitals near their homes and places of employment. For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

U.S. citizens with special medical or other needs should be aware of the risks of remaining given their condition, and should prepare to seek treatment in Lebanon if they cannot arrange for travel out of the country.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Lebanon.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Beirut Country Council meets quarterly. Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team for more information or to join.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

The Embassy is located in Awkar, off the Dbayeh highway, facing the Awkar Municipal Building.

P.O. Box 70-840 Antelias

Hours of Operation: 0730 - 1600 Monday to Friday

Website: http://lb.usembassy.gov

Embassy Operator: +961-4-543600

State Department Emergency Line: +1-202-501-4444

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix
• OSAC Travelers Toolkit
• State Department Traveler’s Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)