Lebanon Visa Information

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Summary
-----------------Passport Required?    Visa Required?    Return Ticket Required?
British---------Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes
Australian-----Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes
Canadian-----Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes
USA------------Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes
Other EU------Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes

Passports
Passport valid for six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except the following:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding onward or return documentation and not spending the night at, or leaving, the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Visa Note
1. Nationals listed in the chart above except nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia who must obtain a visa prior to arrival, can obtain their visas on arrival at Beirut International Airport or any other port of entry at the Lebanese border, providing passport holders do not possess an Israeli stamp, and they hold return or onward tickets. All visitors requiring a visa should contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy) before leaving for details about where to obtain their visa; see General Info.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor one month: free (single-entry).

Validity
Visitor visas are generally issued for stays of up to three months.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see General Info.

Working Days Required
Depends on nationality of applicant; please contact the embassy (see General Info) for the specific number of days required for processing applications.

Warning
Travel to some areas of Lebanon requires caution. Travelers are advised against all travel to Palestinian refugee camps and against all but essential travel to south of the Litani.
  
Although the situation overall in Lebanon is calm, it is fragile. On several occasions in recent years, the security situation has deteriorated quickly. Anyone traveling to Lebanon should keep themselves well informed and closely monitor political and security developments.

Travelers are advised against all travel south of the Litani River and to all Palestinian refugee camps. There remains a serious risk from unexploded bombs remaining from the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel being accidentally detonated. There is also a risk of violence near the Israel/Lebanon border (the Blue Line).

Following the death of Hezbollah military commander Imad Mughniyah in Damascus on 12 February 2008, his funeral is planned for 14 February in Beirut's southern suburbs. Since this coincides with a large planned demonstration to commemorate the third anniversary of the assassination of Rafik Hariri, there is a heightened risk of violent clashes in Beirut on that day.

Travelers are strongly advised to avoid all public demonstrations and large public gatherings as the situation can change quickly and dramatically. This is a particular risk due to the current political crisis surrounding the election of a new president. There have been sporadic clashes between opposing political groups and there remains the possibility of further violence.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Lebanon. There is a risk that Western interests may also be targeted. Maintain a high level of vigilance in Beirut, and around the towns of Chtaura and Zhale. On 25 January 2008, a bomb attack in the Hazmieh area of east Beirut killed several people including Captain Wassim Eid of the Internal Security Force and injured several others. On 15 January 2008, a bomb in the Dora Karantina area of north Beirut killed and injured several people. Initial reports suggest that a US Embassy vehicle was the target of the attack. On 12 December 2007, a bomb exploded in Baabda, on the outskirts of Beirut, killing a senior Lebanese General, Francois al-Hajj, and a number of others, and injuring several civilian bystanders. Travelers should be aware that in the current tense political climate, places where members of the public and Lebanese officials congregate may be at increased risk of attack. In May, June and September 2007, there were a number of bomb attacks in and around Beirut, which killed several people. Militant groups are threatening further attacks across the country. Places where large numbers of people congregate may be particular targets.

Those in Lebanon should exercise extreme caution and keep abreast of the latest developments by listening to BBC and other English-language broadcasts, and heed local advice.

On 12 July 2006, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped on the border between Israel and Lebanon. This led to a major outbreak of violence, including major Israeli strikes across Lebanon in which buildings, roads and bridges have been destroyed and hundreds of people killed and thousands injured. Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on 14 August 2006. While this has largely been observed so far, the security situation remains uncertain, and there remains much unexploded ordnance in Southern Lebanon. Visitors should heed local advice in areas which have not been declared safe from unexploded ordnance.

Visitors should carry identity papers at all times and it is recommended that you register with your embassy.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Vaccinations
Special Precautions Certificate Required?

Diphtheria.......Sometimes   
Hepatitis A......Yes   
Malaria............No   
Rabies............No   
Tetanus..........Yes   
Typhoid..........Sometimes   
Yellow Fever..No*   

Health Care
Health insurance is essential. Lebanese hospitals are very modern and well equipped and many doctors are highly qualified. All doctors speak either English or French. The majority of hospitals in the region are private and require proof of the patient’s ability to pay the bill before providing treatment (even in emergency cases). Visitors who are not insured and require hospitalization should contact their embassy for advice. Standards at Lebanon’s public hospitals are much lower. The two best hospitals in the country are the Hôtel Dieu in Achrafieh, Beirut, and the American University/AUB Hospital in Hamra, Beirut.

Note
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers from infected areas.

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