Lebanon travel FAQ

Entry and local conditions can change. Check Lebanese entry requirements, the official travel advice issued by your own government and your airline before booking.

Rules depend on nationality, passport validity, purpose of visit and travel history. Check Lebanese General Security and official guidance for your nationality.

Spring and autumn often suit sightseeing and walking. Summer is liveliest on the coast, while winter brings snow and seasonal activities in the mountains.

Yes. Confirm the policy is valid under the official advice that applies to you and covers medical care, evacuation, cancellation and all planned activities.

Hamra suits everyday city life, Achrafieh culture and quieter evenings, Mar Mikhael and Gemmayze restaurants and nightlife, Raouche the waterfront, and Downtown a central base.

Beirut works for several excursions, but a second base on the coast or in the mountains can reduce long returns and give a different evening atmosphere.

Yes for Harissa, Jeita and the northern coast. Choose Beirut instead when most plans are in the capital, and remember that coastal traffic can erase the apparent distance advantage.

The Lebanese pound is the national currency and US dollars are also widely used. Carry smaller USD notes, ask which currency a price uses and keep a backup payment method.

International cards are accepted by some hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, but acceptance and connectivity vary. Do not rely on one card alone.

Tap water is not recommended as drinking water for visitors. Sealed bottled water is readily available.

Check whether service is already included. A modest tip is common for good restaurant, taxi and hotel service, but there is no single percentage for every setting.

A pre-booked transfer or verified taxi is simplest. Confirm the meeting point, fare or pricing method and payment currency before setting off.

Buses and minibuses connect many places, but route and timetable information can be informal. They suit flexible travellers more than tightly timed day trips.

A car gives freedom outside Beirut, but traffic and driving conventions can feel demanding. Consider an experienced local driver if you are not comfortable with dense traffic or mountain roads.

A service taxi is shared and follows a direction or route; a private taxi is hired for your journey. Confirm which arrangement and fare apply before getting in.

Subject to current official advice, a first itinerary often combines Beirut with Byblos or Batroun and one major heritage or mountain excursion.

No. Do not photograph or film military personnel, checkpoints, military vehicles or security installations.

Do not assume permission. Check current Lebanese rules and obtain any required authorisation before bringing or flying a drone.

Sometimes, but altitude, traffic and winding roads make a short map distance misleading. Keep the day focused and check mountain weather separately.

You may need one depending on your plugs and the sockets at your accommodation. A universal adapter is a practical choice.

Compare international roaming with a local SIM or compatible eSIM. Confirm activation and coverage directly with the provider and save details offline.

Private care for serious illness or admission can be very expensive, and a deposit may be requested. Carry suitable insurance and the emergency assistance number.

Keep a passport copy, tickets, hotel address, insurance details, important numbers, offline maps and your own consular contacts on your phone.

Usually yes. English is widely used in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, French is also common, and many Lebanese people are multilingual.