Lebanon

All travelers entering Lebanon must have a valid passport. Here is a guide to Lebanon’s visa policies:

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of the following countries can enter Lebanon without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival for short stays (up to 30 days):

• Jordan
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• Kuwait
• Bahrain
• Qatar
• European Union countries
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand

Visa on Arrival

Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport or other entry points. The visa is typically valid for one month and can be extended up to three months.

Visa Required

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival must apply for a visa in advance at a Lebanese embassy or consulate. A valid passport with at least six months of validity is required.

Note: Always check the latest entry requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip, as visa regulations may change.

Lebanon generally requires all travelers to present a valid passport upon entry. However, citizens of some neighboring Arab countries, such as Jordan, can enter Lebanon using a national ID card under certain conditions. For most other travelers, a passport is required.

Toll Roads in Lebanon

Lebanon does not have an official toll road system or vignettes for road use. However, some highways, especially those around Beirut, may require a fee for parking or access to certain infrastructure like tunnels or bridges.

Driving Tips in Lebanon:

• Right-Hand Driving: In Lebanon, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Seat Belts: Wearing seat belts is mandatory for the driver and front-seat passengers.
• Speed Limits: Urban areas: 50 km/h, highways: 100 km/h.
• Road Conditions: Road conditions vary; highways and urban areas are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be in poor condition with limited signage.

Weather in Lebanon

Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Due to its diverse geography, weather conditions vary significantly between coastal areas and mountainous regions.

Summer (June to September)

Summers are hot and dry, with coastal temperatures averaging 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C). Inland and in the mountains, it is cooler, especially at night.

Winter (December to February)

Winters are mild along the coast, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 64°F (10°C to 18°C). In the mountains, winter brings snow, making it a popular destination for skiing.

Spring and Autumn

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) offer mild temperatures and are considered the best times to visit Lebanon, especially for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit Lebanon due to the pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Summer Travel: Coastal areas can be quite hot in summer, so head to the mountains for cooler temperatures.
• Winter Travel: If traveling in winter, pack for cold weather if you plan to visit the mountainous regions or go skiing.

Currency in Lebanon

The official currency of Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), symbolized as ل.ل or L£. The US dollar (USD) is also widely accepted.

Banknotes and Coins

Lebanese banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 LBP. Coins are less commonly used.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services are available in major cities and tourist areas. ATMs are widely available, and most allow withdrawals in both LBP and USD.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are accepted in urban areas, restaurants, and shopping centers. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas or smaller towns.

Travel Tips

• Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid issues with card transactions in Lebanon.
• Currency Fluctuations: The exchange rate between the Lebanese pound and the US dollar can fluctuate, so be aware of the current rates when exchanging money.
• Small Change: It’s useful to carry small amounts of local currency, as smaller businesses may not accept cards or large bills.