Last updated: 24 Oct 2025
Lebanon
About
| Fringed by the azure waters of the Mediterranean along its western coast, Lebanon offers an enchanting blend of sandy beaches, breathtaking mountains, fertile valleys, historic cities and a wealth of archaeological sites waiting to be explored. All this is contained within the country’s relatively small borders encompassing a landmass measuring just 225km (140 miles) long and 46km (29 miles) wide, roughly the same size as the neighbouring island of Cyprus. Once referred to as the 'Paris of the Orient' thanks to its impressive architecture and cosmopolitan feel, the Lebanese capital, Beirut, is one of the great seaside cities of the Mediterranean, commanding a magnificent position perched on a promontory and surrounded by the sea. One of its most celebrated attractions is the palm-tree lined seaside promenade known as The Corniche, which skirts the glittering waterside for almost two miles from downtown Beirut to the picturesque Pigeon Rocks. It is lined with restaurants and cafes and is a popular destination for families, joggers and walkers and fishermen. Beirut and its architecture was a heavy casualty of Lebanon's 16-year civil war, the vestiges of which can be seen all over the city. Reconstruction started in earnest and the city was poised to become one of the most popular tourist and business destinations in the Middle East until the Israeli attacks of 2006. Despite more recent political unrest, tourism to Lebanon is recovering and Beirut has gained something of an international reputation as the party city of the Middle East with an ever-increasing number of fashionable restaurants, bars and clubs. Beyond the capital there is also much to discover. Lebanon is home to five designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflecting the country's rich and varied cultural heritage with the Phoenicians, the Romans, Christian Crusaders, Umayyad, Mamlouks, Ottomans and the French all having left their mark. These include the one of the oldest Phoenician coastal ports, the fortified Byblos, 40km (25 miles) north of Beirut and the haunting remains of Baalbeck on the south western slopes of the Anti-Lebanon range - arguably one of the finest examples of Greco-Roman civilisation to be seen anywhere. Other unmissable sights include the lush and fertile Bekaa Valley dotted with historic vineyards, the magnificent cedar forests and Christian monasteries of the Holy Valley in the north of the country as well as the fascinating cities of Tyr, Tripoli and Anjar. Outdoor activities are also an increasing draw, with several nature reserves and many areas of unspoilt wilderness to enjoy by foot or bike, whilst in the winter months, the mountains are a popular destinations for skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing. |
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| Official Name: | Republic of Lebanon |
| Native Name: | Lubnan |
| Capital: | Beirut (BEY) |
| Currency: | Lebanese Pound (LBP)(also known as the Lebanese Lira). US Dollars and Euro may be accepted. |
| Language: | Arabic. French and English are also spoken |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 961 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +2 hours (Same time as South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC/GMT +3 hours (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best Time to go: | June – September. Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring and Autumn are also warm months. Winter (December – March) is rainy with snow on the mountains, making it the best time to enjoy winter sports. |
| Best For: | UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Historical sites, Cosmopolitan Lifestyle, Skiing (Winter only) |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin, round three-pin and square three-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available and recommended. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Doctors will require proof of ability to pay before assisting even emergency cases. |
| Customs: | As this is a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality is illegal. Possession and use of narcotic drugs are serious offences. Overstaying visa is a serious offence. It is illegal to photograph military personnel and buildings, as well as official buildings (this can lead to confiscation of cameras and imprisonment). |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Check the local political situation before travelling. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Lebanon by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 800 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 1kg of tobacco. • 2L of spirits or fortified wines or 4L of other alcoholic beverages. • 1L of eau de cologne and 100ml of perfume. • Personal belongings not exceeding L£2 million or L£500,000 for Lebanese, Syrian and Jordanian passengers or those arriving from Syria or Jordan. Those aged under 18 years are permitted half the specified quantities for duty free except tobacco and alcoholic beverages, which are forbidden. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Arms, ammunition, narcotics, and immoral publications and recordings. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Arms, ammunition, narcotics, archaeological artefacts and currencies. Antiques require an export licence. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Lebanon
165 Lynwood Road, Brooklyn
Tel: 012 430 2130/31 Fax: (012) 430-2238
E-mail: info@embassyoflebanon.co.za
Web: pretoria.mfa.gov.lb
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 6; Feb 9, 14; Mar 25, 31; Apr 1, 18, 20-21; May 1, 4, 11, 25; Jun 7-8; Jul 6; Aug 15; Sep 5; Nov 22; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 6; Feb 9, 14; Mar 20-21, 25; Apr 3, 5-6, 10, 12-13; May 1, 3, 10, 25, 27-28; Jun 17, 26; Nov 22; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders
- WARNING: Travelers with Israeli stamps in their passports will not be granted entry into Lebanon.
REQUIREMENTS - TOURISM
- Application form fully filled in.
- Scanned copy of passport (bio page).
- A valid passport for at least (6) months with no Israeli stamps.
- One colored photo (Size 4,3 x 3,5 cm)
- A Hotel booking.
- An invitation letter from the host in Lebanon (except for South Africans of Lebanese Origin).
- A clear physical address and contact number of the host in Lebanon. a: If the host is Lebanese: a copy of his ID or Lebanese passport is required. b: If the host is a Foreigner: a copy of the work permit or residency permit with at least (3) months validity and a scanned copy of his passport are required.
- Itinerary – (2) ways ticket booking.
- Bank statement for the last (3) months.
- A letter of employment or work status.
- If holder of a foreign passport a valid South African work permit or temporary of at least (6) months.
- Proof of international travel insurance policy.
- A parental consent to be signed at the Embassy or appropriate South African Authority for minors and a copy of an Unabridged Birth Certificate.
Visa Processing Time
3-5 working days after visa approval.
Application to be submitted one month (1) prior to proposed date of travel.
Visa Cost
Payment for Visa fees to be made AFTER contacting the Embassy and confirming the VISA APPROVAL
Single entry: ZAR 1400
Double entry: ZAR 2000
Multiple entry: ZAR 2800
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Damascus, Syria
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
