Lebanon

Visa policy

Citizens of Turkey get a free 3-month visa that can only be renewed before one month passes since their entry. Citizens of Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Mauritania, the Comoros, Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote d'Ivoire get a free one-month tourist visa provided they have a return plane ticket, a hotel reservation/place of residence and US (the cash conditions can be waived if you get the visa from the Lebanese embassy beforehand).

The Lebanese currency is the Lebanese pound, which is most commonly known in Lebanon as the Lebanese lira. It is denoted by the symbol "ل.ل.‎, " or "LL" (ISO code: LBP). After the Lebanese Civil War ended, its value was kept stable relative to the US dollar for decades, at a value of LL1,500 to US$1, but has been in free fall since October 2019, resulting in a major economic crisis that has paralyzed the country. In February 2023, the pound was devalued by 90%.

Due to the relatively small size of the country, the best way to get around the country quickly is by car. A trip from Tyre to Beirut will easily take you 1½ hours, depending on traffic and security conditions. This is not to say that it's entirely safe — Lebanese roads are not in perfect condition and drivers aren't known for being very cautious. Still, travelling by car is your best bet.

The official and national language of Lebanon is Arabic. The local vernacular is Lebanese Arabic, which is closely related to the Arabic spoken in Syria, Jordan, among Israeli Arabs, and in Palestine.

Though many foreign visitors fear widespread violence and destruction upon arrival in Lebanon, since the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990 Lebanon has remained relatively peaceful. The vast majority of Lebanese are friendly, and most tourists experience no problems. Nevertheless tensions with neighbours Israel and Syria sometimes erupt (but are usually confined to South Lebanon) and therefore travellers should follow the independent press while in the country.

As a key destination for health tourism in the region, Lebanon has a professional and private healthcare system. Located mainly in Beirut, key hospitals include: It is extremely important that you get travel insurance prior to your departure to Lebanon. Hospitals in the country can be very expensive and, with the lack of insurance, cash payments may be expected beforehand.

In Lebanon, there are 2 mobile internet providers (Touch and Alfa). Touch: Advertised as the Visitor Line, Touch offers an exlusive plan for tourists including a SIM card containing 10GB of Mobile Internet, 100 minutes of talk and 100 SMS messages with a 14 days validity, with an initial price of 19$(This plan can be renewed by recharging a 15$ card on your account and sending an SMS with "VB" to 1100).

Lebanon is a country of many different religious sects, so it is wise to respect the religious differences of the Lebanese population. It is recommended to wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites (churches, mosques, etc.) and when visiting rural towns and villages. Sectarian attitudes, although widespread during the war, have largely decreased, especially in the wake of the recent financial crisis, which has seen large sectors of Lebanese society come together in unity. However it has not fully disappeared in areas such as the South.

Lebanon has a number of Christian and Islamic holidays. Holidays that are observed by the Lebanese Government are indicated in bold letters.