Destination:
Lebanon

Overview

Lebanon is a country immersed in history. Lying on the Mediterranean Sea, at the junction of Asia, Africa and Europe, Lebanon's cities and harbours were once major outposts in Phoenician and Roman times. The Békaa Valley, known in the 1st century BC as the 'granary of Rome', is still the country's main agricultural region - and one of the leading wine-producing areas in the world.

One of the highlights of visiting Lebanon and its cosmopolitan capital city Beirut is the constant reminder of the country's long-standing role in the history of the world. Evidence of Phoenician and Roman occupancy is best seen at the pre-Roman historic site of Baalbek, known as the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in the world; and in the coastal cities of Saida (Sidon) and Jbail (Byblos), where tourists have the rare opportunity to snorkel amongst submerged Phoenician ruins.

Lebanon has a remarkable natural landscape, especially when one considers how much desert surrounds it. There are four main geographical regions in Lebanon, that can easily be identified on a map. From west to east, there is the coastal plain; the Mount Lebanon Range; the Békaa Valley; and the Anti-Lebanon Range. Each region varies in topography and climate, and in what it can offer a visitor. However, because Lebanon is a small country (about the size of Cyprus), day trips to historic coastal towns and lovely mountain villages can easily be made from Beirut.

From 1975 until the early 1990s Lebanon endured a bloody civil war, which deeply scarred the country and its inhabitants, but which has resulted in some reconciliatory efforts towards rebuilding the nation, and a burgeoning atmosphere of open-mindedness and tolerance. These days, although it still features on consular warning lists, Lebanon remains a popular travel destination - and as long as travellers remain vigilant and aware of the socio-political situation at any given time, they should enjoy a safe and pleasant passage through the 'Land of the Cedars'.

The ancient cities, ski resorts, impressive architecture and striking landscapes of Lebanon are, however, just the tip of the iceberg. The country is also known for its wonderful food, internationally-renowned wineries, incredible shopping districts, red-hot nightlife and skilled artisans. Beirut, sometimes called the 'Paris of the Middle East', is a trendy and highly cosmopolitan city, where a variety of languages, nationalities and religions come together in perfect harmony. This melting pot of cultures is apparent in the colourful contrasts of the Mediterranean city, where modern life plays out in the midst of ancient buildings, where churches and mosques sit adjacent to one another, and where foreigners and locals mix easily in the dusky streets.

Basics

Time
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity
Electrical current is 110/220 volts, 50HZ. The European round two-pin plug is standard, as is the two-pin flat blade plug, two-pin flat blade plug with 3rd round pin, two-pin round plug with male receptacle pin and the ‘Schuko' plug.

Language
Arabic is the official language. French and English are also spoken.

Health
Health risks for travellers to Lebanon are not excessive. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas. 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. Typhoid cases are reported in Lebanon every year around rainy season as water levels rise and contaminated water from the sewers come to ground level. Medical facilities and healthcare in Lebanon are good. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment and treatment can be very expensive.

Tipping
Tipping is customary in Lebanon. Porters, waiters, hotel staff, guides and doormen usually receive a 10-15% tip.

Safety
Although Lebanon still features on consular warning lists, it also remains a popular and largely safe travel destination. Situated in a volatile region of the world, travellers are strongly advised to remain vigilant at all times in Lebanon, and to avoid the areas surrounding the Israeli border. Any travel south of the Litani River is discouraged. 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.

Customs
A large proportion of the population in Lebanon is Muslim so modest standards of dress and behaviour should be exercised. In certain areas, public displays of affection may cause offence and during Ramadan eating, drinking or smoking in public places between the hours of sunrise and sunset are frowned upon as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious offences in Lebanon and carry custodial sentences, and homosexuality is considered a criminal offence. Overstaying without the proper authority is also considered to be a serious offence. Photographing military personnel or installations and government buildings may lead to confiscation of photographic equipment, and possibly even imprisonment.

Business
Business attire in Lebanon is formal, usually a jacket and tie. Business cards are widely distributed and English is spoken by many local business people. General office hours are Monday to Saturday, but some Muslim businesses may be closed on Fridays.

Communications
The international dialling code for Lebanon is +961. The outgoing code is 00 (except for Syria, which is 02), followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Beirut area, (0)6 for North Lebanon and (0)7 for South Lebanon. Internet cafés are widespread in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut and major cities. Internet services are also provided outside traditional Internet cafes, e.g. Star Bucks in Beirut provides a wireless Internet connection. There is good mobile phone coverage and many networks have international roaming agreements.

Duty Free
Duty free allowances for travellers to Lebanon are 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars or 200g of tobacco, 2 bottles of liquor, and perfume for personal use. All currency should be declared on arrival, and a valid import licence is required for any arms or ammunition.

Currency

The official currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), which is divided into 100 Piastres. The Lebanese Pound is locally known as the 'Lira'. 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 and travellers checks in US dollars are accepted at major exchange offices.

LBP 1 =

US$ 0.06

£ 0.04

C$ 0.07

A$ 0.06

R 0.55

EUR 0.05

NZ$ 0.08

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
Health risks for travellers to Lebanon are not excessive. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas. 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. Typhoid cases are reported in Lebanon every year around rainy season as water levels rise and contaminated water from the sewers come to ground level. Medical facilities and healthcare in Lebanon are good. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment and treatment can be very expensive.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Lebanon, provided that: (i) they are holding confirmed return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination; and (ii) they can supply a valid address and telephone number for themselves while in Lebanon. These tourist visas are either free (for stays of up to one month), or cost between LBP 50,000 and LBP 100,000 (for stays of up to three months). Note that 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. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Lebanon, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Lebanon Tourism
The National Council of Tourism, Beirut: +961 (0)1 340 940 or www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb

Foreign Embassies in Lebanon

Lebanon Embassies

Regions and Cities

Beirut

The capital of Lebanon, Beirut is enjoying a growing revival of its reputation as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Middle East. The city has survived a tumultuous history, with the country's civil war nearly levelling it in the 1980s.

Since then however, citizens have worked hard to restore the city's image as the 'Paris of the Middle East'. Its diverse population includes more than 10 religious groups, and the majority have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to tourists.

The city's architecture is a blend of French colonial buildings and religious structures sprinkled between modern skyscrapers and apartment buildings. Beirut is divided into several districts, including Ashrafieh, which is the focal point of Western culture in the city; Hamra, home to an abundance of shops and restaurants; Manara and Jnah, which are home to hotels and beach clubs; and Ramlet el Baida, which features the city's only public (and sandy) beach.