Lebanon is one of the safest and most liberal countries in the region. Tourists can feel safe and enjoy a variety of attractions ranging from exploring some of the oldest cities in the world, the likes of Byblos or enjoy skiing. Yes, skiing is possible in the middle east. Few are aware but Lebanon experiences 4 seasons of the year.

Traveling info

All tourists traveling to Lebanon are required to have a valid passport. Most visitors are permitted to obtain a visa upon arrival whilst some are required to obtain a visa prior to their travel. Palestinian and Israeli citizens or any other person who holds any passport bearing stamps, visas, or seals issued by Israel are strictly prohibited from entry to the Republic of Lebanon and may be subject to arrest or detention for further inspection. Tourists who wish to drive in Lebanon must have their national driving permit and must obtain an international driving permit to legally drive in Lebanon. Beware that an IDP is only a translation of the original document and does not substitute for it. Both documents must be present with the driver at all times.

Traveling hazards

Driving can be difficult, as local drivers often maneuver aggressively and pay little regard to the traffic lights and signs. High rates of speed, erratic traffic patterns, poorly marked merges and addresses, inconsistent police enforcement in the greater Beirut area, and little to no enforcement in other parts of the country make driving conditions hazardous. In certain areas of the country, pedestrians have minimal access to sidewalks and are often forced to 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 are generally unmarked and may be poorly illuminated. 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 be biased toward the insured party. Parties involved in traffic accidents usually settle matters among themselves unless significant injury or material damage is involved.

Environmental hazards

Lebanon is situated in a mountainous region of the middle east. It has a Mediterranean coast to the west and a sharp rise on land. There are 3 species of dangerous land mammals inhabiting the area. Despite the fact that these animals could easily overpower a grown man, they usually avoid contact with people and prefer to stay away. Wolves, brown bears, and striped hyenas can be found throughout the country. Hikers and skiers are advised to make as much noise whilst out in the wild as possible. These animals are generally deterred by human presence and noises. A close encounter, however, may be very dangerous. There are two venomous vipers which may kill a person if the bite is not treated. Unfortunately, these two can be found throughout the country. Whilst the Palestinian viper can be found almost anywhere, even in peoples gardens, the blunt-nosed viper can be found in areas reaching 2000 meters above sea level. The coastal waters of Lebanon are warm and safe to swim in. There are numerous beaches along the coast all welcoming millions of people yearly. There have been only 3 shark attacks recorded however these all date back to the 19th century.
Lebanon is subjected to a range of natural hazards. The largest, single, natural disaster threat is that of a severe earthquake. In addition, frequent smaller- scale disasters include floods, forest fires, landslides, and drought.

Health hazards

There are currently no outbreaks of any diseases. There are however several vaccinations which are recommended to ensure a disease-free journey. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies vaccines. Lebanon’s health care system is one of the best in the Middle East. Health care facilities are predominantly located within the urban areas of the country, with limited medical facilities in rural areas. Hospitals in Beirut and the surrounding areas are able to provide some of the highest levels of medical care in Lebanon, with private medical facilities comparable to standards in the US and Europe. Doctors and health care staff in both Lebanon’s major public hospitals and private facilities are generally proficient in English and French, therefore language barriers are not usually a problem. Despite the quality of service in public facilities, most tourists opt for private clinics. Tourists should consider purchasing medical insurance that covers emergency airlift. Particularly those who plan skiing.
In case of an emergency dial 140.

Crime

Although Lebanon is generally safe, there are instances of violent crime and regular reports of petty crime. Petty theft—pickpocketing and purse snatching—is common in crowded public areas. Car theft and burglaries occur. Police are responsive but are often unable to affect a positive outcome. There are no special concerns with regard to targeted victimization of tourists in scams or confidence schemes. Since 2016 crime both petty and violent has decreased. Avoid the Lebanon-Israel border region: There are border tensions with Israel, and the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid the border. In January 2015, hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah flared in the Golan Heights and Shebaa Farms area. There have been sporadic rocket attacks from southern Lebanon into Israel. Rocket attacks and responses can occur without warning. Landmines and unexploded ordnance 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 have been killed and more than 300 injured by unexploded ordnance since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. Travelers should watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance may be present. Refugee settlements should be avoided at all costs as violence within the camps resulted in shootings and bombings. Possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs including small quantities are all serious offenses in Lebanon. A criminal offense under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year.

Summary

Lebanon is one of the not many secular states in the middle east making the laws of the countries bit more relaxed than many in the vicinity. Women are free to wear what they like on the beaches and in the cities despite the majority of Muslim populations. You’ll likely notice women wearing bikinis and hijabs next to each other as many tourists come to Lebanon from the Muslim countries. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.immigrationworld.com/lebanon/how-to-apply-for-lebanon-tourist-visa/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/lebanon