Lebanon: Resilient Phoenix — Beirut's electric culture, Baalbek's Roman temples & the ancient Cedars
📞+961Dial Code
🏛️BeirutCapital
💰LBPCurrency
🚨112Emergency
🔌220V 50Hz · Type A/B/C/D/GElectricity
The capital of Lebanon is Beirut, and to call Lebanon from abroad you dial the country code +961. Nearby countries include Syria, Israel, Palestine, Cyprus. Electrical outlets here use 220V 50Hz · Type A/B/C/D/G, so bring a suitable travel adapter. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Hummus, Tabbouleh, Kibbeh (meat & bulgur). The local currency is the LBP · ل.ل · Lebanese Pound (USD widely used). In an emergency, dial 112.
🛂 Lebanon passport: ranked #177 of 197 worldwide, with 43 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Lebanon:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Lebanon's country code: +961
Dial +961 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +961 1 [number]. From mobile: + +961 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Lebanon
How to Call Abroad from Lebanon
To call another country from Lebanon: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Lebanon numbers is +961 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +961 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Lebanon
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Lebanon to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +961 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Lebanon.
Common Questions About Calling Lebanon
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +961 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Lebanon?
For a mobile: dial +961 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +961, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Lebanon from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +961 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Lebanon via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +961 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Lebanon?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +961 mean and where does it come from?
+961 is the international dialing code assigned to Lebanon by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Lebanon number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +961 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Lebanon
Country Code
+961
Calling abroad from Lebanon? Start with
00
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+961 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 961 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 961 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 961 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
📲 How to Call Lebanon from Other Countries
To reach Lebanon, first dial your country's international exit code, then Lebanon's country code +961, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 961local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 961local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 961local number
🇫🇷 France
00 961local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 961local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 961local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 961local number
🇮🇳 India
00 961local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +961 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Lebanon
Lebanon uses UTC+3. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Lebanon from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–14:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
07:00–19:00
🇩🇪 Germany
08:00–20:00
🇫🇷 France
08:00–20:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
09:00–21:00
🇦🇪 UAE
10:00–22:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
09:00–21:00
🇮🇳 India
12:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Lebanon
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–961–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Lebanon
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Lebanon
Do I need a visa to visit Lebanon?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Lebanon visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Lebanon offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Lebanon currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Lebanon?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Lebanon grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Lebanon on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Lebanon visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Lebanon using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Lebanon visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Lebanon using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Lebanon?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Lebanon on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
US Embassy Beirut Awkar Facing the Municipality, Awkar ☎ +961 4 543 600 Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00 Note: Check travel advisories
💳 Tipping Culture
10-15% tip in restaurants standard; check if service included.
🚄 Transport
Shared taxis (servees) main transport | Bus OGERO | Taxi widely available | No metro | Beirut port | Ferry to Cyprus & Greece
✈️ Airports
1 airport | Rafic Hariri International Airport BEY (Beirut, main) | No other international airports | Note: Check travel advisories
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Lebanon is divided into 8 governorates.
Beirut
Mount Lebanon
North
Akkar
Beqaa
Baalbek-Hermel
South
Nabatieh
📅 Best Time to Visit
October–April offers pleasant, mild temperatures in Lebanon. Avoid June–August when temperatures exceed 45°C (113°F). Ramadan dates shift yearly — restaurants and attractions operate reduced hours; respect daytime fasting in public.
📶 SIM & Internet
Tourist SIM cards available at airports — bring passport for registration. eSIM growing (Airalo, Holafly work in most countries). Data is affordable ($5–20 for 5–20GB). VPN apps may be restricted; download before arrival. Free Wi-Fi available in hotels, malls, and cafés.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Modest dress is essential in Lebanon: cover shoulders, knees, and chest. Women should carry a scarf for mosques and conservative areas. Saudi Arabia and Iran have specific dress codes — abaya/headscarf required in Iran. UAE and Bahrain are more relaxed but modesty still appreciated.
🌍 Lebanon: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Lebanon?
Some of the most famous foods in Lebanon include: Hummus, Tabbouleh, Kibbeh (meat & bulgur), Fattoush salad, Manousheh (breakfast flatbread), Kafta (spiced mince), Warak enab (stuffed vine leaves), Knafeh, Baklava, Arak.
What are the best places to visit in Lebanon?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Lebanon include: Baalbek Roman Temples (UNESCO), Byblos Ancient City (UNESCO), Tyre Archaeological Site (UNESCO), Anjar Umayyad City (UNESCO), Jeita Grotto, Qadisha Valley (UNESCO), Beirut National Museum, Raouché Rock Beirut, Sidon Sea Castle, Deir el Qamar Village.
What are the main customs and traditions in Lebanon?
Notable customs and traditions in Lebanon include: Warm and expressive Mediterranean hospitality, Greet with three cheek kisses, Coffee & tea always offered to guests, Religious diversity — 18 official sects, Resilience — rebuilt Beirut multiple times.
What is Lebanon famous for?
Lebanon is well known for: Meze culture (dozens of small dishes), Beirut nightlife (Paris of the Middle East), Cedars of Lebanon (national symbol), Arak (anise spirit), Phoenician & Crusader heritage.
Where in the world is Lebanon located?
Lebanon is located in the Middle East.
What countries are near Lebanon?
Countries near Lebanon include: Syria, Israel, Palestine, Cyprus, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Kuwait, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Lebanon
Knowing the right emergency number in Lebanon can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Lebanon. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
October–April offers pleasant, mild temperatures in Lebanon. Avoid June–August when temperatures exceed 45°C (113°F). Ramadan dates shift yearly — restaurants and attractions operate reduced hours; respect daytime fasting in public.
How much does a trip to Lebanon cost per day?
Daily costs in Lebanon range from $40 (budget) to $100 (mid-range) to $240 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many governorates does Lebanon have?
Lebanon has 8 governorates. They are: Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North, Akkar, Beqaa, Baalbek-Hermel, South, Nabatieh.
What is the emergency number in Lebanon?
In Lebanon you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: Police: 110/112, Ambulance: 113. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,G · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingTipping appreciated but not mandatory. Round up or add 10% at restaurants.
💧
Tap WaterUse cautionTap water is treated in cities but bottled water is recommended for travelers.
📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats
Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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