Tourist Information For Beirut Lebanon |
VisaVisa are required for all visitors except nationals of Syria. Telex / Fax invitation required from sponsor to be sent to Embassy. Westerners wishing to visit Lebanon can get instant visas at Beirut airport, seaport or at Lebanese border check points. Gulf Cooperation Council 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 should contact the consulate at the Lebanese Embassy for details about how to obtain their visa.
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
Customs
Examination of travelers' luggage is carried out rapidly and courteously. All ordinary personal effects are exempt from customs duty.
Getting There
All the world's great cities are linked by air with Beirut. The Rafic Hariri International Airport at Khaldeh (8 km from Beirut), is used by many international airlines plus the national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA). In addition, several steamship lines connect the ports of Beirut and Jounieh with the rest of the world.
Electric Current: 110 or 220 volts, 50 cycles. It's best to check.
Official HolidaysThanks to diverse population and different religious groups, Lebanon has a full calendar of official holidays. Although all banks, government offices and schools are closed on these feast days, it is often possible to find some shops and restaurants open for business.
Language
In addition to his native Arabic language, the average Lebanese is often fluent in English or French. Many well-educated Lebanese are tri-lingual.
US passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival. Entry refused if holding used or unused, expired or valid visa for Israel, or having any Israeli stamp endorsed on passport. Visa extensions can be obtained from the amn al aam office near the National Museum (al mat-haf) Tel: 01 425610 or at the Airport, tel: 01 629150.
Health risks: Vaccinations recommended for polio, tetanus and typhoid.
Public Holidays:
New year's Day - 1 January
Feast of Maroun - 9 February
Labour Day - 1 May
Martyrs Day - 6 May
Assumption Day - 15 August
All saints Day - 1 November
Independence Day - 22 November
Christmas Day - 25 December
*Good Friday (Western)
*Easter Monday (Western)
*Good Friday (Eastern)
*Easter Monday (Eastern)
*Id al-Fitr
*Id al-Adha
*Dates of Easter and Muslim Holidays see Middle East Holidays. Customs regulations Visitors should check with airport duty-free shops on current regulations.
Currency
1500 Lebanese Liras = 1 US dollar
Per Capita income
Leb 5,921,385/US$3,785
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