Lebanon is a small country in the eastern Mediterranean, known for its ancient history, Phoenician heritage, Roman ruins, mountains, cedar forests, Mediterranean cuisine, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Beirut. The country combines sea, mountains, archaeological sites, and religious heritage in a relatively small area.
Important for the current situation: According to the latest published information from the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, Lebanon is Risk level 5 – warning to suspend all travel and immediately leave the country. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on Bulgarian citizens not to plan trips to Lebanon.
Therefore, the tourist information below is useful primarily for general orientation and for future travel when official warnings allow it.
Lebanon is located in the Middle East and has access to the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south.
The capital is Beirut – the largest city and the main cultural, economic and tourist center of the country.
Lebanon is traditionally suitable for cultural, historical, culinary, religious and nature tourism. For future trips, the country allows for a combination of Beirut, ancient cities, mountainous regions and coastal settlements.
Yes. Bulgarian citizens with an ordinary passport need a visa to visit Lebanon. According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a tourist visa is for a period of up to 30 days and can be extended up to 90 days.
The Lebanese General Directorate of General Security lists Bulgaria among the countries whose citizens can receive a free tourist visa for one month under the appropriate conditions, with the possibility of extension up to three months.
Before actually traveling, it is imperative to check the current regime, as visa rules and entry conditions may change.
To travel to Lebanon, you must have a valid passport. Before departure, it is necessary to check the required remaining validity period according to current entry regulations.
Travelers should check current regulations regarding previous visits to Israel and Israeli visas or stamps in their passports. US authorities warn that such information could result in denial of entry or additional screening.
Security is the main issue when planning a trip to Lebanon. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a level 5 alert and recommends suspending all travel and leaving the country.
The situation in Lebanon can change rapidly. There are risks of armed clashes, missile and drone attacks, political tensions, and sudden deterioration of the situation.
Southern Lebanon is among the highest-risk areas due to the possibility of armed conflict, terrorism, kidnappings, and the presence of unexploded ordnance.
The border areas with Syria are also high-risk. There are dangers from armed clashes, terrorism, kidnappings, and unexploded ordnance.
The Dahiyeh areas and parts of southern Beirut are among the places for which there are particularly serious security warnings.
There is a risk of terrorist attacks with little or no advance warning. Potential targets may include public places, transport hubs, markets, shopping malls and other places with large crowds.
There is a risk of kidnapping and detention of foreigners. This is one of the reasons why official authorities recommend against traveling to Lebanon.
Political and social demonstrations may occur suddenly. In future travel, protests, political gatherings, and large crowds should be avoided.
In Lebanon, there is a risk of common crimes such as pickpocketing and theft, with economic difficulties also associated with an increase in some types of crime.
Passport, money and valuables should be kept in a safe place. It is good practice to have a copy of your passport and important documents.
Military, police, or other sensitive infrastructure sites should not be photographed. Such actions may result in questioning or detention.
Before traveling, Bulgarian citizens should check the latest information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding consular assistance and the work of the Bulgarian diplomatic mission, as in the event of a worsening situation, the possibilities for consular response may be limited.
When traveling to high-risk countries, it is wise for Bulgarian citizens to register in the MFA's "I am traveling for..." system, whenever possible. The MFA itself calls on Bulgarians in the region to register in the event of an emergency.
The official currency is the Lebanese pound. However, the US dollar is also widely used in the economy, and many tourist services are advertised or paid for in dollars.
It is wise to have enough cash on hand for future tourist visits. US authorities note that despite the availability of card payments, many places prefer or require cash payment.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at some tourist sites, but should not be relied upon as some merchants may charge significant additional fees.
Beirut is the cultural and economic center of Lebanon. In a normal tourist environment, the city offers museums, restaurants, waterfront spaces, historic buildings, and a lively nightlife.
Beirut's coastal promenade, known as the Corniche, is one of the most popular places to stroll along the Mediterranean Sea.
Pigeon Rocks is one of Beirut's most recognizable natural landmarks. It is located by the sea and is especially popular at sunset.
The National Museum presents Lebanon's rich archaeological heritage and is an important site for understanding the country's history.
The central part of the city combines a modern urban environment, historic buildings, squares, shops and restaurants.
In a normalized situation, Beirut is a natural starting point for touring the country, as a significant portion of the main historical and natural sites can be reached in one day.
Byblos is one of the most important historical cities in Lebanon. The city has a multi-layered archaeological heritage and is associated with the history of the Phoenician civilization. UNESCO included it on the World Heritage List in 1984.
The old town combines archaeological remains, medieval architecture, a harbor, narrow streets and traditional restaurants.
The Old Port is one of the most pleasant areas for walking in the city and is particularly popular for its restaurants and views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Byblos is closely associated with the history of the Phoenicians and with the development and spread of Phoenician writing.
Baalbek is one of the most impressive archaeological complexes in Lebanon. The ancient city, known in antiquity as Heliopolis, is famous for its monumental Roman temples.
The Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek is among the largest remains of Roman architecture and is part of the UNESCO site.
The Temple of Bacchus is one of the best-preserved monumental structures in Baalbek and is among the most impressive ancient monuments in the region.
Baalbek is located in the Bekaa Valley, between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges. The region is important for agriculture and wine production.
Anjar is an archaeological site related to the early Islamic history of Lebanon. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984.
Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city on the southern coast of Lebanon. The city was one of the most important maritime powers of the ancient world and is associated with the founding of colonies in the Mediterranean.
The archaeological remains of Tyre include significant Roman and ancient structures. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984.
Tyre is among the places for which current international security warnings should be checked particularly carefully. As of 2026, the site is also included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage in Danger.
Sidon is an ancient coastal city with Phoenician heritage, an old port, fortresses and traditional markets.
The Sea Castle is one of Sidon's most recognizable landmarks and is located right by the sea.
Tripoli is a large city in northern Lebanon and an important historical and commercial center.
The city has medieval architecture, markets, mosques, hammams, and traditional neighborhoods. Its historic spaces are interesting for cultural tourism.
The Rashid Karami International Fair in Tripoli is a significant architectural site designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.
The Qadisha Valley is one of the most important natural and religious sites in Lebanon. The area is known for its deep valley, monasteries, and Christian spiritual heritage.
Cedar forests are one of the symbols of Lebanon. The Cedars of God area is part of the UNESCO site, which includes the sacred valley of Kadisha and the Cedars of God forest.
The mountainous regions offer a different landscape than the coastal towns. Depending on the season, hiking trails, mountain breaks and winter sports are possible.
Lebanon has mountain resorts where skiing and other winter sports are practiced under suitable winter conditions.
In the mountains, winter can be cold and snowy, while the coast has a milder Mediterranean climate.
Summer along the coast is warm and suitable for sea tourism, but when traveling, high temperatures and local climatic conditions should be taken into account.
The coast of Lebanon offers beaches, small ports, restaurants and resort towns. The sea is one of the main natural features of the country.
Jounieh is a coastal city north of Beirut, known for its waterfront, restaurants, and sea and mountain views.
Harissa is located above Jounieh and is one of the most famous religious sites in the country. The area offers panoramic views of the coast.
The Jeita Caves are among Lebanon's most famous natural attractions. The complex includes impressive limestone caves and underground natural formations.
Despite its small area, Lebanon offers a wide variety of landscapes – Mediterranean coast, mountains, valleys, forests and fertile plains.
The cedar is the national symbol of Lebanon and is featured on the national flag. The tree holds an important place in the country's history, culture, and religious traditions.
Lebanese cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the Middle East. It uses a lot of fresh vegetables, olive oil, herbs, tahini, meat, grains, and dairy products.
Hummus is among the most familiar Lebanese dishes and is usually made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and spices.
Tabbouleh is a fresh salad with parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, lemon and olive oil and is one of the characteristic elements of Lebanese cuisine.
Falafel is a popular plant-based food made primarily from chickpeas or other legumes and spices.
Shawarma is widespread in Lebanon and can be found in both ordinary establishments and more modern restaurants.
Lebanese meze includes numerous small dishes that are served together - hummus, babaganoush, salads, vegetables, meat specialties, and various appetizers.
Traditional desserts include pastries with nuts, syrup, and fine crusts, as well as various variations of baklava.
Coffee is an important part of everyday culture. Lebanese coffee is usually strong and prepared in a Middle Eastern style.
Lebanon has an ancient tradition of winemaking, especially in the Bekaa Valley. In a normal tourist environment, wine routes can be an interesting part of the tour.
When traveling in the future, the choice of hotel should be based not only on price and location, but also on the current security situation.
Small hotels, guesthouses, and mountain accommodations may be suitable for touring the country in a normalized environment.
Transportation includes cars, taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services. Due to the current situation, routes and availability of transportation are subject to change.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely used. When traveling in the future, it is advisable to use reliable and pre-verified services.
Traffic in Beirut can be intense, and the markings and organization of traffic are not always like in Bulgaria.
When driving in Lebanon, you should check in advance for the current international driving license requirement. US authorities state that an international driving permit is required for foreign visitors.
Outside Beirut, some roads may have inadequate lighting or more limited infrastructure.
The main international airport is Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. However, in the current situation, flights may be cancelled or disrupted, so you should not rely on a pre-planned itinerary without checking immediately.
Military action or a sudden deterioration in security may disrupt civilian flights and access to the airport.
When traveling to a high-risk country, it is essential to have very good travel insurance with medical coverage and evacuation options. Limited medical infrastructure can be a problem in the event of a serious incident.
Travelers who take regular medications should carry a sufficient supply for the entire stay and medical documentation for them, especially in case of potential difficulties with movement.
For future travel, insurance should include medical assistance, hospital treatment and, when possible, medical evacuation.
During the winter months, heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas and around riverbeds.
Lebanon is extremely interesting for historical tourism. Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Crusader and Ottoman monuments can be found in a relatively small area.
Lebanon has seven sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: Anjar, Baalbek, Byblos, Mount Amel with its castles, the Qadisha Valley and the Cedar Forest, the Rashid Karami International Fair in Tripoli, and Tyre.
For lovers of antiquity, Baalbek is among the most impressive sites in the entire Middle East. The monumental Roman temples are a testament to the city's importance in antiquity.
Byblos is particularly interesting because of the continuous habitation of the area for millennia and its connection to the Phoenician civilization.
Tyre is important for its Phoenician history, maritime trade, and extensive archaeological remains from the Roman era.
The country is religiously diverse and has numerous Christian, Muslim and other religious monuments. When visiting religious sites, local rules of dress and behavior should be observed.
In Beirut, dress can be relatively casual, but in religious sites and more conservative areas it is wiser to choose more modest clothing.
Political topics, religious issues, and local conflicts should be discussed with due caution. It is not advisable for tourists to demonstrate political affiliation.
Besides military and government sites, it is wise to ask permission before photographing people, religious ceremonies, or sensitive locations.
Under normal circumstances, Lebanon is an excellent destination for a culinary trip. The local cuisine is diverse and combines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions.
The coast offers beaches and resort areas, but Lebanon should not be seen solely as a seaside destination. Its greatest tourist value is the combination of sea, mountains, history and cuisine.
The mountainous regions offer a different climate and scenery than the coast. In winter, some resorts become snow sports centers.
If the situation normalizes in the future, 4–5 days may be enough for Beirut and several nearby attractions.
For a more complete program, Beirut, Byblos, Jeita, Jounieh, Baalbek, Bekaa and the mountainous regions can be combined.
One of the strongest routes could include Beirut, Byblos, Tripoli, the Kadisha Valley, Baalbek, Anjar, and Tyre, with the specific route having to take into account current security.
Lebanon allows for a relatively quick transition from the coast to the mountainous regions. This is one of the country's features as a tourist destination.
Before any future trip, check the current risk level of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa regime, airport conditions, flights, land routes and travel insurance conditions. In Lebanon, this check is especially important due to the rapidly changing situation.
According to the current information of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, Lebanon is level 5 – suspension of all travel and immediate departure from the country. This means that Lebanon not a suitable destination for planning a tourist trip at the moment, despite its rich cultural and natural heritage.
Before planning a trip to Lebanon, check:
Lebanon is an extremely interesting future tourist destination with Beirut, Byblos, Baalbek, Tyre, the Kadisha Valley, the cedar forests, the mountains and the rich Lebanese cuisine. However, at the moment, security is the decisive factor: the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry maintains level 5 and recommends suspending all travel and leaving the country immediately.
When official warnings are changed and travel becomes appropriate again, Lebanon can be seen as a strong destination for cultural, historical, culinary and combination tourism.
Be the first to know about our exclusive offers!
