Lebanon Travel Guide

Travel Guide and Tips for Travelers to Lebanon

First Time Travelers Guide to Lebanon

Lebanon is one of the smallest countries you can visit. It is so small that you can see all ends of the country in a few days. It is however full of attractions, so please do not underestimate its small distances. The truth to be told, the main reason your trip could be slowed down is the traffic. I only have one word for it: crazy! Put this aside and you will find yourself in a quite beautiful country with kind people and flavourful food.

Mindful moment:We travel for many reasons, each of us has his/her own drive for traveling. Some travel to see beautiful landscapes, some to come back with tons of photos and others to meet people or learn abut history. These are just a few examples. To travel to Lebanon you can find many reasons, but one of the most significant ones might be its recent history. It is not only about the facts, but mostly about the people. When you travel around Lebanon you can frequently see traces of the not-so- far past. I’d like to encourage you to think about it, reflect on it, think of the worst that happened to you…and then find ten reasons to be grateful for.

Is Lebanon safe?

Before moving to the Middle East I did not consider travelling to Lebanon and to be honest with you, I did not know much about this country. For the last year, I heard lots of mixed opinions regarding travelling to Lebanon. As much as everyone agreed Lebanon is stunning, many advised not to go. Others said to at least have a contact in the country in case of unexpected issues since the situation in the country might easily change. Yes, it’s true that you can find tanks and armed soldiers on the streets and occasional checkups. I understand it might make tourists feel a bit unsettled, especially that many government websites warn travellers against visiting Lebanon, too.

I did not feel unsafe in Lebanon at all (maybe only while in the car fearing for my life surrounded by crazy drivers). The war ended long ago in Lebanon, the people are welcoming and helpful and Lebanon is an absolutely incredible!

Visa requirements for Lebanon

G.C.C. and citizens of Jordan: The Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and United Arab of Emirates) and the citizens of Jordan country who are holding Jordanian passports showing their national number as well as their family members, servants and chauffeurs who are accompanying them, and who are coming for the purpose of tourism, are granted a free entry visa for 3 months at the airport.

Foreign countries: A free one month valid visa, renewable till 3 months, is granted to the citizens of these countries who are coming for tourism: Andorra - Antigua and Barbuda - Argentina - Armenia - Australia - Austria - Azerbaijan - The Bahamas - Barbados - Belarus - Belgium - Belize - Bhutan - Brazil - Bulgaria - Canada - Chile - China Rep - Czech Republic - Costa Rica - Croatia - Cyprus - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Great Britain - Georgia - Germany - Greece - Hong Kong - Hungary - Iceland - Ireland - Italy - Japan - Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Latvia - Lithuania - Liechtenstein - Luxembourg - Macedonia - Macau (S A R) - Malaysia - Malta - Mexico - Moldova - Monaco - Netherlands - New Zealand - Norway - Palau - Panama - Peru - Poland - Portugal - Russia - Romania - Saint Kitts and Nevis - Samoa - San Marino - Singapore - Slovakia - Slovenia - South Korea - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - Tajikistan - Turkey - Trinidad - Tobacco - Turkmenistan - USA - Ukraine - Uzbekistan -Venezuela - Yugoslavia.

Other nationals, including South Africans, should contact the consulate at the Lebanese Embassy for details about how to obtain their visa at least one month prior to arrival.

Nationals of Arab countries but non-G.C.C. (Algeria - Comers Island - Djibouti - Egypt - Iraq - Libya - Morocco - Mauritania - Somalia - Sudan - Tunisia - Yemen:) can obtain their visa at the airport provided they are in possession of the following:
- A round trip non-refundable ticket
- A hotel reservation or residence address
- A US$2000 in cash or a check from a recognized bank

Cost: For those coming for tourism, a free visa is granted for one month, renewable for up to three months.

Restricted Entry: The Government of Lebanon refuses entry to holders of Israeli passports, holders of passports containing a visa for Israel, valid or expired, used or unused and passports with entry stamps to Israel.

Passports: Passports valid for 6 months are required by all.

To remain on the safe side and irrespective of your nationality, we highly recommend you check with your local Lebanese Consulate or Embassy prior to boarding the plane. Please do so as soon as you decide to come in order to have enough time to prepare and submit all requested documents.