Lebanon

Lebanon is a country immersed in history. Lying on the Mediterranean Sea, at the junction of Asia, Africa and Europe, Lebanon's cities and harbours were once major outposts in Phoenician and Roman times. The Békaa Valley, known in the 1st century BC as the 'granary of Rome', is still the country's main agricultural region - and one of the leading wine-producing areas in the world.

One of the highlights of visiting Lebanon and its cosmopolitan capital city Beirut is the constant reminder of the country's long-standing role in the history of the world. Evidence of Phoenician and Roman occupancy is best seen at the pre-Roman historic site of Baalbek, known as the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in the world; and in the coastal cities of Saida (Sidon) and Jbail (Byblos), where tourists have the rare opportunity to snorkel amongst submerged Phoenician ruins.

Lebanon has a remarkable natural landscape, especially when one considers how much desert surrounds it. There are four main geographical regions in Lebanon, that can easily be identified on a map. From west to east, there is the coastal plain; the Mount Lebanon Range; the Békaa Valley; and the Anti-Lebanon Range. Each region varies in topography and climate, and in what it can offer a visitor. However, because Lebanon is a small country (about the size of Cyprus), day trips to historic coastal towns and lovely mountain villages can easily be made from Beirut.

From 1975 until the early 1990s Lebanon endured a bloody civil war, which deeply scarred the country and its inhabitants, but which has resulted in some reconciliatory efforts towards rebuilding the nation, and a burgeoning atmosphere of open-mindedness and tolerance. These days, although it still features on consular warning lists, Lebanon remains a popular travel destination - and as long as travellers remain vigilant and aware of the socio-political situation at any given time, they should enjoy a safe and pleasant passage through the 'Land of the Cedars'.

The ancient cities, ski resorts, impressive architecture and striking landscapes of Lebanon are, however, just the tip of the iceberg. The country is also known for its wonderful food, internationally-renowned wineries, incredible shopping districts, red-hot nightlife and skilled artisans. Beirut, sometimes called the 'Paris of the Middle East', is a trendy and highly cosmopolitan city, where a variety of languages, nationalities and religions come together in perfect harmony. This melting pot of cultures is apparent in the colourful contrasts of the Mediterranean city, where modern life plays out in the midst of ancient buildings, where churches and mosques sit adjacent to one another, and where foreigners and locals mix easily in the dusky streets.

Climate

Lebanon has three different climate zones, the coastal strip, the mountains and the Bekaa Valley. The coastal area of Lebanon experiences a truly Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The mountains mimic an alpine climate and are cool in the summer and receive snow in the winter. The Bekaa Valley has hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters with snow, frost and cold winds. Lebanon experiences an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, the average annual temperature in Beirut being 70°F (21°C), with a range from 55°F (13°C) in winter to 82°F (28°C) in summer.

Money

The official currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), which is divided into 100 Piastres. The Lebanese Pound is locally known as the 'Lira'. ATM machines are widely available in Lebanon except in isolated towns and cash can be withdrawn from banks during business hours. Credits cards are widely used and travellers checks in US dollars are accepted at major exchange offices.

Passport Visa

Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Lebanon, provided that: (i) they are holding confirmed return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination; and (ii) they can supply a valid address and telephone number for themselves while in Lebanon. These tourist visas are either free (for stays of up to one month), or cost between LBP 50,000 and LBP 100,000 (for stays of up to three months). Note that holders of passports containing a visa for Israel (whether valid or expired, used or unused), or containing any Israeli stamps or endorsements, will not be allowed to enter Lebanon. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Lebanon, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below). NOTE that holders of passports endorsed British National (Overseas) require a prearranged entry visa, to be issued by a Lebanese consulate abroad, and which must show the approval numbers of the Immigration Directorate (Surete Generale), or a copy of the approval authority issued by Lebanese Immigration.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. Note that South African passport holders also require a prearranged entry visa, to be issued by a Lebanese consulate abroad, and which must show the approval numbers of the Immigration Directorate (Surete Generale), or a copy of the approval authority issued by Lebanese Immigration. It is possible to obtain a six-month visa on arrival in Beirut provided the traveller is part of a registered tour group or holds pre-arranged approval by Lebanese Immigration.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).

Health

Health risks for travellers to Lebanon are not excessive. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas. Typhoid vaccinations are recommended to all travellers with the exception of those who intend to stay in Lebanon for only a short period and take their meals in major restaurants and hotels. Typhoid cases are reported in Lebanon every year around rainy season as water levels rise and contaminated water from the sewers come to ground level. Medical facilities and healthcare in Lebanon are good. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment and treatment can be very expensive.

Embassy Consulates

• Lebanon Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 6300.
• Lebanon Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7229 7265.
• Lebanon Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 5825.
• Lebanon Embassy, ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6295 7378.
• Lebanon Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 7020/1.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Beirut: +961 (0)4 542 600.
• British Embassy, Beirut: +961 (0)1 960 800.
• Canadian Embassy, Beirut: +961 4 713 900.
• Australian Embassy, Beirut: +961 (0)1 960 600.
• South African Honorary Consulate, Beirut: +961 (0)1 804 100.