Capital city in Beirut Governorate, Lebanon
Is Beirut safe?
Central Beirut runs normally, but Israeli strikes continue in the southern suburbs and the south despite the June 2026 truce.
Is Beirut safe?
Central Beirut runs normally, but Israeli strikes continue in the southern suburbs and the south despite the June 2026 truce. Have an exit plan and check the airport status.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 2/5, high risk.
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2026-05-05.
- Homicide rate in Lebanon: 2.2 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Lebanon: 16.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 140 · Fire 175.
Safety in Beirut at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/5 · High risk |
| Crime | Bag snatching and car break-ins have risen with the economic crisis. Nights are dark during power cuts, and armed disputes and celebratory gunfire happen. |
| At night | Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael stay lively, but many streets go dark in blackouts. Use Uber or a hotel taxi rather than walking home. |
| Solo women | Beirut is relaxed by regional standards and solo women are common, but harassment and catcalls happen. Use app taxis at night. |
| Other risks | Airstrikes and sonic booms near the southern suburbs; Unreliable electricity and generator fumes; Fast, aggressive traffic and few pavements |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Shared 'service' taxis picking up extra passengers, with reports of robbery
- Bars and clubs adding service charges or extra drinks to bills
- Currency tricks: bills quoted in dollars, change given at a poor rate
Take care
- Dahieh (southern suburbs): repeated Israeli strikes and Hezbollah-held streets
- Airport road: roadblocks and protests can close it
- Sidewalks and streets at night during power cuts
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Don't photograph in Hezbollah areas or near military sites; detentions happen.
- Flying drones without permission is illegal.
- Even small amounts of drugs bring prison sentences.
How Beirut compares in Lebanon
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Beirut | 2/5 · High risk |
| Byblos | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is Beirut safe for solo female travelers?
Beirut is relaxed by regional standards and solo women are common, but harassment and catcalls happen. Use app taxis at night.
Is Beirut safe at night?
Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael stay lively, but many streets go dark in blackouts. Use Uber or a hotel taxi rather than walking home.
What is the crime rate in Beirut?
Bag snatching and car break-ins have risen with the economic crisis. Nights are dark during power cuts, and armed disputes and celebratory gunfire happen. Nationally, Lebanon records 2.2 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Beirut?
Police 112 · Ambulance 140 · Fire 175.
More about Beirut
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
- Lebanon General Security
- AUBMC
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.