+ 1h

Beirut

Arabic

• 220 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type A, B, C, D and G sockets is required

Banks

8.30 am - 2.00 pm (Mon - Sat)

Shops

9.00 am - 7.00 pm (Mon - Sat)
9.00 am - 10.00 pm (Mon - Sun) - Large shops and shopping centres

• 1 January - New Year’s Day
• 6 January - Epiphany
• 9 February - St Maron’s Day (Mar Maroun's Day)
• 14 February - Rafik Hariri Memorial Day
• 25 March - Annunciation Day
• Good Friday (date varies depending on the Christian denomination)
• Easter Monday (date varies depending on the Christian denomination)
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 25 May - Liberation and Resistance Day
• 15 August - Assumption of Mary
• Eid al-Fitr - date varies (end of Ramadan)
• Eid al-Adha - date varies
• Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) - date varies
• Ashura - date varies
• 22 November - Independence Day
• 8 December - Immaculate Conception
• 25 December - Christmas Day

The following documents are required for entry into Lebanon:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• Entry will be refused if the passport contains an Israeli visa or stamp, whether valid, expired or unused.
• A visa may be issued on arrival for stays of up to one month.
• A current telephone number and address are required where the traveller can be contacted during their stay.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay.
• A return or onward flight ticket to another country.

• Minors: Minors travelling alone, with only one parent or with an accompanying person are required to have a travel authorisation.

As of: January 2025

• Coastal regions: These areas have a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The coast benefits from cool sea breezes, which make the summer heat more bearable.

• Bekaa Valley: This region has a more continental climate, with greater temperature extremes: very hot summers and cold winters. Rainfall is lower than along the coast.

• Mountain regions: At higher elevations in the Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon ranges, the climate is cooler and more variable. Summers are pleasantly mild, while winter can bring enough snow for winter sports.

The ideal time to travel to Lebanon:

• City trips and cultural experiences: April to June: These months offer pleasant temperatures and little rainfall, ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the lively urban culture. September to October: After the hot summer, temperatures cool down and are ideal for exploring cities and attending cultural events.
• Beach holidays: June to September: The summer months are perfect for beach holidays, with long sunny days and warm Mediterranean waters.
• Winter sports: December to March: Lebanon’s mountain regions receive enough snow for skiing and other winter sports, particularly at higher elevations such as the ski resorts around Faraya.

• Using a mobile phone in Lebanon may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check your mobile provider’s roaming rates before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs. 
• In larger cities such as Beirut and in popular tourist areas, numerous Wi-Fi hotspots are available, particularly in hotels, cafés and restaurants.
• We recommend purchasing a local SIM or eSIM for your stay in Lebanon to ensure a reliable Internet connection. This is particularly useful in more remote areas, where Wi-Fi coverage may be more limited.

• National Museum of Beirut: Offers a comprehensive overview of the country’s rich history.
• Pigeon Rocks in Raouché: Impressive rock formations along Beirut’s coastline.

• Byblos Archaeological Site: One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with ruins from several different civilisations.

• Baalbek Temple Complex: Home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins, including the monumental temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus.

• Jeita Grotto: A fascinating cave system known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

• Sidon Sea Castle: A 13th-century fortress located on a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway.

• Al-Bass Archaeological Site, Tyre (Sour): Features a well-preserved Roman necropolis and a hippodrome.

• Cedars Nature Reserve: A forest of ancient cedar trees, also mentioned in the Bible and now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Citadel of Saint-Gilles, Tripoli: An imposing fortress overlooking the city and the sea.

• Our Lady of Lebanon (Harissa): A large statue of the Virgin Mary and a pilgrimage site offering panoramic views over Jounieh Bay.

Lebanese cuisine is a fascinating blend of Arab influences and Mediterranean culinary traditions, renowned for its variety and the freshness of its ingredients. Here are some highlights:

• Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made with finely chopped parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, mint and lemon juice, and considered a classic of Lebanese cuisine. 
• Hummus: This creamy paste made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic is popular worldwide and a staple of Lebanese meals. 
• Kibbeh: Lebanon’s national dish, made from finely minced meat, usually lamb or beef, mixed with bulgur, onions and spices, and often fried or served raw. 
• Falafel: Crispy fried balls made from puréed chickpeas or broad beans, seasoned with coriander and cumin, and often served in flatbread with salad and tahini sauce. 
• Manakish: Flatbreads topped with ingredients such as thyme (Za'atar), cheese or minced meat and then baked. 
• Shawarma: Seasoned meat grilled on a vertical spit and sliced thinly, often served in flatbread with vegetables and sauce. 
• Baklava: A sweet layered pastry made with filo dough, filled with nuts and topped with honey or syrup. 
• Arak: A traditional anise-flavoured spirit, often enjoyed during or after meals and well suited to the rich flavours of Lebanese cuisine.

• Greetings: In Lebanon, it is common to greet people with a slight bow and a handshake. Friends and relatives often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. It is considered polite to greet each person in a group individually.
• Politeness: Words such as “please” (من فضلك - min fadlak/fadlik) and “thank you” (شكراً - shukran) should be used regularly as a sign of politeness.
• Clothing: In urban areas such as Beirut, clothing tends to be modern and Western in style. In rural or more conservative areas, it is advisable to dress more modestly, particularly for women. Long trousers and covered shoulders are often appropriate.
• Dining etiquette: Sharing food is common in Lebanese culture. Guests are generally expected to try the different dishes served at the table. Bread is often used instead of cutlery to scoop up food, particularly dishes such as hummus and tabbouleh.
• Smoking: Smoking is widespread in Lebanon, and smoking water pipes (shisha) is a popular social activity in cafés and on beaches. However, smoking is restricted in many restaurants and public areas.
• Tipping: Tipping is common in restaurants and for services. Around 10% of the bill is considered appropriate if the service was good. In taxis, tipping is often done simply by rounding up the fare.

• Tap water: Drinking tap water is generally not recommended in Lebanon. It is advisable to use bottled or filtered water, particularly for drinking and food preparation. Bottled drinking water is served in many hotels and restaurants.

• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Lebanon. However, it is advisable to check that standard vaccinations are up to date in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule before travelling and to receive any necessary boosters. Additional vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox may be advisable depending on the itinerary and length of stay.

• Medical care in Lebanon varies considerably between urban centres and rural areas. In Beirut, the standard of care is high, particularly in the major hospitals. Well-known facilities include the American University of Beirut Medical Center and Hôtel-Dieu de France, both of which serve as regional referral centres for complex medical cases.
• It is strongly recommended to take out comprehensive international health insurance before travelling, including cover for emergency repatriation.
• Pharmacies are easily accessible in most urban neighbourhoods. Many medicines are available without a prescription, and pharmacists can often provide useful advice on common health issues. However, medicine shortages can occur and may limit availability. Travellers are strongly advised to bring a personal travel medical kit containing a sufficient supply of any regularly required medication. Protect these medicines from high temperatures while travelling.

• Check the media for the latest developments before and during your trip and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Travel to Lebanon is not recommended. Swiss nationals are advised to leave Lebanon.
• Due to the military escalation in the region since 28 February 2026, security-related developments and significant restrictions on travel and air traffic may occur at short notice, including possible airspace closures, flight cancellations or closure of the airport.
• There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks. 
• The ongoing financial and economic crisis has worsened the security situation in Lebanon, particularly in poorer neighbourhoods of Beirut and Tripoli and in rural areas.
• Be particularly vigilant in crowds and confined spaces and keep an eye on your valuables. Keep money, identification documents and other important documents secure and make electronic copies so that they can be replaced quickly in the event of theft.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: 3 March 2026

• An international driving permit is mandatory and is only valid when carried together with your national driving licence.

• The minimum age for hiring a car is between 21 and 23, depending on the rental company.
• Particular caution is required when driving. Basic traffic rules are often ignored, many traffic lights do not work and driving behaviour is frequently aggressive.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.05 ‰.

There are three main types of public transport in Lebanon: buses, minibuses and shared taxis.

• Buses: Buses are a common transport option, particularly in larger cities and for intercity travel. However, the network is often irregular and buses can be crowded.
• Minibuses: Minibuses are a popular form of public transport in Lebanon and offer a flexible way to travel between cities and within urban centres. They follow set routes but do not have fixed stops. Passengers wishing to board signal to the driver from the roadside by raising a hand.
• Shared taxis (“Service”): These shared taxis follow set routes and are an affordable alternative to private taxis. Passengers share the vehicle with others travelling in a similar direction. As with minibuses, there are no fixed stops; they can also be hailed by raising a hand.
• Taxis: Taxis are a widely used and flexible means of transport. They can be hailed on the street or booked via dedicated apps. It is advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey or to use a metered taxi.

• Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) – As Lebanon’s largest and most important airport, it serves as the country’s main hub for international and domestic flights. Located near the capital, Beirut, it offers numerous connections to destinations in Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
• MEA (Middle East Airlines) operates direct flights between Geneva and Beirut. Travellers departing from Zurich and Basel can conveniently reach Beirut with a connecting flight via Istanbul, for example with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines.
• Many airlines have reduced or completely suspended their flights to and from Lebanon. There is also a possibility that the airport may be temporarily closed.

00 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• Police: 112
• Ambulance: 140 or 125
• Fire service: 175 or 125
• Tourist police: 01-35 09 01

Avenue Fouad Chéhab
Achrafié / Beirut

Tel. +961 1 324 129
Email: beirut@eda.admin.ch

• Shortages of medicines, electricity, water and other essential goods occur, and disruptions to telephone and Internet connections are frequent.
• Across the country, celebratory gunfire into the air may occur spontaneously at events such as funerals, weddings and political gatherings. Falling bullets can cause serious injuries. Avoid large crowds and, if gunfire occurs, immediately seek shelter under a solid structure, away from open areas and windows.
• Photographing uniformed personnel, military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges, etc.) is prohibited.
• Drug laws are very strict.
• Despite extensive clearance operations, there is still a risk from mines and unexploded ordnance in some parts of the country, including old cluster munitions.
• Lebanon is located in an earthquake-prone zone.
• Exercise particular caution when entering banks and avoid crowds outside them.