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LebanonTravel guide

Explore Lebanon visa rulesCommon scams in Lebanon

Lebanon is a Mediterranean country with historic sites, mountains, beaches and a rich food culture. Military strikes linked to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict have disrupted travel and affected civilian sites, including airports and tourist attractions; avoid travel where possible.

Why go

  1. Roman ruins at Baalbeck and Tyre.

  2. Limestone caves and rock formations at Jeita Grotto.

  3. Historic Byblos and its seaside restaurants.

  4. Mountain scenery, monasteries and caves in Qadisha Valley.

  5. Lebanese food and wines from the Bekaa Valley.

Best time to go: Spring and autumn have fewer crowds and less humidity than summer, though there is more rain. June to August is usually dry, but the coast can be very hot and humid; check official safety advice before planning travel.

Getting there

By air

  • Beirut International Airport is 5 km south of central Beirut.
  • Middle East Airlines and foreign airlines serve Beirut from cities in the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
  • Military strikes have disrupted flights and restricted airspace in the region. Check with your airline and official government authorities before travelling.

By land

  • Buses leave Damascus every hour, with journeys normally taking 4–5 hours depending on border traffic.
  • Leaving Syria involves an exit fee. The source says payment for a Lebanese visa at this border is accepted only in Lebanese pounds.
  • Money changers operate at the border.

By sea

  • MedStar runs a twice-weekly passenger ferry from Tasucu, near Mersin in Turkey, to Tripoli.
  • Other sea arrivals include cruise ships, freighters and private yachts.

Customs

  • The source states that entry is refused to Israeli citizens and people with evidence of visits to Israel, such as passport stamps or visas.
  • The source also states that carrying products made in Israel or with Hebrew labels can lead to refusal of entry.

Getting around

  • Car

    A car is a quick way to cover this small country, but road conditions and driving can be dangerous. Watch for large potholes and narrow mountain roads carrying traffic in both directions. Street names are often missing. Traffic can cause long delays, especially around Beirut and Tripoli. Travel times also depend on security conditions. Car hire is relatively expensive, though negotiation may help. Fuel prices are strongly affected by inflation. Drive on the right.

  • Bus

    Buses between cities are available and cheap. Most buses heading north leave from Charles Helou Station, east of central Beirut. Most buses heading south or southeast leave from Cola, an intersection beside the Cola bridge. These include services towards Baalbek and Damascus.

  • Train

    Lebanon has no passenger train service.

What to see and do

  • Downtown Beirut

    Explore the city centre and the outdoor cafes around Place de l'Etoile.

  • Baalbeck Roman Temples

    See some of the largest Roman ruins.

  • Al Bass Archaeological Site, Tyre

    This World Heritage site has ancient burial grounds, a monumental arch, a Roman road and a large Roman horse-racing arena.

  • Jeita Grotto

    Two limestone caves contain striking rock formations and an underground river, 20 km north of Beirut.

  • Beiteddine Palace

    This historic palace has two large courtyards, royal apartments and a central fountain.

  • Qadisha Valley

    This World Heritage valley in northern Lebanon contains caves, chapels and monasteries.

Food and drink

  • Mezza

    A spread of small dishes, including tabouleh, fattoush, stuffed vine leaves and dips such as hommos and moutabal.

  • Lebanese barbecue

    Try shish tawouq, grilled chicken often served with garlic, or lahm mashwiye, grilled meat. Kafta is seasoned minced meat cooked on the grill.

  • Shawarma

    A roadside sandwich made with meat rolled in thin Lebanese bread.

  • Manaeesh

    A common breakfast bread resembling folded pizza. Toppings include cheese, minced meat or zaatar, a mixture of thyme, olive oil and sesame seeds.

  • Knefeh

    Breaded cheese with thick syrup, served in sesame bread. It is eaten for breakfast or dessert.

  • Arabic sweets

    Lebanon is known for its sweets, with Tripoli especially famous for them.

Money

Lebanese pound, also called the Lebanese lira; currency code LBP, often written LL.

  • Plan to pay in cash. Bank cards may not work in shops, restaurants, hospitals or cash machines.
  • Lebanese pounds and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. You may pay in dollars and receive change in pounds.
  • Check your change carefully to avoid being short-changed.
  • The source says cash exchanged at money shops gets the best rate. Exchange rates fluctuate widely.

Typical costs

  • The source lists hotel prices from US$10 per night to many hundreds of dollars, with large differences in quality.
  • Buses between cities are described as cheap, but no fares are given.
  • Car hire is described as relatively expensive, and fuel is not cheap.

Language

  • Arabic is the official language, and Lebanese Arabic is used in everyday conversation.
  • French is widely spoken, especially among older people.
  • English is widely spoken by younger people, particularly in major cities such as Beirut.
  • Street and place signs use Arabic and French.

Staying safe

  • Avoid travel where possible because of military strikes. Airports and tourist attractions may be targeted, and transport can be disrupted.
  • Check official government travel warnings and keep in touch with your airline.
  • Avoid areas close to the borders with Israel and Syria, and avoid Palestinian and Syrian refugee camps.
  • Avoid Arsal in northern Bekaa because of kidnapping risks and possible armed group activity.
2 common scams in Lebanon, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Respect Lebanon's different religious communities.
  • Wear modest clothing at churches, mosques and other religious sites.
  • Dress modestly in rural towns and villages and in more conservative parts of Beirut.
  • Women are advised to dress conservatively in Tripoli's old city and in traditional markets.

Don't

  • Do not go topless on public or private beaches.
  • Do not assume every neighbourhood has the same attitudes to clothing.
  • Do not join political criticism of Hezbollah or Iran in southern Lebanon, even if local people express it.

Staying healthy

  • Get travel insurance before departure. Hospitals can be very expensive and may require cash payment in advance without insurance.
  • Drink bottled water rather than tap water.
  • Lebanon has professional private healthcare, with many major hospitals in Beirut.
  • American University Hospital in Hamra can be reached on +961-1-344704. Rafic Hariri University Hospital in Bir Hassan can be reached on +961-1-830000.

Phone and internet

  • Touch and Alfa are Lebanon's two mobile internet providers. Both offer ordinary mobile lines and data plans.
  • Touch's Visitor Line includes a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, 10 gigabytes of data, 100 call minutes and 100 text messages for 14 days. The source lists an initial price of US$19.
  • The source says the Touch visitor plan can be renewed with a US$15 recharge card by texting “VB” to 1100.
  • Alfa has no special tourist plan in the source, but visitors can get a normal line and data plan.

Where to stay

  • Hotels range from basic rooms to expensive luxury stays, with large differences in quality.
  • Luxury hotels can be found in Beirut, coastal cities and around Baalbek. The source says these are generally the places with 24-hour electricity.
  • Small family-run hotels and boutique hotels offer cheaper stays. Expect possible electricity and wireless internet outages lasting many hours.
  • Furnished apartments and all-suite hotels can save money on longer stays. They may include cleaning and other services.

Outdoor adventures in Lebanon

Lebanon has limestone caves, mountain valleys, Mediterranean beaches and wreck diving. Summers are usually dry, while mountain snow supports skiing in winter. Military strikes have affected travel and tourist sites; avoid travel where possible and check official government advice and airline updates.

  • Jeita Grotto

    CaveNahr al-Kalb Valleynear Beirut

    Visit the grotto in the Nahr al-Kalb Valley, 20 km north of Beirut.

  • Qadisha Valley

    More to doNorth Lebanonnear Bcharreh

    Visit the valley, which stretches from Bcharreh towards the coast.

  • Ramlet Al-Baida

    BeacheBeirutnear Beirut

    Visit this public sandy beach in Beirut to watch the waves and sunset.

    • Trash, pollution and possible sewage releases affect the water.
    • The beach has pounding waves.

  • Beirut Corniche

    CyclingBeirutnear Beirut

    Start about an hour before sunset.

    Start at Beirut marina downtown. Follow Paris Avenue and General De Gaulle Avenue towards Pigeon Rocks in Rawcheh.

  • Le Souffleur wreck

    Scuba divingBeirut diving areanear Beirut

    Contact a Beirut dive centre, such as Calypso Beirut Diving Club at the Movenpick Hotel in Raouche, to ask about visiting the wreck.

  • Alice B wreck

    Scuba divingBeirut diving areanear Beirut

    Contact a Beirut dive centre, such as NISD at Solidere Beirut Marina, to ask about visiting the wreck.

  • Macedonia wreck

    Scuba divingBeirut diving areanear Beirut

    Contact a Beirut dive centre, such as Lebanon Divers on Saide Street in Ashrafieh, to ask about visiting the wreck.

  • National Star wreck

    Scuba divingBeirut diving areanear Beirut

    Contact a Beirut dive centre, such as Calypso Beirut Diving Club at the Movenpick Hotel in Raouche, to ask about visiting the wreck.

  • HMS Victoria wreck

    Scuba diving

    Contact a Beirut dive centre, such as NISD at Solidere Beirut Marina, to ask about access to this wreck.

  • British Lesbian wreck

    Scuba diving

    Contact a Beirut dive centre, such as Lebanon Divers on Saide Street in Ashrafieh, to ask about access to this wreck.

  • Lake Qaraoun boat trips

    More to doBeqaa Valley

    Late spring and summer

    Visit Lake Qaraoun and take a boat operating for lake viewing.

  • Jezzine waterfall

    More to donear Jezzine

    Easy

    Visit the waterfall at the cliff in Jezzine's city centre. Both its top and bottom are easily accessible.

  • Saint George Yacht Club

    BeacheAin El Mreisseh, Beirutnear Beirut

    Visit the beach club in Ain El Mreisseh. Non-member day access is listed.

    • Cost: US$20 per day for non-members

  • Riviera Beach and Yacht Club

    BeacheBeirutnear Beirut

    Visit the beach club at the Riviera Hotel. Non-member day access is listed.

    • Cost: US$20 per day for non-members

  • Long Beach Club

    BeacheBeirut Cornichenear Beirut

    Find the entrance just left of the Ferris wheel on the Corniche, before the hill.

Airports, metros and trains in Lebanon

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BEYBeirut Rafic Hariri International AirportBeirutMain international airport

People and safety in Lebanon

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mixed.

  • Muslim55%
  • Christian47%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal in law, risky in places

  • The law allows up to 1 years in prison.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #141 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

44% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 99 of 198 countries can visit Lebanon easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required7
  • Visa on arrival92
  • Visa required98
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe42 of 46 countries
  • Asia27 of 49 countries
  • Americas18 of 35 countries
  • Oceania3 of 14 countries
  • Africa9 of 54 countries

Questions

Is it safe to travel to Lebanon?

The source warns of military strikes, disrupted travel and attacks affecting civilian sites. Avoid travel where possible and check official government safety advice.

When is the most comfortable season to visit?

Spring and autumn have less humidity and fewer crowds than summer, though there is more rain. Summer is usually dry, but the coast can be very hot and humid.

Can I rely on a bank card?

No. The source says cards and cash machines may not work, so plan to pay in cash.

How can I travel between cities?

Cheap buses connect cities, and cars offer a quick way to cover the country. Roads can be dangerous and traffic delays can be long; there are no passenger trains.

Will I be able to use English?

English is widely spoken by younger people, especially in major cities. French is also widely spoken.

What can I try for breakfast?

Manaeesh is bread with toppings such as zaatar, cheese or minced meat. Knefeh is sweet cheese served with syrup in sesame bread.

Will my hotel have electricity all day?

The source says 24-hour electricity is generally found in luxury hotels. Cheaper hotels may have long electricity and wireless internet outages.

Can I drink tap water?

The source recommends bottled water rather than tap water.

What should I wear at religious sites?

Wear modest clothing at churches and mosques. Conservative dress is also recommended in rural areas, traditional markets and Tripoli's old city.

Can I get a local mobile connection?

Yes. Touch offers a tourist plan, while both Touch and Alfa offer ordinary mobile lines and data plans.

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