Hello Everyone,

I am going to Beirut January 5th 2007, until January 10th. I will then leave by taxi to Damascus, Syria on the 10th.
I have a brand new digital camera and would like to get some use from it. I am ignorant about laws taking pictures in Beirut/Syria. Does anyone have advice on using my digital camera?
Is it ok to walk around Beirut and take pictures? Will the Syrian officials confiscate my camera at the border?

Thanks.

Your camera shouldn't be confiscated, however some caution would be advisable around government military buildings, especially in Syria.

In Lebanon you can be more comfortable taking pics as you go along. In Syria, with the more conservative folks, they may not be too happy if you poke a camera in their direction. Having said that, I think most people won't be happy wherever you are in the world.

All the best.

As with all Middle Eastern countries, avoid taking snaps of anything military or strategic including some infrastructure. If you want to take a picture in the vicinity of anything military, it's best to ask the nearest guard - the Lebanese Military are far more courteous and professional than their Syrian counterparts. Muslim women may be offended if you take pictures of them without their permission, particularly in the more conservative areas.

It is fine to walk around Beirut and take pictures. There's plenty to take pictures of.

i used my cameras in both countrys without any problems. As already mentioned, dont make any pictures of sensible spots such as checkpoints, bridges, police etc..

the photography is the one reason why i love lebanon... all i'll say is, if you're going to take a photo of someone ask beforehand... as said before don't take anything military...

syria be a little more cautious but you should be fine... just don't be using a 300mm lens because people get suspicious lol