Most Complete Lebanon Travel Guide 2026-2027 – Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Lebanon Overview & Key Facts

Brief History of Lebanon

Lebanon’s history spans over 7000 years, from the ancient Phoenicians who founded city-states like Byblos, Tyre and Sidon to Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Crusader, Ottoman and French rule. Beirut was rebuilt eight times and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth. This rich historical tapestry creates a fascinating backdrop for modern travelers exploring archaeological treasures and cultural sites.

Independence & National Identity

• Independence date: November 22, 1943.
• Former colonial power: France (mandate 1920–1943).
• National symbols & identity.

Lebanon gained independence from the French Mandate in 1943. The national pact established a unique confessional system distributing political power among religious communities. The Lebanese flag features a green cedar (symbol of holiness, eternity and peace) between two red stripes representing sacrifice.

Government System & Current Leadership

• Type of government: Parliamentary confessional republic
• Current president: Vacant (as of 2025); caretaker government operating
• Notes on political stability

Lebanon operates under a confessional system where the president must be Maronite Christian, the prime minister Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament Shi’a Muslim. The country has been without a president since October 2022 and operates under a caretaker government. Travelers should stay informed about current conditions.

Population, Ethnic Groups & Languages

• Population: ≈5.5 million (2025 estimate, plus millions in diaspora).
• Major groups: 18 officially recognized religious sects.
• Official language: Arabic.
• Additional languages commonly spoken.

Arabic is official, but French and English are widely spoken (trilingualism common). Approximately 40% Christian (mainly Maronite), 60% Muslim (Sunni, Shi’a, Druze). The diaspora is estimated at 15–20 million, often more prosperous than residents.

Main Religions & Cultural Identity

Lebanon is the only Arab country with a Christian plurality in modern history and remains the most religiously diverse in the Middle East. 18 sects are officially recognized. Religious identity strongly influences culture, politics and daily life, yet coexistence and intermarriage are common, especially in Beirut.

Geography & Natural Landscape

Lebanon features Mediterranean coastline, the Mount Lebanon range (highest peak Qurnat as Sawda 3,088 m), the fertile Bekaa Valley and the Anti-Lebanon mountains on the Syrian border. You can ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon in winter.

Economy & Tourism Highlights

Despite economic crisis since 2019, tourism is rebounding strongly. Lebanon is famous for its cuisine (considered among the best in the world), nightlife, archaeological sites, and winter sports. The government and private sector are heavily promoting tourism recovery.

What Lebanon Is Known For

• Baalbek – largest Roman temples in the world
• Jeita Grotto – finalist in New7Wonders of Nature
• Beirut nightlife and dining scene
• The Cedars of God – ancient trees mentioned in the Bible
• World-class Lebanese cuisine and wine

Visa & Entry Requirements in Lebanon

Most nationalities receive a free tourist visa on arrival at Beirut Airport (1 month, extendable to 3). Some nationalities require pre-approval or embassy visa. Entry can be refused if passport shows evidence of travel to Israel.

Do You Need a Visa?

Over 80 nationalities get visa-free or visa-on-arrival. GCC citizens, some European, American, Canadian, Australian and many others get 1–3 months free on arrival. Check the latest list as rules change frequently.

Visa Application Options in Lebanon

• Visa on arrival (most common)
• Free 48-hour transit visa
• Embassy visa for restricted nationalities

Visa-on-arrival is issued free at Beirut airport or land borders. You need a passport valid 6+ months, return/onward ticket, and hotel booking or host address.

Passport Validity & Entry Documents

Passport must be valid 6 months. No Israeli stamps or visas (including border stamps from Egypt/Jordan). Having an Israeli stamp will result in immediate refusal of entry.

Customs Rules & Prohibited Items

Drones require prior permission. Large amounts of cash (over $10,000) must be declared. Alcohol and pork products allowed for non-Muslims within reasonable personal quantities.

Safety & Security Information in Lebanon

Tourist areas (Beirut, Byblos, Jeita, Batroun, Cedars, most of Mount Lebanon) are generally safe. Avoid the southern suburbs of Beirut, Tripoli (some areas), and anywhere south of the Litani River.

Is Lebanon Safe for Tourists?

Yes in tourist areas. Crime against tourists is low. Most travel advisories list Beirut and northern tourist areas as Level 2–3 (exercise caution/increased caution). Avoid border areas with Syria and south Lebanon.

Recommended Safety Tips when in Lebanon

Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid political gatherings, don’t discuss politics or religion with strangers, use licensed taxis or Uber/Careem, keep valuables discreet, and follow local advice.

Safe Areas vs. Areas to Avoid in Lebanon

Safe: Beirut (Hamra, Gemmayze, Downtown, Achrafieh), Byblos, Jounieh, Batroun, Faraya, Cedars, Jeita, Baalbek (with guide recommended). Avoid: Southern suburbs of Beirut, Palestinian camps, Tripoli Tabbaneh-Jabal Mohsen, south of Litani River.

Emergency Numbers & Tourist Police in Lebanon

• Police: 112
• Medical Emergency: 140 (Red Cross)
• Fire: 175
• Tourist Police: 1735

Tourist Police operate in English and are very helpful.

Health Requirements & Vaccinations in Lebanon

No mandatory vaccinations except yellow fever if arriving from endemic countries. Quality private hospitals in Beirut are excellent.

Mandatory Vaccinations in Lebanon

None except yellow fever certificate if coming from affected countries.

Recommended Vaccinations in Lebanon

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines. Hepatitis B if longer stay or medical exposure.

Malaria & Other Risks

No malaria risk. Tap water generally safe in Beirut but bottled recommended elsewhere.

Travel Insurance Recommendations in Lebanon

Highly recommended – must cover medical evacuation. Private hospitals require payment upfront (often in USD).

Best Time to Visit in Lebanon

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer perfect weather. Winter for skiing, summer for beaches.

Weather by Season

Spring and autumn: 20–28°C perfect. Summer coastal 30–35°C (humid). Winter mountains 0–10°C with snow; Beirut mild 15°C.

When to Visit Lebanon for Best Experiences

• Skiing: December–March
• Festivals (Baalbeck, Byblos, Beiteddine): July–August
• Wine harvest: September–October
• Hiking: April–June & September–November

Beaches busy July–August but very hot.

High Season vs. Low Season Travel

High season: July–August and Christmas/New Year. Shoulder seasons best value and weather.

Weather & Climate Overview in Lebanon

Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. Hot humid summers, mild wet winters, and snow in mountains.

Temperature Ranges

Coastal summer 30–35°C, winter 12–18°C. Mountains winter below zero with heavy snow; summer 25–30°C.

Rainy & Dry Seasons in Lebanon

Rainy season November–March (mostly Dec–Feb). Dry season May–October.

What to Wear Based on the Weather

Light clothing + jacket for evenings. Modest attire outside Beirut. Warm layers if visiting mountains in winter.

Main Currency, Costs & Budgeting in Lebanon

USD is king – bring crisp new USD bills. Lebanese Pound (LBP) used but exchange rate fluctuates wildly.

Local Currency Information

Lebanese Pound (LBP) official, but USD accepted everywhere (often preferred). ATMs dispense both.

Average Travel Costs in Lebanon

Budget $60–100/day, mid-range $120–200, luxury $250+. Food and transport remain very affordable.

Using ATMs, Cards & Mobile Money in Lebanon

ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted in Beirut hotels/restaurants. Cash (USD) essential outside Beirut.

Tipping Guidelines in Lebanon

10–15% in restaurants (often included). $1–2 for valet, housekeeping, etc.

Transportation & Getting Around in Lebanon

No trains. Shared taxis, private drivers, Uber/Careem in Beirut.

Airport Transfers

Official airport taxis $30–40 to Beirut. Uber/Careem cheaper. Private transfers available.

Local Transport Options in Lebanon

Service taxis (shared), private taxis, Uber/Careem in Beirut. Buses exist but irregular. Car rental possible but driving chaotic.

Lebanon Domestic Flights

None – country too small.

Car Rentals & Road Conditions in Lebanon

Rental cars available. Driving style aggressive; mountain roads winding. Self-drive possible but private driver often preferred.

Accommodation Options available in Lebanon

From hostels to 5-star hotels in Beirut, boutique guesthouses in mountains and villages.

Types of Accommodations in Lebanon

Hostels, budget hotels, boutique guesthouses, luxury chains (Four Seasons, Phoenicia, etc.), Airbnb.

Budget vs. Mid-Range vs. Luxury

Budget $30–70, mid-range $80–150, luxury $200+ (Beirut higher).

Best Areas to Stay in Lebanon

Beirut: Hamra, Gemmayze/Mar Mikhael, Downtown. Mountains: Broumana, Bhamdoun, Faraya (ski).

Essential Packing Guide when Visiting Lebanon

Versatile clothing for city, mountain and beach. Bring USD cash.

Clothing Essentials

Stylish clothes for Beirut nightlife, modest options for villages, warm layers for mountains, swimwear.

Footwear & Gear

Comfortable walking shoes, heels for Beirut nights, hiking shoes if mountains.

Electronics & Cameras

European plugs (Type C/D/G), power banks useful during outages.

Toiletries & Personal Items

Prescription meds, sunscreen, adapter.

Language & Communication in Lebanon

Trilingual society – Arabic, French, English all widely spoken.

Main Languages Spoken in Lebanon

Arabic official, but English and French dominant in educated circles and tourism.

Useful Phrases for Tourists

“Marhaba” (hello), “Shukran” (thank you), “Kefak” (how are you – to male), “Kefik” (to female).

SIM Cards & Mobile Data used in Lebanon

Touch and Alfa at airport. Cheap data plans.

Internet Availability & Wi-Fi in Lebanon

Wi-Fi in most cafés and hotels. 4G/5G coverage good.

Culture & Etiquette in Lebanon

Extremely hospitable people. Dress liberal in Beirut, conservative elsewhere.

Lebanese Dress Code Expectations

Beirut very fashionable and liberal. Outside Beirut modest dress appreciated.

Social Etiquette & Respectful Behavior of Lebanon

Accept offers of coffee/tea, greet with “Marhaba”, don’t refuse food.

Photography Rules in Lebanon

Ask permission for people. No photos of military/police.

Important Cultural Dos & Don’ts in Lebanon

Do accept hospitality. Don’t discuss politics or sectarian issues. Don’t refuse food/drink when offered.

Food, Water & Dining in Lebanon

Lebanese cuisine is considered one of the best in the world.

Lebanese Local Dishes to Try

Hummus, tabbouleh, kibbeh, fattoush, manakish, shawarma, knefe, Lebanese wines (Château Ksara, Kefraya, Musar).

Dietary Options in Lebanon

Plenty of vegetarian mezze. Halal standard. Vegan options common.

Drinking Water Safety

Bottled water recommended outside Beirut.

Restaurant Etiquette

Tipping 10–15%. Sharing dishes normal.

Top Attractions & Things to Do in Lebanon

Beirut, Jeita Grotto, Baalbek, Byblos, Cedars, Tyre, Sidon, Anjar, Chouf Cedars, wine tasting, skiing.

Major Tourist Attractions in Lebanon

• Beirut – nightlife, museums, Corniche
• Jeita Grotto
• Baalbek Roman temples
• Byblos – oldest continuously inhabited city
• Cedars of God

UNESCO sites: Byblos, Baalbek, Tyre, Anjar, Qadisha Valley.

Best Tours & Experiences in Lebanon

Wine tours, food tours, Baalbek & Anjar day trip, Jeita + Byblos, hiking Qadisha Valley.

Family-Friendly Activities to do in Lebanon

Beaches, Jeita Grotto cable car, Beirut Luna Park, skiing, horse riding.

Unique Cultural or Historical Sites to visit in Lebanon

Phoenician sites, Roman Baalbek (largest temples ever built), Crusader castles, Ottoman palaces.

Lebanese Electrical System Information

220–240V, 50Hz. Plugs C, D, G common.

Plug Types & Voltage used in Lebanon

Types C (Euro), D (old British), G (UK). Bring universal adapter.

Charging Tips

Power cuts occasional – hotels have generators.

Local Laws & Regulations of Lebanon

Photography of military prohibited. Drugs severe penalties. LGBTQ scene exists in Beirut but same-sex activity technically illegal.

Rules Travelers Need to Know when In Lebanon

No Israeli stamps. Drones need permit. Respect religious sensitivities.

Alcohol, Smoking & Substance Laws of Lebanon

Alcohol widely available. Smoking common (including shisha). Cannabis tolerated but technically illegal.

Restricted or Protected Areas in Lebanon.

South of Litani River, some border areas, Palestinian camps.

Final Travel Tips for Visitors in Lebanon

Bring USD cash, use licensed guides for Baalbek, download offline maps, try the food, enjoy the hospitality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Bringing old/damaged USD bills, discussing politics, visiting south Lebanon without local advice.

Tips to Save Money when Visiting Lebanon

Stay outside central Beirut, eat local, use service taxis, travel in shoulder season.

Safety & Comfort Tips

Use Uber/Careem at night, keep emergency numbers, register with your embassy if required.

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