Lebanon travel guide

Getting there

Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is the only commercial airport and the main entry point; land borders with Syria may be closed or unsafe, and the southern border is closed.

Best time to visit: Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov – warm weather for the coast and mountains.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly to Beirut, with live one-way and return fares from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: December to February is rainy on the coast and snowy in the mountains, though it is ski season.

Weather by month in Beirut

• 17°J●●●
• 17°F●●
• 19°M●●
• 22°A●
• 25°M
• 28°J
• 30°J
• 31°A
• 29°S
• 27°O●
• 23°N●●
• 19°D●●●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Beirut. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 103 of 198 other passports can enter Lebanon without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 95 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Lebanon (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 4: Do Not Travel (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-10-23). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Lebanon are based around Beirut, Byblos (Jbeil) or Baalbek. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$40–60 for a backpacker and US$100–180 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: A, B, C, D, G. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +961.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Beirut (Coast · capital): A vibrant, layered city with the National Museum, nightlife, cafés and seafront Corniche.
• Byblos (Jbeil) (North coast · ancient port): A UNESCO-listed harbour town with ruins spanning thousands of years.
• Baalbek (Bekaa Valley · Roman temples): Home to some of the largest and best-preserved Roman temples anywhere.
• Qadisha Valley and the Cedars (North Lebanon · mountains): A dramatic gorge of monasteries and the ancient Cedars of God grove.
• Jeita Grotto (Near Beirut · caves): Spectacular limestone caves with an underground lake.
• Batroun (North coast · beach town): A relaxed coastal town with old stone streets, beaches and lemonade stands.
• Sidon (Saida) (South coast · historic port): Souks, a Crusader sea castle and a traditional soap museum.
• Chouf Mountains (Mount Lebanon · cedars & palaces): Beiteddine Palace, Deir el Qamar village and the Shouf Biosphere Reserve's cedar forests.

Things to do

• Marvel at Baalbek. Stand beneath the colossal columns of the Temple of Jupiter and the remarkably preserved Temple of Bacchus.
• Explore Byblos. Wander through layers of history from Phoenician ruins to a Crusader castle and pretty harbour.
• Hike the Qadisha Valley. Follow trails past cliffside monasteries and hermitages in this UNESCO-listed holy valley.
• See the Cedars of God. Walk among ancient cedar trees, symbols of the nation, high in the mountains above Bsharri.
• Boat into Jeita Grotto. Glide through a vast underground river cave and walk past giant stalactites.
• Eat mezze in Beirut. Share hummus, tabbouleh, kibbeh and grilled meats in the lively Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh districts.
• Stroll the Corniche. Watch Beirut life unfold along the seafront promenade at sunset near Pigeon Rocks.
• Visit Beiteddine Palace. Admire mosaics and courtyards in the 19th-century palace of the Chouf mountains.

Eat and drink

• Mezze – many small shared dishes
• Tabbouleh – parsley and bulgur salad with lemon
• Man'oushe – flatbread topped with za'atar or cheese
• Kibbeh – bulgur and meat croquettes

Money and safety

Currency: Lebanese pound (LBP). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants.

Emergency numbers: 112 police · 175 fire · 140 ambulance.

• The Lebanese pound is the official currency, but US dollars are widely used and often preferred.
• Banking restrictions in recent years mean foreign cards and ATMs may be unreliable, so bring enough cash in US dollars.
• Security can change quickly – check your government's latest travel advice before and during your trip, as many advise against travel to some or all areas.
• Avoid areas near the southern border and the Syrian border, and stay away from demonstrations.