- Destinations
- Middle East
- Lebanon
Lebanon
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.
Information & Facts
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.
Climate
Lebanon has three different climate zones, the coastal strip,
the mountains and the Bekaa Valley. The coastal area of Lebanon
experiences a truly Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and
mild, rainy winters. The mountains mimic an alpine climate and are
cool in the summer and receive snow in the winter. The Bekaa Valley
has hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters with snow, frost and
cold winds. Lebanon experiences an average of 300 days of sunshine
a year, the average annual temperature in Beirut being 70°F (21°C),
with a range from 55°F (13°C) in winter to 82°F (28°C) in
summer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Language
Arabic is the official language. French and English are
also spoken.
Money
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.
Passport Visa
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.
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.
Time
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to
the last Sunday in October).
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Lebanon. Porters, waiters, hotel staff,
guides and doormen usually receive a 10-15% tip.