Guidance
Information note: Travelling and staying safe in Lebanon
Tips from the British embassy Beirut to help you prepare for travel and safety in Lebanon.
Latest tips to help you have a safe trip while you travel in Lebanon.
- Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Lebanon; you will receive a free single entry visa for 1 month on arrival. This can be extended for up to three months by visiting the General Security office.
- Check if you’ve got the correct visa- if you are coming as a student or volunteer check the General-security website for info or to work in Lebanon check the Lebanese Embassy UK website.
- Get travel insurance and make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to do and take enough medical supplies for the duration of your visit and any unexpected delays.
- Check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad. Consider leaving your phone’s IMEI number with a friend or family member, to help block or locate the phone if there’s a problem.
- If you’re going to be driving, make sure your licence is current and valid and be aware of what the requirements are for visitors to drive in Lebanon.
- You should consider carrying or storing securely online a copy of a birth certificate or other official documentation that allows parents’ names to be checked against the Immigration database. See information on Stop matches to understand why.
- Check our travel advice, sign up for email alerts and follow us on @ukinlebanon and like our Facebook page to get the latest updates.
- Find out our address and main contact details in case you need to visit us and book your appointment on line if you require a service.
- Avoid using shared taxis known as “service” or taxis hailed on the street. Only use taxis from recognised companies. Tell family and friends where you’re going and leave them your contact details. Fill in the emergency contact details in your passport; this will help government officials to contact next of kin if you have an accident.
- Ensure you have access to funds to cover emergencies and unexpected delays. Take more than one means of payment with you (cash, debit card, credit card) because we cannot pay any bills or give you money. However we can provide information about transferring funds or contact friends and family for you, if you want.
- If you’re travelling with children who are unaccompanied by one or both parents, check our guidance on permissions that you might need to get and check the policy of your airline or transport provider.
- Find out about local laws and customs, be careful when taking photographs or videos. Photography should be limited to tourist sites. Photographing military sites may result in your arrest.
- Store useful numbers on your phone such as: Ambulance: 140, Tourism Police:1735, General Security:1717, Emergency Police:112 and telephone directory:1515.
- Various informative notes and letters can be downloaded free of charge to present to relevant authorities, such as Schengen missions.
Contact
Consular section
British Embassy Beirut
Published 30 April 2018