Travel To Lebanon: What Americans Need To Know

Lebanon is a Middle Eastern country with a rich cultural diversity, lush nature, and a world-renowned national cuisine. It is also home to ancient Roman ruins and the birthplace of the Phoenician alphabet. While Lebanon has much to offer, Americans considering travelling to Lebanon should be aware of the US State Department's travel advisory, which has placed Lebanon at the third-highest travel advisory level. This is due to various concerns, including crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the limited capacity of the US Embassy in Beirut to provide support to US citizens. Additionally, there are visa requirements for US citizens planning to stay in Lebanon for more than a month.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens travelling to Lebanon must have a valid visa and passport to enter the country. While a one-month visa can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport or any other Lebanese border entry point, it is recommended that travellers apply for their visa in advance.

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a free, single-entry visa on arrival, which is valid for one month and can be extended for up to three months. This can be done at Beirut International Airport or any other port of entry. To be eligible, travellers must have:

• A passport valid for three months from the date of entry with two blank pages. The passport must not have any Israeli stamps, visas or seals.
• A telephone number.
• A valid address in Lebanon (proof of residence).
• A non-refundable return or circle trip ticket.

Visa in Advance

US citizens can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa in advance at a Lebanese embassy or consulate. The cost of the visa depends on the country of residence and type of visa. A single-entry tourist visa costs £63, while a multiple-entry tourist visa costs £125. It is recommended to apply at least two months before travelling. To apply for a visa in advance, travellers may need to:

• Find and contact the nearest Lebanese embassy or consulate.
• Collect the necessary documents, including a visa application form, valid passport, passport-sized photo, bank account statements for the last three months, medical insurance policy, proof of residence in Lebanon, confirmation of availability of round-trip tickets, and confirmation of employment.
• Submit the documents and pay the visa fee.

Other Requirements and Recommendations

All travellers to Lebanon are required to have an insurance policy for the entire period of their stay in the country, with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. It is also recommended that travellers are up to date with their vaccinations, as Lebanon is considered a high-risk country for several diseases. Additionally, travellers should be aware of the security situation in the country and avoid high-risk areas.

Insurance policy

An insurance policy is required for all tourists visiting Lebanon. The minimum coverage should be €30,000. Tourists will need to obtain a health insurance policy for the entire period of their stay in the country. This is also a requirement for obtaining a visa on arrival.

The U.S. Department of State recommends that all visitors to Lebanon obtain travel medical insurance with emergency evacuation coverage. This is not mandatory, but it is a good idea as it can assist travellers in a wide range of situations, from medical emergencies to weather-related delays.

Travel health insurance for Lebanon may vary by plan. Healthcare benefits can be purchased alone or within a comprehensive plan, which also includes travel-related benefits to cover things like delays, cancellations, and lost luggage. The recommended evacuation and medical benefits are typically included by default in travel medical plans for Lebanon.

• Medical repatriation coverage: Coverage for transportation services to return a traveller to their home country from Lebanon.
• Pre-existing conditions: Obtain a waiver to include coverage for treatment related to a diagnosed pre-existing health condition.
• Trip interruption: Reimbursement for travellers who get extremely sick or injured and can't continue their trip.

There is no one insurance policy that tourists can buy. The cost of coverage depends on the number of days you're travelling for, the number of people travelling, the age of the traveller, and the premium. It is recommended to get a policy that covers at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

Safety concerns

Lebanon is a country with diverse attractions, from its grand green Cedar forests to its high snow-covered mountains. However, the country is currently facing safety and security concerns that may impact travellers, especially American citizens. Here are some key safety concerns for Americans considering travel to Lebanon:

Crime and Security Risks: Lebanon is currently facing challenges with crime, including violent crimes and political violence. Local security authorities have reported a rise in violent crimes, and multiple unsolved killings may have been politically motivated. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may change at any time without notice due to the volatile security situation.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups continue to plot possible attacks in Lebanon, and these may be targeted at tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, and local government facilities. There is also a risk of kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes. Terrorist or criminal organisations may be involved in these kidnappings.

Armed Conflict: Lebanon has witnessed intense fighting between the Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah, resulting in casualties and injuries. A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon was implemented, but instances of military activity continue in some areas of Lebanon. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens or visitors against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.

Travel and Transportation: The U.S. Embassy has urged citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon and reminded them that their safety cannot be guaranteed. The Embassy has also advised against travel to southern Lebanon and the Lebanon-Syria border due to military activity and airstrikes. Additionally, there is a risk that the Beirut airport could be closed due to an escalation of violence, impacting travellers' ability to depart the country.

Medical Care: The ongoing events in Lebanon have reduced the availability of medical care, especially in Beirut. U.S. citizens should anticipate limited access to hospitals and doctors and a reduction in routine care at medical facilities.

Unexploded Ordnance: There is a risk of unexploded landmines and explosive remnants of war, especially along the border with Syria. Visitors are advised to heed warning signs, stay on marked paths, and avoid roadside ditches and unmarked trails.

While Americans may not be specifically targeted due to their nationality, the volatile security situation and potential for sudden outbreaks of violence pose significant risks. It is essential for Americans considering travel to Lebanon to stay updated on travel advisories and follow the recommendations of the U.S. Embassy and local authorities.

Driving in Lebanon

Road Conditions and Driving Culture

Driving culture in Lebanon is notably different from that of many other countries. Drivers in Lebanon often exhibit aggressive behaviour, with frequent instances of speeding, sudden lane changes, and horn usage. It is not uncommon for drivers to ignore traffic rules, including traffic lights and lane markings. Additionally, roads in Lebanon may have missing drain covers and potholes, which can be dangerous, especially when driving at night.

Vehicle Requirements and Documentation

If you plan to drive in Lebanon, ensure that your vehicle has the necessary documentation, including registration papers and proof of insurance. Driving without these documents can result in confiscation of your vehicle. It is also important to have an international driver's license or a local Lebanese driver's license if you plan to stay in the country for more than three months.

Traffic Laws and Enforcement

While traffic laws may be loosely followed by some drivers in Lebanon, it is important for visitors to abide by them to avoid fines or other penalties. This includes following speed limits, yielding to pedestrians, and obeying traffic signals. There are also army checkpoints located throughout the country, which are in place for the safety of travellers.

Rental Cars and Requirements

If you plan to rent a car in Lebanon, you will need to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license, passport, and credit card. Some rental companies may also require an international driver's license, so it is important to check with the rental agency beforehand. It is recommended to rent a car with a manual gearbox, as automatic transmissions may be less common.

In conclusion, driving in Lebanon can be a unique and unpredictable experience. While it may be challenging at times, staying alert, cautious, and adhering to local traffic laws will help ensure a safe journey.

Importing pets

When importing pets to Lebanon, there are a number of requirements that must be met. Firstly, pets must enter Lebanon through Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport as carry-on, checked baggage, or air cargo. It is important to check with your airline, as they may have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets.

Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit non-encrypted microchip. If your pet's microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner.

Your pet must also be vaccinated for rabies after the microchip is inserted and between 30 days and 12 months prior to entry. Other required vaccinations include distemper, hepatitis, parvo, and leptospirosis for dogs, and feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia for cats. Puppies and kittens should wait a minimum of 30 days after their rabies vaccination before entering Lebanon.

Within 10 days of travel, a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must complete a pet health certificate, which must then be endorsed by the governing authority of your country responsible for the import and export of animals. This certificate, along with a health certificate issued by a government veterinarian within 10 days of export, must accompany the animal during travel or shipment.

Additionally, proof of ownership is required, and ticks and tapeworm treatment is mandatory for pets entering Lebanon from any country. It is also important to note that no pet owners holding an Israeli passport will be permitted entry to Lebanon, and it is not recommended to bring anything into the country that indicates a visit to Israel.

Frequently asked questions