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Before you go to Lebanon: what to know

Must know

  • Check area-specific travel warnings; the security situation can deteriorate quickly.
  • Bring a cash contingency; card acceptance and electricity supply are unreliable.
  • Israeli passport stamps can cause refusal of entry.

Entry and visas

British citizens normally receive a free one-month tourist visa on arrival at Beirut, extendable through General Security. The Lebanese embassy also lists many EU, CIS, US and Chinese citizens as eligible for visas on arrival; check your exact conditions. GCC citizens have a separate entry arrangement. Evidence of travel to Israel can cause refusal even with a visa.

Passport validity: FCDO says three months after entry; embassy visa applications require longer validity. Confirm your route.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Keep supporting documents and accommodation details available.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, lebanon-embassy.org ↗, general-security.gov.lb ↗, general-security.gov.lb ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • US dollars are widely used; arrange sufficient accessible cash.
  • Card acceptance varies; ask each business before relying on a card.
  • Do not assume US-dollar cash can be withdrawn locally.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Flying camera drones without permission.
  • Photography of military sites; photography in some sensitive areas can lead to detention.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check local security restrictions before taking photographs.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Religiously diverse, with multiple Muslim and Christian communities.

Clothing: Dress modestly at religious sites; expectations vary by community.

Etiquette

  • Respect local religious customs and Ramadan observance.
  • Ask before taking photographs in sensitive areas.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and cooler, rainy winters. Mountains have colder conditions and winter snow; coastal weather differs from inland areas.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Cool, rainy winter; mountain snow
  • February: Feb: Cool, rainy winter; mountain snow
  • March: Mar: Winter rain transitions towards spring
  • April: Apr: Spring; rain tapers
  • May: May: Spring-to-summer transition
  • June: Jun: Hot, dry summer
  • July: Jul: Hot, dry summer
  • August: Aug: Hot, dry summer
  • September: Sep: Summer heat can continue
  • October: Oct: Autumn transition
  • November: Nov: Rainy season develops
  • December: Dec: Cool, wet winter; mountain snow

Best season: Choose by altitude and activity; assess current security warnings before planning a visit.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: lebanon.un.org ↗, unfccc.int ↗

What to pack

  • Cash contingency
  • Torch and power bank
  • Prescription medicines
  • Drinking-water contingency supplies
  • Layers suited to coast or mountains

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Drones without permission

Practical

Plugs: Types C, D and G; 230V, 50Hz. Check your accommodation's sockets.

Water: Tap water is not safe to drink; use sealed bottled or properly treated water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: Electricity provision varies and businesses may rely on generators; plan for outages.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, gov.uk ↗, airuniversity.af.edu ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.