If you visit Lebanon, you’ll probably be wowed by the buzzy atmosphere of Beirut, get lost in the Souks of Sidon or love the gorgeous mountain scenery on the Lebanon mountain trail, but you may just be a little taken backs to find a number of roadblocks and police checkpoints as you travel around the country.
It’s a reminder that although Beirut is currently a safe place to visit, it’s not always been so, and that political stability in this part of the world can sometimes be a little fragile. But you shouldn’t worry unduly about passing through army roadblocks and checkpoints. They’re a fact of life for the locals who take them in their stride and you should see them as a sign that the government wants to protect you and the local population from harm.
I was surprised to find how easy it is to drive around Lebanon, with road signs mostly in English and Arabic, good roads and maps, and although I was driven by a friend who lives in Beirut, I wouldn’t have minded hiring a car to get around.
If you do a tour of the country like we did, you’ll inevitably pass through some road checkpoints, in which case you should slow down or stop until waved on by the guards.
If you’re in a hire car or are obviously a tourist it’s unlikely that you’ll be stopped, but you should always travel with your passport just in case, even when driving around Beirut (although with the mad traffic, I wouldn’t recommend that).
If you’re walking around the downtown area of Beirut you may also pass through police points and may have your bag checked. A polite smile doesn’t hurt and you’ll find that some guards will studiously ignore you and keep a stern face while others appear more relaxed – remembering they’ve got a serious job to do. It’s obviously not advisable to take any photos of the guards or checkpoints either.
I suppose that when travelling with my friend, two ladies in a car with diplomatic plates were unlikely to receive the full stop and search treatment, while younger guys or men in groups may come in for more attention.
Have you been to any places where armed roadblocks and police checks were common and what were your experiences?
More Lebanon stories to enjoy
Sea-castles, Souks and Soap in Sidon
The cedars of Lebanon – Tannourine Cedars Reserve Video
St Anthony’s Monastery in Qozhaya in Lebanon
This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
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Rachel
Thursday 13th of May 2010
What's it like for women traveling in Lebanon? Western women often say there's difficulty in traveling around the Middle East. Did you find that to be the case?
I'd love to feature one of your posts on Pink Pangea (www.PinkPangea.com), a travel site specifically geared towards women travelers. Submit a photo of yourself in one of the great places in Lebanon or anywhere else you've traveled and write a post about your experiences. You might also want to provide some tips for other women travelers to that country. We will be sure to link back to your site.
Looking forward to hearing from you, Rachel [email protected] .-= Rachel´s last blog ..Becoming a Man in China =-.
The ruins of an ancient town at Byblos in Lebanon | Heather on her travels
Sunday 9th of May 2010
[...] Road Block etiquette in Lebanon Wine tasting stop at Chateau Ksara – in Lebanon A lacklustre lunch at Pepe’s Byblos Fishing Club – in Lebanon [...]
Barbara at Hole in the Donut Travels
Monday 3rd of May 2010
Hi Heather I'm finding very much the same thing here in Mexico. I was even patted down before being allowed to board a bus in Mexico City. But I take it as a safety protection, rather than an alarm. Good tips!
Wanderluster
Saturday 1st of May 2010
This is a great reminder how fortunate we are in the U.s. - despite the PIA nature of security at the airport. At least we don't have to deal with checkpoints.
Sherry Ott
Saturday 1st of May 2010
It sounds a bit like Egypt! You could only travel with a secure caravan in Egypt which I really disliked. But - you had to abide by the rules!