Lebanon

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. The European round two-pin plug is standard (type C), but a variety of other plugs are used.

Language

Arabic is the official language, though Lebanese Arabic is its own dialect, often a patois including at least one other language. French and English are the most common European languages and most people are bilingual.

Money

The official currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), which is divided into 100 piastres; the Lebanese Pound is locally known as the Lira. US dollars are accpeted throughout the country. ATM machines are widely available in Lebanon except in isolated towns and cash can be withdrawn from banks during business hours.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.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Lebanon and service staff are usually tipped around 10 to 15 percent of the bill. Porters, hotel staff, valets, and doormen usually receive a nominal fee, depending on the area, service, and establishment.

Health

Health risks for travellers to Lebanon are not excessive. Update routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, chickenpox vaccine, and polio vaccine, as well as flu shots. There is no risk of yellow fever, and proof of vaccination is not required to enter the country; everyone 12 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting. 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. This is especially applicable around the rainy season, when contaminated water may filter into the cities. Medical facilities and healthcare in Lebanon are good but expensive and all payments are expected in cash, regardless of insurance. Visitors should make sure their medical insurance covers any possible expenses, and they should consider provision for medical evacuation.

Safety

Safety warnings change regularly and Lebanon is unpredictable at best, featuring on numerous consular warning lists. Vigilance is essential, as family, neighbourhood, and factional violence is spontaneous, sporadic, and often lethal. Certain areas must be completely avoided, particularly at the Syrian and Israeli border. Any travel south of the Litani River is discouraged. Politically or economically motivated kidnappings occur, and other 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 otherwise.

Local customs

Lebanon is a religious country where Islam and Christianity having the two largest followings. Though more liberal than surrounding destinations, visitors are still expected to dress and behaviour modestly at religious sites and during religious holidays such as Ramadan.

Cosmopolitan areas in places such as Beirut are far more liberal than the rest of the country and wider region, meaning travellers can relax and express themselves in more ways. Possession, use, and trafficking of controlled drugs are serious offences that carry custodial sentences. Most jurisdictions consider homosexuality a criminal office.

Overstaying without the proper authority is also a serious offence. Photographing military personnel or installations and government buildings may lead to confiscation of photographic equipment and possibly imprisonment.

Doing business

Many businesspeople speak English but an interpreter may be needed. Work attire is conservative and local business customs may at times take precedence in an increasingly Westernised business environment, especially for smaller companies.

Business people consider it rude to negotiate without chatting over tea first. Direct eye contact, physical closeness and friendliness are important points for gaining confidence in a business meeting.

Cross-gender negotiations are more reserved and don't usually include physical greetings. Gift giving is common and it's worth asking a legal consultant to explain the legal boundaries of what could be considered a gift.

The working week runs from Monday to Saturday but some Muslim businesses may be closed on Fridays. Business cards are widely distributed.

Duty free

Duty free allowances for travellers to Lebanon over 18 are 800 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 1kg of tobacco, two litres of spirits and four of other alcoholic beverages, and perfume for personal use. All currencies in any form can be brought in without restrictions, though gold coins must be declared. A valid import licence is required for any arms or ammunition.

Communications

The international dialling code for Lebanon is +961. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Hotels, cafes and restaurants offer WiFi in major cities; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Passport & Visa

Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Beruit (BEY), Lebanon, provided that they are holding confirmed return or onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. and they can supply a valid address and telephone number for themselves while in Lebanon. 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. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required.

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their entry date into Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangments with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for a maximum stay of one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangements with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for a maximum stay of one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangments with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon, and need a pre-arranged visa to enter Lebanon. When prearranged, they can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of six months.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for a maximum stay of one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangments with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least one month beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required for all travellers and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport for a maximum stay of one month. However, some visas do require prior arrangements with the Lebanese government to ensure longer stays.

Useful contacts

The National Council of Tourism, Beirut: +961 0 1 343 073

140 (Ambulance), 175 (Fire), and 112 (Police)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Lebanon Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 6300.

Lebanon Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 0 20 7229 7265.

Lebanon Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 5825.

Lebanon Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6295 7378.

Lebanon Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 012 430 2130

Embassies / consulates in Lebanon

United States Embassy, Beirut: +961 4 543 600.

British Embassy, Beirut: +961 0 1 960 800.

Canadian Embassy, Beirut: +961 4 726 700.

Australian Embassy, Beirut: +961 0 1 960 600.

South African Honorary Consulate, Beirut: +961 0 1 804 100.

Irish Embassy, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for Lebanon): +202 27 287 100

Embassy of New Zealand, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for Lebanon): +20 2 246 16000