GENERAL INFORMATION

Capital: Beirut

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Population: Approximately 3.8 million

 

Languages: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

 

Area: 10,452 square kilometres

 

Climate: Mediterranean climate, with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers

 

Elevations: Highest point: Qornet Es-Saouda (3,090m)

 

Lowest point: Mediterranean Sea (0m)

 

Currency: The official monetary unit is the Lebanese pound

 

Entry Requirements: Visas: All foreigners must have a valid passport and visa to enter Lebanon

Passports must be valid for at least six months

Visas can be obtained in advance at Lebanese embassies and consulates around the world.

Nationals of many countries can also obtain business or tourist visas upon arrival at the Beirut Airport and at other ports of entry on the Lebanese border. At the Beirut Airport, visa stamps can be purchased at a window directly across from passport control

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Important Note: Travelers holding passports that contain visas or entry/exit stamps for Israel are likely to be refused entry into Lebanon.

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Customs: All ordinary personal effects are exempt from customs duty.

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Time: Lebanese time is GMT +2 hours in winter (October to March) and +3 hours in summer (April to September), when daylight saving time is observed.

Business Hours: Government Offices: 8:00 to 14:00 (Mon to Fri) - 8:00 to 11:00 (Sat); Banks: 8:00 to 14:00 (Mon to Sat); Shops and malls: 9:00 to 22:00.

Communications: Telephones: While the telephone system in Lebanon is well-developed, there are few public pay phones and international phone calls are expensive. Most Lebanese use mobile phones and coverage extends throughout the country.

 

Internet: There are internet cafés available throughout Lebanon and many larger hotels now offer high-speed and wireless internet access for free or for a small fee.

 

Electricity: Electric current is 110/220 volts, 50 cycles. A two-pin plug, with round pins is commonly used (Type C, similar to many European countries), but other types of plugs are also in use so it is best to check before you go.

 

Health: Lebanon is a developed country with relatively good health facilities. Similar to travel to other foreign countries, hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended; also make sure tetanus-diphtheria and measles vaccinations are up-to-date. A typhoid vaccine is also recommended for travel to Lebanon.