More Than Just Cheap Flights.

Lebanon Information

Overview

Lebanon’s diverse patchwork of Mediterranean-lapped coast, rugged alpine peaks and green, fertile valleys is packed into a parcel of land some 225km (140 miles) long and 46km (29 miles) wide.

Once known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Beirut commands a magnificent position, thrust into the Mediterranean. Behind the city are towering mountains, visible when the traffic haze settles down. The Corniche seafront boasts beaches, restaurants, theatres and a dazzling variety of shops and restaurants.

Beirut suffered greatly from Lebanon’s 16-year civil war, but following an impressive and ongoing process of reconstruction, the city was poised to become one of the most popular tourist and business destinations in the Middle East before the Israeli attacks of 2006.

Outside of the capital, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites await, many of which reflect the country’s various ancient civilizations. Phoenician tombs, Roman temples, Crusader castles and Mamlouk mosques can be found in the cities and ruins of Baalbeck, Byblos and Tyre. The town of Aanjar in the Bekaa Valley contains an Umayyad site from the 8th century - a unique historical example of a commercial centre that was inland. Within the mountainous interior of the Kadisha Valley, ancient monasteries and churches can be seen, including a chapel built into the rock face.

Top Things To See

See the neo-Ottoman campus of the American University of Beirut in Hamra, which was founded in 1868 (website: www.aub.edu.lb). Achrafieh, in East Beirut, is the other centre and home to the Université St Joseph and an increasing number of smart shops and expensive restaurants.

Witness the spectacular number of modern buildings and office blocks springing up in Beirut’s Central District.

Capture the old Beirut in the city’s old souks (covered markets) that are being reconstructed in an authentic way. The Turkish bath at Al-Nouzha provides another glimpse of antiquity, whilst the Beirut National Museum is constantly updating its interesting collection (website: www.beirutnationalmuseum.com).

See the Pigeon Rocks in Raouche, an increasingly popular district with a lively seaside promenade on the western tip of Beirut. The huge formations stand like sentinels off the coast.

View the provincial charm of Lebanon’s second and most Arabian city of Tripoli (website: http://tripoli-city.org). Its old medieval centre at the foot of the Crusader castle has many mosques, including the Al-Muallaq Burtasiyat Madrassa, Al-Qartâwiyat Madrassa, Great Mosque and Taynâl.

Spot the green turtles and rare birds on the Island of Palm Trees, listed by UNESCO as a nature reserve, just off Tripoli.

Behold Byblos, reputed to be the oldest town in the world (website: http://whc.unesco.org). Excavations have unearthed artefacts dating back to Neolithic times as well as from Canaanite, Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman and Crusader periods. Fishing boats and pleasure craft ply the old harbour.

Glimpse the sea castle built of stone from Roman remains in the small port city of Sidon. See one of the best-preserved temple areas of the Roman world that is still in existence in Baalbek, near the Syrian border. The columns of the Temple of Jupiter soar behind the complex of several temples.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Visit the spectacular Jeita caverns, around 20km (13 miles) north of Beirut. On two levels, the lower gallery includes an underground waterway which can be visited by boat.

Shop at the old souks (covered markets) in Tripoli, a town famous for its sweets and traditional olive oil-based soap.

Enjoy delicious Lebanese food in the port area of Al Mina, where many seafood restaurants and fish markets can be found.

Go scuba-diving and snorkelling in the waters near the ancient city of Tyre. Divers can explore some interesting underwater archaelogical ruins.

Try out the watersports on offer, which include waterskiing and sailing. Swimming is also popular and many beaches have freshwater pools provided to supplement the sea.

Ski amidst a Mediterranean backdrop in Lebanon’s many mountain resorts, such as Bakish, The Cedars, Faqra, Faraya, Laklouk and Zarour, which offer excellent accommodation and facilities (website: www.skileb.com). Whilst there, explore these mountains and gorges. They present excellent terrain for hiking.

Visit the Gibran Museum in Besharre (website: www.kahlil.org/museum). Best known as the birthplace of the famous Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran, author of The Prophet, the town is also a gateway to the Kadisha Valley, a mountainous region famous for its many cedar trees.

Enjoy vibrant downtown Beirut (website: www.downtownbeirut.com), expensively refurbished following the civil war. The many arches and sidewalk cafes of Maarad Street lead into Place de l’Etoile, which has a 1930s art-deco clock tower. The Lebanese parliament, another example of Lebanese art-deco architecture, is nearby.

Discover the archaeological sites of Tyre (website: http://tyros.leb.net/tyre). Area one contains ruins of the large district of civic buildings, public baths and mosaic streets, whilst area two has an extensive network of Romano-Byzantine roads. Area three contains one of the largest Roman hippodromes ever found.

Visit the courtyard and state rooms of Beiteddine, in the Chouf Mountains, which is the site of the palace built by the Amir Basheer in the 19th century.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Lebanese cuisine is widely acknowledged to be the finest in the Middle East. The country’s gastronomic tradition is characterised by the use of an extremely wide variety of locally produced, and therefore extremely fresh, vegetables served in all forms and shapes with an abundance of fresh herbs (mostly coriander, parsley and mint). A meal is always concluded with a wide range of fresh fruit, including melon, apples, oranges, persimmon, tangerines, cactus fruit, grapes and figs, which are all grown locally. Excellent Lebanese food is available everywhere. Beirut also offers a large choice of international restaurants which offer dishes from all over the world.

Things to know: Alcohol is not prohibited.

National specialities:
• Kebbeh (lamb pounded to a fine paste, often rolled into balls and fried).
• Mezza, a range of up to 40 small dishes served as hors d’oeuvres with arak.
• Tabouli (salad made with cracked wheat, lemon, mint and tomatoes).
• Mtabbal (dip made with baked aubergines and garlic).
• Baklava (the Lebanese version of these Middle Eastern pastries uses pistachio nuts and rose-water syrup).

National drinks:
• Arak, a wine traditionally produced and aged for five to 10 years before being redistilled with anis seeds.
• Coffee is served strong, thick and heavily sweetened. It is often flavoured with cardamom.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: In hotels and restaurants, a tip of between 5 and 10% of the bill is expected.

Nightlife

Nightclubs spice up the evenings in Beirut and mountain resorts. Entertainment ranges from solo guitarists to orchestras and floor shows. Some British-style pubs can be found in Beirut. There are many cinemas presenting the latest films from all over the world. The internationally renowned Casino du Liban in Maameltain is equipped with lavish gambling halls, luxurious restaurants and a cabaret.

Shopping

Lebanon’s traditional souks (markets) are found all over the country offering decorative and precious handmade items at very low prices. Special purchases include traditional pottery and glassware, as well as cutlery made of tempered steel or copper with ram or buffalo bone handles shaped in the form of beautiful and colourful birds’ heads. Brass and copper goods include braziers, bowls, fluted jugs, ashtrays, swords and doorstops, all attractively designed and hand engraved. Cloth, silk and wool kaftans, abayas (embroidered nightwear) and table linen are popular, as are handworked gold and silver. Shops sell the latest Western goods including clothes, cosmetics, furniture and electrical appliances.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1800.

Climate

Lebanon has a typically Mediterranean climate. There are four seasons. Summer (June to September) is hot on the coast and cooler in the mountains. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. Winter (December to mid March) is mostly rainy, with snow in the mountains.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Orthodox Armenian Christmas. 
10 Jan Islamic New Year.
19 Jan Ashoura.
9 Feb Feast of St Maroun. 
20 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday). 
21 Mar Good Friday.
23 Mar Easter Sunday.
25 Apr Orthodox Good Friday. 
27 Apr Orthodox Easter.
1 May Labour Day.
6 May Martyrs’ Day.
13 May Resistance and Liberation Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Virgin.
2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
22 Nov Independence Day.
9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
29 Dec Islamic New Year.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Orthodox Armenian Christmas. 
7 Jan Ashoura.
9 Feb Feast of St Maroun. 
9 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday). 
10 Apr Good Friday.
12 Apr Easter Sunday.
17-20  Orthodox Easter.
1 May Labour Day.
6 May Martyrs’ Day. 
25 May Resistance and Liberation Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Virgin.
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
22 Nov Independence Day.
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Note

Muslim feasts are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No*

Health Care

Health insurance is essential. Lebanese hospitals are very modern and well equipped and many doctors are highly qualified. All doctors speak either English or French. The majority of hospitals in the region are private and require proof of the patient’s ability to pay the bill before providing treatment (even in emergency cases). Visitors who are not insured and require hospitalisation should contact their embassy for advice. Standards at Lebanon’s public hospitals are much lower. The two best hospitals in the country are the Hôtel Dieu in Achrafieh, Beirut, and the American University/AUB Hospital in Hamra, Beirut.

Note

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers from infected areas.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Lebanese Pound (LBP; symbol £) = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of £100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of £500, 250, 100 and 50.

Currency Exchange

There are a large number of banks in Beirut where international currencies can be exchanged. Numerous licensed exchange shops also operate and some hotels offer exchange services. US Dollars are best and do not need to be exchanged as they are accepted even in small shops.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

All major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in Beirut and larger cities.

Traveller's Cheques

Limited acceptance, as major banks only accept certain types of travellers cheques. Traveller’s cheques also require up to two weeks to clear and are therefore generally not recommended.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1600, Sat 0800-1300.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: Yes/1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: Yes/1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: Yes/1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: Yes/1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: Yes/1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Passports

Passport valid for six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except the following:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding onward or return documentation and not spending the night at, or leaving, the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

1. Nationals listed in the chart above except nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia who must obtain a visa prior to arrival, can obtain their visas on arrival at Beirut International Airport or any other port of entry at the Lebanese border, providing passport holders do not possess an Israeli stamp, and they hold return or onward tickets.
All visitors requiring a visa should contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy) before leaving for details about where to obtain their visa; see Contact Addresses.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Visitor one month: free (single-entry). Visitor three months: £50,000 (single-entry); £100,000 (multiple-entry). Transit (available at the border): up to 48 hours, free; 48 hours to 15 days, £25,000.

Validity

Visitor visas are generally issued for stays of up to three months.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses.

Working Days Required

Depends on nationality of applicant; please contact the embassy (see Contact Addresses) for the specific number of days required for processing applications.

Contact Addresses

Ministry of Tourism

550 rue de la Banque Centrale, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: (1) 746 256.
Website: www.destinationlebanon.gov.lb

Embassy of the Republic of Lebanon in the UK

21 Palace Gardens Mews, London W8 4RB, UK
Tel: (020) 7229 7265.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1530.

Embassy of the Republic of Lebanon in the USA

2560 28th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 939 6300.
Website: www.lebanonembassyus.org

Travel Advice

Warning

Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to Lebanon and against all travel south of the Litani River. There remains a serious risk from unexploded bombs remaining from the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel being accidentally detonated. There is also a risk of violence near the Israel/Lebanon border (the Blue Line).

Following the death of Hezbollah military commander Imad Mughniyah in Damascus on 12 February 2008, his funeral is planned for 14 February in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Since this coincides with a large planned demonstration to commemorate the third anniversary of the assassination of Rafik Hariri, there is a heightened risk of violent clashes in Beirut on that day.

Travellers are strongly advised to avoid all public demonstrations and large public gatherings as the situation can change quickly and dramatically. This is a particular risk due to the current political crisis surrounding the election of a new president. There have been sporadic clashes between opposing political groups and there remains the possibility of further violence.

All travel to Palestinian refugee camps is advised against, following fighting between the Lebanese Army and militants at the Nahr al-Barid Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli. The Lebanese Army announced on 2 September 2007 that it had taken control of the camp and that hostilities had ended. However, limited operations are continuing to ensure that the camp is secure and clear of unexploded munitions.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Lebanon. There is a risk that Western interests may also be targeted. Maintain a high level of vigilance in Beirut, and around the towns of Chtaura and Zhale. On 25 January 2008, a bomb attack in the Hazmieh area of east Beirut killed several people including Captain Wassim Eid of the Internal Security Force and injured several others. On 15 January 2008, a bomb in the Dora Karantina area of north Beirut killed and injured several people. Initial reports suggest that a US Embassy vehicle was the target of the attack. On 12 December 2007, a bomb exploded in Baabda, on the outskirts of Beirut, killing a senior Lebanese General, Francois al-Hajj, and a number of others, and injuring several civilian bystanders. Travellers should be aware that in the current tense political climate, places where members of the public and Lebanese officials congregate may be at increased risk of attack. In May, June and September 2007, there were a number of bomb attacks in and around Beirut, which killed several people. Militant groups are threatening further attacks across the country. Places where large numbers of people congregate may be particular targets.

Those in Lebanon should exercise extreme caution and keep abreast of the latest developments by listening to BBC and other English-language broadcasts, and heed local advice.

On 12 July 2006, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped on the border between Israel and Lebanon. This led to a major outbreak of violence, including major Israeli strikes across Lebanon in which buildings, roads and bridges have been destroyed and hundreds of people killed and thousands injured. Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on 14 August 2006. While this has largely been observed so far, the security situation remains uncertain, and there remains much unexploded ordnance in Southern Lebanon. Visitors should heed local advice in areas which have not been declared safe from unexploded ordnance.

Visitors should carry identity papers at all times and it is recommended that you register with your embassy.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel  

• Lebanon Overview
• Lebanon Things to See
• Lebanon Things to Do
• Lebanon Events
• Lebanon Climate
• Lebanon Public Holidays
• Lebanon Health
• Lebanon Currency
• Lebanon Passport & Visas
• Lebanon Contact Addresses
• Lebanon Travel Advice