Discover the Vibrant Culture and History of Lebanon
Once occupied by Rome and Phoenicia, Lebanon is historically a melting pot of major civilisations. Today, it is home to some of the largest and best-preserved Roman sites in the world and offers tourists the rare opportunity to snorkel among submerged Phoenician ruins in the coastal cities of Sidon and Byblos. The pre-Roman site of Baalbek is perhaps the best place to see the region’s intriguing past.
Sometimes called ‘Paris of the Middle East’, the capital Beirut is a trendy cosmopolitan city where a variety of languages, nationalities and religions transcend social barriers. Ironically, it suffered twin suicide bombings a day before the Paris attacks in November 2015.
The highlight of any visit to the Mediterranean country is the constant reminder of its role in world history, its location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe making it part of a global network of trade ports during Roman times. The Beqaa Valley is one of the leading wine-producing areas in the world and has been the country’s main agricultural region since the 1st century BC, when it was known as the ‘granary of Rome’.
Lebanon has a remarkable natural landscape, especially when considering how much desert surrounds it. Each region varies in climate and topography, though the country’s small size means travellers can pack their itinerary with daytrips to historic coastal towns and lovely mountain villages from Beirut.
Lebanon’s bloody civil war ran from 1975 to the early 1990s and deeply scarred the country. The Lebanese people have tried to rebuild since then and an atmosphere of tolerance and open-mindedness has been the reward. Visitors can certainly enjoy safe and pleasant stays in this popular destination, though they should be aware of the socio-political situation at any given time as Lebanon still appears on consular warning lists.
Ski resorts, ancient cities, striking landscapes, gorgeous buildings, wonderful food, internationally renowned wineries, incredible shopping districts, red-hot nightlife and skilled artisans are all on offer in Lebanon.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Arabic is the official language, though Lebanese Arabic is its own dialect, often a patois including at least one other language. French and English are the most common European languages and most people are bilingual.
- Passport/Visa:
Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Beruit (BEY), Lebanon, provided that they are holding confirmed return or onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. and they can supply a valid address and telephone number for themselves while in Lebanon. Holders of passports containing a visa for Israel (whether valid or expired, used or unused), or containing any Israeli stamps or endorsements, will not be allowed to enter Lebanon. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), which is divided into 100 piastres; the Lebanese Pound is locally known as the Lira. US dollars are accpeted throughout the country. ATM machines are widely available in Lebanon except in isolated towns and cash can be withdrawn from banks during business hours. Credits cards are widely used.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. The European round two-pin plug is standard (type C), but a variety of other plugs are used.
Overview
Despite the years of civil war and corrupt government, intrepid travellers will discover that there is plenty to see and do in Lebanon, from the beaches and restaurants of Beirut, to magnificent mountain vistas, and the Roman ruins of Baalbek and Al Baas.
Climate in Lebanon
Lebanon has three different climate zones: the coastal strip, the mountains, and the Beqaa Valley. Coastal areas experience a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Mountainous regions have typical alpine climates and are cool in the summer and cold with heavy snowfalls in the winter. The Beqaa Valley has hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters with snow, frost and cold winds.
The sun shines for an average of 300 days a year and the average temperature in Beirut is 70°F (21°C), with a range of 50°F (10°C) in winter to 86°F (30°C) in summer. Coastal regions can climb to over 95°F (35°C).
Health Notes when travelling to Lebanon
Health risks for travellers to Lebanon are not excessive. Update routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, chickenpox vaccine, and polio vaccine, as well as flu shots. There is no risk of yellow fever, and proof of vaccination is not required to enter the country; everyone 12 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting. Typhoid vaccinations are recommended to all travellers, with the exception of those who intend to stay in Lebanon for only a short period and take their meals in major restaurants and hotels. This is especially applicable around the rainy season, when contaminated water may filter into the cities. Medical facilities and healthcare in Lebanon are good but expensive and all payments are expected in cash, regardless of insurance. Visitors should make sure their medical insurance covers any possible expenses, and they should consider provision for medical evacuation.
Safety Notes when travelling to Lebanon
Safety warnings change regularly and Lebanon is unpredictable at best, featuring on numerous consular warning lists. Vigilance is essential, as family, neighbourhood, and factional violence is spontaneous, sporadic, and often lethal. Certain areas must be completely avoided, particularly at the Syrian and Israeli border. Any travel south of the Litani River is discouraged. Politically or economically motivated kidnappings occur, and other crimes, such as burglary, petty theft, vehicle theft, and break-ins, are present in Lebanon, but are low by international standards. Visitors should be streetwise and exercise normal precautions otherwise.
Customs in Lebanon
Lebanon is a religious country where Islam and Christianity having the two largest followings. Though more liberal than surrounding destinations, visitors are still expected to dress and behaviour modestly at religious sites and during religious holidays such as Ramadan.
Cosmopolitan areas in places such as Beirut are far more liberal than the rest of the country and wider region, meaning travellers can relax and express themselves in more ways. Possession, use, and trafficking of controlled drugs are serious offences that carry custodial sentences. Most jurisdictions consider homosexuality a criminal office.
Overstaying without the proper authority is also a serious offence. Photographing military personnel or installations and government buildings may lead to confiscation of photographic equipment and possibly imprisonment.
Duty Free in Lebanon
Duty free allowances for travellers to Lebanon over 18 are 800 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 1kg of tobacco, two litres of spirits and four of other alcoholic beverages, and perfume for personal use. All currencies in any form can be brought in without restrictions, though gold coins must be declared. A valid import licence is required for any arms or ammunition.
Doing Business in Lebanon
Many businesspeople speak English but an interpreter may be needed. Work attire is conservative and local business customs may at times take precedence in an increasingly Westernised business environment, especially for smaller companies.
Business people consider it rude to negotiate without chatting over tea first. Direct eye contact, physical closeness and friendliness are important points for gaining confidence in a business meeting.
Cross-gender negotiations are more reserved and don’t usually include physical greetings. Gift giving is common and it’s worth asking a legal consultant to explain the legal boundaries of what could be considered a gift.
The working week runs from Monday to Saturday but some Muslim businesses may be closed on Fridays. Business cards are widely distributed.
Communication in Lebanon
The international dialling code for Lebanon is +961. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Hotels, cafes and restaurants offer WiFi in major cities; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Lebanon
Tipping is customary in Lebanon and service staff are usually tipped around 10 to 15 percent of the bill. Porters, hotel staff, valets, and doormen usually receive a nominal fee, depending on the area, service, and establishment.
Passport/Visa Note
Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Beruit (BEY), Lebanon, provided that they are holding confirmed return or onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. and they can supply a valid address and telephone number for themselves while in Lebanon. Holders of passports containing a visa for Israel (whether valid or expired, used or unused), or containing any Israeli stamps or endorsements, will not be allowed to enter Lebanon. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for a maximum stay of one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangements with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their entry date into Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangments with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for a maximum stay of one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangments with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for a maximum stay of one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangments with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for a maximum stay of one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangements with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon, and need a pre-arranged visa to enter Lebanon. When prearranged, they can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of six months.
Tourist Offices
The National Council of Tourism, Beirut: +961 0 1 343 073
Lebanon Embassies
- In the United States:
Lebanon Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 6300.
- In Canada:
Lebanon Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 5825.
- In the United Kingdom:
Lebanon Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 0 20 7229 7265.
- In Australia:
Lebanon Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6295 7378.
- In South Africa:
Lebanon Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 012 430 2130
Foreign Embassies in Lebanon
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Beirut: +961 4 543 600.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Beirut: +961 4 726 700.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Beirut: +961 0 1 960 800.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Beirut: +961 0 1 960 600.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for Lebanon): +202 27 287 100
- New Zealand Embassy
Embassy of New Zealand, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for Lebanon): +20 2 246 16000
- South African Embassy
South African Honorary Consulate, Beirut: +961 0 1 804 100.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
