Lebanon Visa FAQs - Answers to Common Visa Questions

The official languages of Lebanon are Arabic and French.

The currency of Lebanon is the Lebanese pound (LBP).

The population of Lebanon is estimated to be 6.8 million people as of 2023.

Lebanon is a religiously diverse country, with the largest religious groups being Muslims (61%), Christians (33%), and Druze (6%).

Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Lebanon is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, who is elected by the parliament for a six-year term. The head of government is the prime minister, who is appointed by the president and approved by the parliament.

Lebanon is a developing country with a service-based economy. The main industries in Lebanon include tourism, banking, and manufacturing.

The main exports of Lebanon include gold, jewelry, chemicals, and food products.

The main imports of Lebanon include machinery, transportation equipment, and food products.

The main tourist attractions in Lebanon include the ancient ruins of Baalbek and Tyre, the Cedars of God, and the beaches of Beirut and Jounieh.

Lebanon has a long and rich history, dating back to the Phoenicians in the 12th century BC. Lebanon was ruled by a number of different empires over the centuries, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans. Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943.

The main challenges facing Lebanon today include a weak economy, a high unemployment rate, and a political crisis. Lebanon is also facing a number of regional challenges, including the Syrian civil war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The future of Lebanon is uncertain. The country is facing a number of challenges, but it also has a number of strengths, including its diverse population, its rich history, and its strategic location.

The national dish of Lebanon is kibbeh, which is a dish of minced meat, bulgur, and spices.

The national drink of Lebanon is arak, which is a clear, anise-flavored spirit.

The national sport of Lebanon is association football (soccer).

The main holidays in Lebanon include Christmas, Easter, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

The currency exchange rate for the Lebanese pound fluctuates frequently. As of October 26, 2023, the exchange rate is approximately 30,000 LBP per USD.

Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Lebanon. Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport or in advance from a Lebanese embassy or consulate.

The safety and security situation in Lebanon is generally good, but there is always the risk of terrorism and political instability. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to stay safe.

The best time of year to visit Lebanon is during the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The weather is mild during these months, and there are fewer tourists than during the summer months.

The main ethnic groups in Lebanon are Arabs (95%), Kurds (2%), and Armenians (2%).

The main languages spoken in Lebanon are Arabic, French, and English.

The literacy rate in Lebanon is 94.4%.

The life expectancy in Lebanon is 74.3 years.

The unemployment rate in Lebanon is estimated to be 30% as of 2023.

The GDP per capita in Lebanon is estimated to be $3,500 as of 2023.

The main religions in Lebanon are Islam (61%), Christianity (33%), and Druze (6%).

The main political parties in Lebanon are the Free Patriotic Movement, the Future Movement, the Lebanese Forces, and the Hezbollah.

The national flag of Lebanon is a horizontal tricolor of red, white, and red, with a green cedar tree in the center of the white band.

The national anthem of Lebanon is called "Kulluna lil-Watan" (We Are All for the Homeland).

The main universities in Lebanon are the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University, Saint Joseph University, and the University of Balamand.

The main newspapers in Lebanon are L'Orient-Le Jour, An-Nahar, As-Safir, and Al-Akhbar.

The main television channels in Lebanon are MTV Lebanon, LBCI, Tele Liban, and Al-Jadeed TV.

The main radio stations in Lebanon are Radio Lebanon, Voice of Lebanon, and Orient FM.

The main sports teams in Lebanon are the Lebanon national football team, the Lebanon national rugby union team, and the Lebanon national basketball team.

The main cultural attractions in Lebanon include the National Museum of Beirut, the Sursock Museum, and the Roman ruins of Baalbek and Tyre.

The main festivals in Lebanon include the Beirut International Film Festival, the Baalbeck International Festival, and the Tyre Festival.

The main Lebanese dishes include kibbeh, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and falafel.

The main Lebanese desserts include baklava, knafeh, and halva.

The main Lebanese drinks are arak, coffee, and tea.

The main Lebanese tourist destinations include Beirut, Jounieh, Baalbek, Tyre, and the Cedars of God.

The main Lebanese transportation options include cars, buses, taxis, and planes.

The main Lebanese business opportunities include tourism, banking, and manufacturing.

• Weak economy
• High unemployment rate
• Political crisis
• Regional challenges (Syrian civil war, Israeli-Palestinian conflict)

• Diverse population
• Rich history
• Strategic location

The future of Lebanon is uncertain, but the country has the potential to overcome its challenges and become a prosperous and stable democracy.

• Avoid traveling to areas that are known to be dangerous, such as the southern suburbs of Beirut and the border with Syria.
• Avoid discussing politics or religion in public.
• Be respectful of Lebanese culture and customs.

• Learn a few basic Arabic phrases.
• Be prepared for a high cost of living.
• Be patient and understanding, as things can often move slowly in Lebanon.
• Enjoy the delicious food and vibrant culture!

• Lebanon is the home of the world's oldest known alphabet, which is over 5,000 years old.
• Lebanon is home to the Cedars of God, a forest of ancient cedar trees that is mentioned in the Bible.
• Lebanon is known for its delicious food, such as kibbeh, hummus, and baba ghanoush.
• Lebanon is a very diverse country, with people from all over the world living and working together.

• Beirut: The capital of Lebanon, Beirut is a cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the city's ancient ruins, museums, and lively nightlife.
• Jounieh: A coastal city north of Beirut, Jounieh is known for its beautiful beaches, casinos, and mountain resorts.
• Baalbek: An ancient Roman city, Baalbek is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
• Tyre: Another ancient city, Tyre is known for its Phoenician ruins, Crusader castle, and beautiful beach.
• Cedars of God: A forest of ancient cedar trees, the Cedars of God is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Kibbeh: A national dish of Lebanon, kibbeh is a dish of minced meat, bulgur, and spices.
• Hummus: A popular dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Baba ghanoush: A dip made from grilled eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Tabbouleh: A salad made from parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, mint, and lemon juice.
• Falafel: Fried chickpea balls that are often served in pita bread with hummus and tahini.

• Arak: A clear, anise-flavored spirit that is often served with water or juice.
• Coffee: Lebanese coffee is strong and dark, and is often served with a side of sugar and water.
• Tea: Lebanese tea is typically made with black tea, sugar, and mint.

• Beirut International Film Festival: A prestigious film festival that takes place every year in Beirut.
• Baalbeck International Festival: A music festival that takes place every summer in the ancient ruins of Baalbek.
• Tyre Festival: A cultural festival that takes place every summer in the ancient city of Tyre.

• Football (soccer): Football is the most popular sport in Lebanon.
• Rugby union: Rugby union is a popular sport in Lebanon, and the national team has competed in the Rugby World Cup.
• Basketball: Basketball is a popular sport in Lebanon, and the national team has competed in the FIBA World Cup.

• Tourism: Lebanon's tourism industry is a major source of revenue for the country.
• Banking: Lebanon is a major financial center in the Middle East.
• Manufacturing: Lebanon has a growing manufacturing sector, which produces a variety of goods, including food, clothing, and pharmaceuticals.

• American University of Beirut
• Lebanese American University
• Saint Joseph University
• University of Balamand
• Beirut Arab University
• Lebanese University
• Notre Dame University - Louaize
• Université Saint-Esprit de Kaslik

• L'Orient-Le Jour
• An-Nahar
• As-Safir
• Al-Akhbar
• Daily Star
• The Daily Lebanon

• MTV Lebanon
• LBCI
• Tele Liban
• Al-Jadeed TV
• NTV
• Future TV

• Radio Lebanon
• Voice of Lebanon
• Orient FM
• Sawt el-Ghad
• Mix FM

• Lebanon national football team
• Lebanon national rugby union team
• Lebanon national basketball team
• Lebanon national rugby league team
• Lebanon national volleyball team

• National Museum of Beirut
• Sursock Museum
• Roman ruins of Baalbek
• Roman ruins of Tyre
• Cedars of God
• Beit Eddine Palace
• Byblos Castle
• Jeita Grotto
• Pigeon Rocks of Raouche

• Beirut International Film Festival
• Baalbeck International Festival
• Tyre Festival
• Beiteddine Festival
• Byblos International Festival
• Layali Ramadan Festival
• Christmas in Lebanon Festival

• Kibbeh
• Hummus
• Baba ghanoush
• Tabbouleh
• Falafel
• Shawarma
• Manakish
• Baklava
• Knafeh
• Halva

• Arak
• Coffee
• Tea
• Ayran
• Jallab
• Tamarind juice
• Lemonade

• Beirut
• Jounieh
• Baalbek
• Tyre
• Cedars of God
• Byblos
• Beit Eddine
• Tripoli
• Sidon
• Zahle
• Batroun

• Cars
• Buses
• Taxis
• Planes
• Trains (limited service)

• Tourism
• Banking
• Manufacturing
• Information technology
• Healthcare
• Education
• Renewable energy

• Weak economy
• High unemployment rate
• Political instability
• Regional conflicts

• Diverse population
• Rich history
• Strategic location
• Resilient people

The future of Lebanon is uncertain, but the country has the potential to overcome its challenges and become a prosperous and stable democracy. The key to Lebanon's future lies in its people, who are hardworking, resilient, and determined to build a better future for themselves and their children.

• Lebanon is a Muslim-majority country, so be respectful of local customs and dress modestly.
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid petty theft.
• Avoid discussing politics or religion in public.
• Be patient and understanding, as things can often move slowly in Lebanon.
• Enjoy the delicious food, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery!

• Lebanese handicrafts, such as pottery, glasswork, and embroidery
• Lebanese food products, such as olive oil, baklava, and knafeh
• Lebanese jewelry, such as gold and silver necklaces, bracelets, and rings
• Lebanese religious items, such as rosaries, crosses, and prayer mats
• Lebanese clothing, such as traditional Lebanese dresses and scarves

• Cedar's
• Transmed
• FFA Private Bank
• Bank Audi
• Sodimac
• Holcim
• M1 Group
• Alfa
• Touch
• Byblos Bank
• Credit Libanais

• Middle East Airlines
• LibanPost
• Banque du Liban
• Electricite du Liban
• Societe des Telecommunications du Liban
• Banque Libano-Francaise
• Credit Agricole du Liban
• Audi Bank
• Blominvest Bank
• Byblos Bank
• Credit Libanais

• Hassan Saab (football)
• Wael Jbara (rugby union)
• Fadi El Khatib (basketball)
• Elias Hanna (swimming)
• Ray Bassil (skiing)
• Gilbert Khoury (tennis)
• Michel Daher (table tennis)
• Sarah Joe (weightlifting)
• Nacif Elias (volleyball)
• Joe Daher (boxing)
• Zeina Stephan (athletics)

• Fairuz (singer)
• Wadih El Safi (singer)
• Marcel Khalife (singer)
• Ziad Rahbani (singer and composer)
• Assi El Helani (singer)
• Najwa Karam (singer)
• Elissa (singer)
• Haifa Wehbe (singer and actress)
• Nadine Nassib Njeim (singer and actress)
• Maya Diab (singer and actress)
• Nancy Ajram (singer and actress)

• Gibran Khalil Gibran
• Amin Maalouf
• Elias Khoury
• Hanan al-Shaykh
• Hoda Barakat
• Rafik Schami
• Joumana Haddad
• Khalil Gibran
• Mikhail Naimy
• Wadih Safi
• Fairuz

• West Beirut (1998)
• Caramel (2007)
• Where Do We Go Now? (2011)
• The Insult (2017)
• Capernaum (2018)
• Costa Brava, Lebanon (2021)
• Memory Box (2021)
• A Tale of Love and Darkness (2015)
• Transit (2018)
• The Lebanese Rocket Society (2018)
• Notturno (2020)

• Al Hayba (2017-2021)
• Ramzan Kareem (2018)
• 30 Yowmin (2014-2021)
• Kif el Hal? (2015-present)
• Ma Fiy Meta3 (2017-present)
• Saaidi (2018)
• Min Ajli (2019)
• 2020 (2020)
• La Youmal Ha2a (2021)
• 3 Nosf (2022)
• The Writer (2022)

• Aatini al Nay wa Ghanni (Fairuz)
• Kifak Int (Wadih El Safi)
• Ya Zahrat al Madaen (Ziad Rahbani)
• Ya Ommi (Marcel Khalife)
• Habaytek Ya Libnan (Najwa Karam)
• Khallik Bil Bait (Elissa)
• Baddi Ya Dunya (Haifa Wehbe)
• Ahla Bil Hab (Nadine Nassib Njeim)
• Aishti Ya Libnan (Maya Diab)
• Ya Hawa (Nancy Ajram)

• Lebanese hospitality: Lebanese

• Do not break a mirror, or you will have seven years of bad luck.
• Do not spill salt, or you will have a fight with your loved ones.
• Do not whistle indoors, or you will attract poverty.
• Do not cross your legs when sitting, or you will block your luck.
• Do not cut your nails at night, or you will invite evil spirits into your home.
• Do not sleep with your head facing north, or you will have nightmares.
• Do not walk under a ladder, or you will have bad luck.
• Do not open an umbrella indoors, or you will bring rain into the house.
• Do not give a gift to a friend on their birthday before the sun goes down, or it will bring them bad luck.

• "A good neighbor is better than a distant relative."
• "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
• "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."
• "Easy come, easy go."
• "Haste makes waste."
• "He who laughs last, laughs best."
• "It's better to be safe than sorry."
• "Knowledge is power."
• "Money can't buy happiness."
• "Practice makes perfect."
• "Rome wasn't built in a day."
• "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."
• "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

• Beirut International Film Festival
• Baalbeck International Festival
• Tyre Festival
• Beiteddine Festival
• Byblos International Festival
• Layali Ramadan Festival
• Christmas in Lebanon Festival
• Eid al-Fitr Festival
• Eid al-Adha Festival
• Ashura Festival
• Saint Maroun's Day Festival

• Dabke
• Zaffe
• Baladi
• Belly dance
• Folklore dances

• Oud
• Nay
• Qanun
• Darbuka
• Tabl
• Riqq
• Daf
• Buzuq
• Violine
• Clarinet
• Trumpets
• Trombones

• Football (soccer)
• Rugby union
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Table tennis
• Swimming
• Skiing
• Athletics
• Boxing
• Weightlifting

• National Museum of Beirut
• Sursock Museum
• Roman ruins of Baalbek
• Roman ruins of Tyre
• Cedars of God
• Beit Eddine Palace
• Byblos Castle
• Jeita Grotto
• Pigeon Rocks of Raouche
• Beirut Central District
• Harissa
• Zouk Mikael

• Ramlet al-Baida
• Tyre Beach
• Byblos Beach
• Jounieh Beach
• Eddé Sands
• Lazy B
• La Siesta
• White Beach
• Coral Beach
• Palm Beach
• Escape Beach
• Aloha Beach

• Faraya Mzaar
• The Cedars
• Laqlouq
• Mzaar Kfardebian
• Qanat Bakish
• Zahle Ski Resort

• Bcharré
• Ehden
• Bekaa Kafra
• Baskinta
• Aley
• Beit Mery
• Broumana
• Batroun
• Jbeil
• Sidon
• Tripoli

• Cedars of God Trail
• Jeita Grotto Trail
• Chouaneh-Bsalim Trail
• Qornet es-Saud Trail
• Wadi Qadisha Trail
• Tannourine Cedars Trail
• Barouk Cedar Reserve Trail
• Shouf Biosphere Reserve Trail
• Ammiq Wetland Trail
• Tyre Coast Trail
• Tripoli Coast Trail

• Beirut Food Tours
• Taste Lebanon Tours
• Walk Beirut Tours
• Explore Lebanon Tours
• Lib

• Ksara Winery Tour
• Chateau Musar Tour
• Ixsir Winery Tour
• Domaine de Baalbeck Tour
• Chateau Kefraya Tour
• Massaya Winery Tour
• Domaine des Tourelles Tour
• Domaine Wardy Tour
• Domaine de Zahlé Tour
• Domaine du Levant Tour
• Chateau Nakad Tour

• Souk el Tayeb Cooking Class
• Tawlet Cooking Class
• Le Cordon Bleu Beirut Cooking Class
• La Cuisine libanaise Cooking Class
• The Lebanese Table Cooking Class
• Beirut Cooking School Cooking Class
• Phoenicia Cooking School Cooking Class
• Mama's Kitchen Cooking Class
• Beit al-Najjar Cooking Class
• Chef Khalil Cooking Class
• Chef Ramzi Cooking Class

• The Hungry Bites of Lebanon
• Beirut Bites
• Wanderlust in Beirut
• Live Love Lebanon
• Lebanon Untravelled
• A Girl in Beirut
• My Little Lebanon
• Discover Lebanon
• The Lebanon Traveler
• Lebanonista
• The Velvet Rocket

The official name of Lebanon is the Lebanese Republic (الجمهورية اللبنانية in Arabic).

Lebanon is located in Western Asia, on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south.