Lebanon Planning & Practical Guide

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Lebanon, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Israeli stamps or evidence of travel to Israel will prevent entry, so use caution with travel history documentation.

Always carry your passport as identification is required for many services, and photocopies may not suffice in all situations.

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many Arab countries can enter visa-free for up to one month, with options for extension. This policy applies to tourism, business, or transit purposes without prior application.

For stays over 30 days, register with local authorities or apply for a residence permit to avoid fines upon departure.

Visa Applications

If your nationality requires a visa in advance, apply through a Lebanese embassy or consulate abroad, submitting documents like a passport photo, invitation letter, proof of accommodation, and financial means (around $50/day). The fee is typically $20-50, and processing can take 5-15 days.

E-visas are available online via the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal for faster approval, especially for business travelers.

Border Crossings

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is the main entry point with efficient visa-on-arrival processing, but land borders with Syria may involve additional security checks due to regional stability. Sea arrivals via ports like Tripoli are less common but require advance coordination.

Expect questions about your itinerary and proof of onward travel; COVID-era health declarations may still apply in 2026 for certain nationalities.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended and sometimes required, covering medical evacuation (essential given Lebanon's variable healthcare access), trip delays, and activities like hiking in the Cedars of God or skiing in Faraya.

Opt for policies with at least $50,000 in medical coverage, starting from $10/day, and ensure it includes political risk coverage due to occasional unrest.

Extensions Possible

Visa extensions for up to three months can be obtained at the General Directorate of General Security in Beirut, requiring a fee of about $50, passport photos, and proof of sufficient funds or employment.

Apply at least one week before expiration to avoid overstay penalties, which can reach $100 plus potential deportation risks.

Book Flights Early

Find the best deals to Beirut by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.

Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during peak summer season.

Eat Like a Local

Dine at souks or street vendors for affordable mezze under $10, skipping high-end tourist spots in Beirut to save up to 50% on food costs.

Local markets like Souq Al-Nizam offer fresh produce, spices, and ready-made meals at bargain prices, immersing you in daily life.

Public Transport Passes

Use shared taxis (service) for intercity travel at $5-10 per leg, or buses from Beirut to Tripoli for under $3, cutting costs compared to private hires.

City passes or multi-ride cards for Beirut's buses can include free access to public beaches and minor attractions.

Free Attractions

Visit public sites like the Corniche in Beirut, hike in the Chouf Cedar Reserve, or explore Byblos old town streets, which are cost-free and offer authentic cultural experiences.

Many historical walks and coastal paths have no entry fees, and guided audio tours via apps are often free or low-cost.

Card vs Cash

Cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but carry USD cash for markets, taxis, and small vendors due to ATM shortages.

Exchange at licensed bureaus or banks for better rates, and avoid street changers to prevent counterfeit issues.

Site Passes

Purchase a multi-site ticket for Roman ruins like Anjar and Baalbek at $15-20, which covers several UNESCO locations and pays for itself after two visits.

Combine with free hiking trails in the Bekaa Valley for a full day of exploration without extra costs.

Clothing Essentials

Pack lightweight, breathable layers for hot Mediterranean summers and modest attire like long pants or scarves for religious sites in Beirut or Tripoli. Include quick-dry fabrics for humidity and a light jacket for cooler mountain evenings in the Cedars.

Respect local customs by covering shoulders and knees at mosques or churches; swimwear is fine for beaches but cover up off-site.

Electronics

Bring a universal adapter (Type C/D/G), portable charger for long days exploring ruins, offline maps like Google Maps for spotty internet, and a VPN for secure browsing in urban areas.

Download Arabic language apps and a translation tool, as English signage varies outside tourist hubs.

Health & Safety

Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness meds for winding roads to Byblos, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen for intense sun exposure.

Include hand sanitizer, water purification tablets (tap water isn't always safe), and insect repellent for coastal or rural hikes.

Travel Gear

Pack a lightweight daypack for site visits, reusable water bottle (fill with bottled water), quick-dry towel for beach days, and small USD bills for tips and vendors.

Bring passport copies, a money belt for valuables, and a scarf for dust or sun protection during desert-like excursions in the Bekaa.

Footwear Strategy

Choose comfortable walking sandals or sneakers for Beirut's streets and ancient ruins, plus sturdy hiking boots for trails in Qadisha Valley or Faraya ski areas in winter.

Water-resistant shoes are vital for rainy seasons or splashing at Jeita Grotto; avoid high heels on uneven cobblestone paths in old towns.

Personal Care

Include travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, lip balm with SPF, wet wipes for dusty sites, and a compact hat for sun protection during outdoor adventures.

Pack feminine hygiene products as availability can vary; opt for eco-friendly items to respect Lebanon's sensitive coastal environments.

Spring (March-May)

Perfect for blooming wildflowers in the Chouf Mountains and mild weather of 15-25°C, with fewer crowds at sites like Baalbek. Ideal for hiking and exploring Beirut's markets without summer heat.

Festivals like the Beirut International Jazz Festival kick off, offering cultural immersion alongside comfortable sightseeing days.

Summer (June-August)

Peak season for beach vibes in Byblos and Jounieh with hot temperatures around 25-35°C, great for water sports and nightlife. Expect vibrant festivals but higher prices and crowds in coastal areas.

Escape the heat by heading to mountain retreats like Faraya for cooler evenings and scenic drives.

Autumn (September-November)

Excellent for harvest season in the Bekaa Valley with pleasant 20-28°C weather, ideal for wine tours and hiking in Qadisha Valley amid fall colors. Lower tourist numbers mean better deals on accommodations.

Events like the Byblos Festival provide outdoor concerts in a relaxed atmosphere.

Winter (December-February)

Budget-friendly for skiing in the Cedars or Mzaar with mild lows of 5-15°C and rare snow in mountains. Cozy up in Beirut cafes or visit Christmas markets in Christian villages.

Avoid if prone to cold, but it's prime for indoor cultural experiences like hammam visits and avoiding peak-season crowds.