Lebanon

Lebanon is a small Middle Eastern country on the eastern Mediterranean coast, bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south. Despite its compact size (about 10,450 km²), Lebanon offers diverse landscapes from Mediterranean beaches to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Lebanon and the fertile Bekaa Valley.

The country serves as a regional cultural and commercial center with a rich history spanning Phoenician, Roman, Ottoman, and French periods. Beirut, the capital, was historically known as the "Paris of the Middle East" for its cosmopolitan character. Lebanon attracts visitors for its ancient ruins (Baalbek, Byblos, Tyre), Mediterranean cuisine, mountain resorts, and vibrant nightlife.

All international flights operate through Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), the country's sole commercial gateway. The national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) operates an extensive network connecting Lebanon to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Important: Check current travel advisories before planning a trip to Lebanon due to regional security considerations.

International Gateway

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
BEY	Beirut	Sole international airport	Middle East Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air France

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is Lebanon's only commercial airport, located approximately 9 km south of central Beirut in the Khalde area. Named after former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, the airport handles all passenger traffic to and from the country.

The airport features a modern terminal opened in 1998 with capacity for approximately 6 million passengers annually. Facilities include duty-free shopping, lounges, car rental services, and currency exchange. The airport operates 24 hours but with reduced overnight activity.

Ground Transportation:

• Taxi: Fixed-rate taxis to central Beirut (approximately $25-35 USD)
• Private transfer: Pre-arranged through hotels
• Car rental: Available from major international companies
• No public bus or metro connection to the city center

Domestic Airports

Lebanon has no scheduled domestic flights due to the country's small size. All domestic travel is done by road.

Flag Carrier

Middle East Airlines (ME) is Lebanon's flag carrier and a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Founded in 1945, it is one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East. MEA operates from its hub at Beirut, connecting Lebanon to approximately 30 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and West Africa.

Key MEA routes include:

• Europe: Paris, London, Frankfurt, Geneva, Brussels, Rome, Milan
• Middle East: Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Amman
• Africa: Lagos, Abidjan, Accra

International Airlines Serving Lebanon

Major foreign carriers with regular service to Beirut:

• Turkish Airlines — Multiple daily flights via Istanbul
• Emirates — Dubai connections
• Qatar Airways — Doha connections
• Air France — Paris CDG
• Lufthansa — Frankfurt
• Etihad — Abu Dhabi
• Royal Jordanian — Amman
• EgyptAir — Cairo
• Ethiopian Airlines — Addis Ababa connections

Visa on Arrival

Citizens of many countries receive a free visa on arrival valid for up to 1 month, extendable to 3 months. This includes travelers from:

• Europe: Most EU countries, UK, Switzerland
• Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand
• Gulf States: UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain

Advance Visa Required

Citizens of some countries must obtain a visa in advance from a Lebanese embassy or consulate. Check with the Lebanese General Security for current requirements.

Entry Restrictions

Important: Lebanon denies entry to travelers with evidence of travel to Israel, including:

• Israeli passport stamps
• Israeli visas
• Entry/exit stamps from Israeli land borders

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay
• At least one blank page for visa stamp

Official information: General Security of Lebanon

By Road

Given Lebanon's small size, driving is the primary means of transportation:

• Beirut to Byblos: 40 km, approximately 1 hour
• Beirut to Baalbek: 85 km, approximately 1.5-2 hours
• Beirut to Tripoli: 85 km, approximately 1.5 hours
• Beirut to Sidon (Saida): 45 km, approximately 1 hour
• Beirut to Tyre: 80 km, approximately 1.5 hours

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

• Service taxis (shared taxis): Follow fixed routes, affordable
• Private taxis: Negotiate fare before departure or use meter
• Uber: Operates in Beirut and surrounding areas
• Careem: Regional ride-hailing app, widely used

Car Rental

Available at Beirut airport and city locations. Consider:

• Traffic in Beirut can be extremely congested
• Parking is limited in central areas
• Lebanese driving style can be aggressive
• International driving permit recommended

Buses

• LCC (Lebanese Commuting Company): Operates buses on major routes
• Shared minivans: Connect most towns, depart when full
• No formal bus stations in most areas

No Rail Service

Lebanon has no operational passenger rail network. Historic rail lines exist but are not in service.

Spring (March-May)

Best overall season. Pleasant temperatures (15-25°C), wildflowers in bloom, ideal for sightseeing and hiking. Easter period can be busy.

Summer (June-August)

Hot and humid on the coast (25-35°C). Peak season for:

• Beach resorts
• Mountain escapes (Faraya, Ehden, Cedars)
• Baalbek International Festival (July-August)

Autumn (September-November)

Good weather continues into October. Wine harvest season in Bekaa Valley. Fewer tourists than summer.

Winter (December-February)

Mild on the coast (10-15°C), snow in mountains. Ski season runs December-April at:

• Faraya-Mzaar — Largest ski resort
• The Cedars (Arz) — Historic resort near cedar forests
• Laklouk

Note: You can ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean in the afternoon during peak snow season.

Cities

City	Distance from BEY	Known For
Beirut	—	Capital, nightlife, dining, museums, Corniche
Byblos (Jbeil)	40 km	Ancient Phoenician city, UNESCO site, harbor
Tripoli	85 km	Old souks, Crusader castle, sweets
Sidon (Saida)	45 km	Sea Castle, old town, soap museum
Tyre (Sour)	80 km	Roman ruins, UNESCO site, beaches

Historical Sites

Site	Location	Highlights
Baalbek	Bekaa Valley	Roman temples, UNESCO World Heritage
Byblos	Coast	One of oldest continuously inhabited cities
Anjar	Bekaa Valley	Umayyad ruins, UNESCO site
Jeita Grotto	North of Beirut	Spectacular limestone caves

Natural Attractions

• Cedars of God (Arz el-Rab): Ancient cedar forest, UNESCO site
• Qadisha Valley: Dramatic gorge with monasteries, UNESCO site
• Bekaa Valley: Wine region with numerous wineries
• Faraya: Mountain resort for skiing and summer hiking

Money

• Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP, ل.ل)
• Critical: Lebanon has experienced severe currency devaluation since 2019. The parallel market rate differs significantly from the official rate.
• USD essential: US Dollars are widely accepted and often preferred. Bring cash USD for best rates.
• ATMs: May dispense LBP at unfavorable rates
• Credit cards: Accepted at major hotels and restaurants, often processed in USD
• Exchange: Use licensed exchange offices (sarrafs); avoid banks for currency exchange

Electrical

• Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
• Plug types: Multiple types in use (A, B, C, D, G) — bring a universal adapter
• Power cuts: Frequent electricity outages; hotels typically have generators
• Note: Outlets vary even within the same building

Connectivity

• Mobile carriers: Alfa (MTC), Touch
• SIM cards: Available at airport and shops; passport required
• Coverage: Good in urban areas, limited in remote mountains
• WiFi: Available at hotels, cafes, restaurants

Language

• Arabic: Official language (Lebanese dialect)
• French: Widely spoken, especially in business and education
• English: Common in Beirut and tourist areas
• Signage: Often trilingual (Arabic, French, English)

Safety

• Check travel advisories: Security situation can change; consult your government's travel warnings
• Regions to avoid: Southern border areas, some areas of Bekaa Valley, Palestinian refugee camps
• Beirut: Generally safe for tourists; exercise normal precautions
• Emergency: 112 (general), 140 (Red Cross ambulance)

Cultural Notes

• Hospitality: Lebanese are known for warmth and generosity
• Dress: Generally liberal in Beirut; more conservative dress in rural and religious areas
• Ramadan: Restaurants may have limited hours; respectful to avoid eating in public during fasting hours
• Alcohol: Widely available; Lebanon has a local wine and beer industry
• Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants if service not included

• Tourism: Destination Lebanon
• Visa Information: Lebanese General Security
• Flag Carrier: Middle East Airlines
• Beirut Airport: Beirut Airport
• Travel Advisories: Check your country's foreign ministry website