Air
All but vital travel is advised to the northern Beka’a Valley and areas of South Lebanon close to the Israeli border. There continues to be a dangerous risk of terrorist attacks throughout the Middle East, including in Lebanon. All visitors should be particularly aware in public places such as tourist sites, and avoid military sites and Palestinian refugee camps.
The national airline in Lebanon is Middle East Airlines (MEA), which operates 9 direct flights per week from London to Beirut. Further information can be obtained from the Middle East Airlines office in the United Kingdom (telephone: (020) 7467 8010, for British reservations).
Mediterranean (a franchise partner of British Airways) operates every day non stop services from London to Beirut. Air France also organizes direct flights to Beirut.
Beirut International airport
Beirut International (BEY) (Khaldeh) is 8 kiometres (5 miles) south of the city (the travel time is 20 minutes). A bus service operates to the city centre (from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm) leaving every 30 minutes. Taxis are also available (New Taxi, Allô Taxi or Premier Taxi).
Airport facilities
Airport services include a tourist information desk, restaurants, bars, duty free shops, post office, hotel reservations and bank / bureau de change. There is also a VIP lounge.
Departure Tax
L£ 100,000 for 1st class, L£ 75,000 for business class, and L£ 50,000 for economy class.
Sea
Main international ports are Jounieh, Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon and Tyre. Cruise ships are offered from Jounieh. Cruise lines operating to Lebanon include Fred Olsen, First European and Louis Cruise Lines.
The sea connection between the Cypriot port of Larnaca and Jounieh in Lebanon may be closed and travellers considering that route are recommended to check with the Ministry of Tourism or the Embassy.
Road
Best international routes are via Turkey and Aleppo – Homs and Lattakia in the Syrian Arab Republic along the north – south coastal road, and also the Beirut – Damascus trunk road.
Bus services are available from Europe. For further
details, please contact the Ministry of Tourism or the Embassy (see
Contacts section). |
