Where to transit in Lebanon? Important notes for transit

CẢNH BÁO AN NINH VÀ KINH TẾ NGHIÊM TRỌNG – ĐỌC KỸ TRƯỚC KHI QUYẾT ĐỊNH

Lebanon is currently experiencing the most severe economic crisis in its modern history combined with political instability and regional security tensions. Most governments worldwide, including Vietnam, advise citizens to carefully reconsider or avoid traveling to Lebanon at this time.

Lebanon, từng được mệnh danh là “Paris của Trung Đông” và “Thụy Sĩ của Trung Đông”, là đất nước có lịch sử Phoenicia cổ xưa, Baalbek hùng vĩ – kỳ quan La Mã được bảo tồn tốt nhất, Byblos – thành phố liên tục có người ở lâu nhất thế giới, và ẩm thực Levantine tinh tế bậc nhất. Từ bờ biển Địa Trung Hải tuyệt đẹp đến dãy núi Lebanon phủ tuyết với rừng tuyết tùng huyền thoại, Lebanon từng mang đến trải nghiệm Trung Đông độc đáo. There are no direct flights from Vietnam, transit via the Middle East or Europe is mandatory.

Current Situation to Know:

• Economic Crisis: Currency lost over 90% of its value, hyperinflation, fuel shortages
• Prolonged Power Outages: 18-22 hours/day, only 2-4 hours of electricity
• Banking System Collapse: ATMs often out of cash, limited international credit cards
• Political Instability: Frequent protests, unstable government
• Regional Tensions: Border conflicts with Israel, spillover from Syria

Overview of Lebanon's Aviation System

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is the main and sole gateway, located 9 km south of Beirut's center. It serves as the hub forMiddle East Airlines (MEA) and previously handled over 8 million passengers annually, but currently operates with limitations due to the crisis.

Most popular transit points

Middle East (Most optimal choice)

Istanbul (IST), Turkey:

• Hanoi Istanbul Ammandaily flights to BEY (2 hours)
• Advantages: Most competitive prices, strong connections from Vietnam, good service, many flights
• Cost: $700-1.600$USD
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

daily flights to CGK, DPS (8-9 hours)

• For longer international journeys, you can fly by daily flights to BEY (2.5 hours)
• Advantages: World-class service, modern Hamad airport, stable relations with Lebanon
• Cost: $900-1.800$USD
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

has 4-5 daily flights (1.5 hours)

• Emirates, flydubaidaily flights to BEY (3 hours)
• Advantages: World's most modern airport, many flights from Asia
• Cost: $800-1.700$USD
• Note: Some flights may be affected by the regional situation

Cairo (CAI), Egypt:

• EgyptAirflights to BEY (1.5 hours)
• Advantages: Close to Lebanon, can combine with Egypt tours
• Disadvantages: Few connections from Asia, transit visa needs to be checked

Europe (More stable choice)

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France:

• Paris (France): daily flights to BEY (4.5 hours)
• Advantages: Vietnam Airlines has a direct flight to Paris, convenient connection
• Cost: $1.100-2.200$USD

Frankfurt (FRA), Germany:

• Important notes for transit to Nicaragua regular flights to BEY (4.5 hours)
• Advantages: Major European hub, Star Alliance, good connections from Singapore/Bangkok
• Cost: $1.000-2.000$USD

Suggested route from Vietnam

Option 1: Via Istanbul (Most Optimal)

Vietnam → Istanbul IST → Beirut BEY

• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $700-1.600$USD
• Advantages: Competitive prices, good service, strong connections

Option 2: Via Doha/Dubai

Vietnam → Doha DOH/Dubai DXB → Beirut BEY

• Time: 12-18 hours + waiting
• Cost: $800-1.800$USD
• Advantages: Premium service, modern airport

Option 3: Via Europe (More Stable)

Vietnam → Paris CDG/Frankfurt FRA → Beirut BEY

• Time: 14-18 hours + waiting
• Cost: $1.000-2.200$USD
• Advantages: More politically stable option

Safe transit time

Same ticket/same alliance:

• Middle East (IST/DOH/DXB): Minimum $2-3$ hours
• Europe (CDG/FRA): Minimum $2.5-3$ hours

Other tickets (self-transfer):

• Middle East: Minimum $4-6$ hours
• Châu Âu: Minimum $5-7$ hours

Special contingency:

• Add$1-2$ hoursdue to the unstable situation which may cause delays/cancellations
• Strict security checkat BEY

Visa and required documents – EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Lựa chọn phổ biến:

Vietnamese citizens can apply for VOA at Beirut airport:

• Cost: $20$USD (7 days) or$35$ USD (30 ngày) – chỉ nhận tiền mặt USD
• Processing Time: 30-60 minutes at the airport
• Can be deniedif not eligible

Mandatory documents:

• Valid passport 6 monthswith 1-2 blank pages
• ABSOLUTELY NO ISRAELI STAMP(including transit stamps, old boarding passes)
• Round-trip flight ticket confirmed
• Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation address
• Proof of financial means$2.000$USD (may be requested)

Transit Visa:

• Middle East: No visa required if staying airside under 24 hours
• Châu Âu: Schengen visa needed if leaving the airside

Health and insurance

Recommended vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A, BHepatitis A, B
• Typhoid fever: Important due to food hygiene
• Tetanus : Booster update

Bảo hiểm y tế – CỰC KỲ QUAN TRỌNG:

• Minimum: $200.000$USD
• Inclusions: Emergency evacuation, private hospital treatment, trip cancellation
• Reasons: The Lebanese public health system is in severe decline

Tiền tệ và chi phí – CỰC KỲ PHỨC TẠP

Currency crisis:

• Lebanese Pound (LBP) has lost over 90% of its value
• Official exchange rate: $1USD=1.500LBP$ (unrealistic)
• Black market exchange rate: $1USD=15.000+LBP$ (hourly fluctuations)
• Reality: Lebanon operates mainly using USD cash

Payment methods:

• MUST bring USD cashfor the entire trip
• Credit cards: Almost unusable or exorbitant exchange rate
• ATMs: Often out of cash or only dispenses LBP at low rates

Estimated 7-day cost:

• Flight Tickets: $700-2.200$USD
• Hotels with generator: $80-200$ USD/night (pay in USD)
• Food: $30-60$USD/day
• Transportation: $40-80$USD/day
• Total: $1.500-3.500$ USD/person

Safety and security – EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

Security situation:

• Protests/riots: Frequent in Beirut, can erupt unexpectedly
• Border tensions: With Israel (south) and Syria (east)
• Rocket attacks: Risk from armed groups
• Crime: Increasing due to economic crisis

Areas to avoid absolutely:

• Southern border with Israel
• Eastern border with Syria
• Dahiyeh (Nam Beirut) – khu vực Hezbollah
• Palestinian refugee camps

Mandatory safety measures:

• Register with the Vietnamese Embassyupon arrival
• Stay away from protests and large gatherings
• Do not travel alone at night
• Use reputable taxi/Uber from hotels
• Always have an emergency evacuation plan
• Emergency number: 112(police)140(emergency)

Best time

Spring (April-May) & Autumn (September-October) – Ideal:

• Weather: $20-28°C$, most pleasant
• Advantages: Perfect for sightseeing, little rain
• Disadvantages: Higher prices

Summer (June-August):

• Weather: $28-35°C$, hot and humid
• Advantages: Lively beaches
• Disadvantages: Extremely hot, more severe power outages

Culture and tourist attractions

Religious diversity:

• Islam: 60% (Sunni, Shia, Druze)
• Christianity: 40% (Maronite, Orthodox)
• Language: Arabic (official), French and English (widely spoken)

Major tourist attractions:

• Beirut: Raouche Rocks, Gemmayzeh & Mar Mikhaël
• Byblos: Oldest city in the world (UNESCO)
• Baalbek: Gigantic Roman temples (UNESCO)
• Jeita Grotto: Most beautiful grotto in the world
• Cedars of God: Ancient cedar forest (UNESCO)

Detailed preparation checklist

Documents:

• Passport valid for 6+ months NO ISRAEL STAMP
• Round-trip air ticket + booking confirmation
• Travel insurance$200.000$USDincludes emergency evacuation
• Proof of financial means$2.000$USD
• Notarized copies of important documents

Finance:

• USD Cash(new bills, small denominations) for the entire trip
• Double the estimated budget
• Do not rely on credit cards/ATMs

Security and communication:

• Register with the Embassybefore and after arrival
• Local SIM: Touch, Alfa (buy at airport)
• Apps: Careem/Uber (taxi), WhatsApp (communication)
• Emergency evacuation plan

Health:

• Sufficient personal medications with English prescriptions
• Basic first-aid kit
• Water purifier(unstable water system)

Technology:

• High-capacity power bank(18-22 hours of power outage/day)
• Flashlightand power bank
• Type C/D/G Adapter(Lebanon has many types of sockets)

Conclusion and strong recommendation

Lebanon từng là “Paris của Trung Đông” với vẻ đẹp văn hóa và lịch sử độc đáo, nhưng hiện tại đang trải qua giai đoạn khó khăn nhất trong lịch sử hiện đại.

Optimal transit route (if transit is unavoidable):

• USD, competitive pricesAbsolute prerequisites:$700-1.600$USD
• USD, to both Nairobi and Mombasa: Premium service $900-1.800$USD
• Paris (Air France): More stable $1.100-2.200$USD

Absolute preparation required:

• PASSPORT MUST NOT HAVE ISRAELI STAMP
• VOA at the airport ($20-35$USD cash)
• Full trip USD cash – hệ thống ngân hàng sụp đổ
• Insurance$200.000$USDincludes emergency evacuation
• Register with the Embassy and regular reporting

STRONG RECOMMENDATION:

• Only go if there is a compelling reason (family, urgent work)
• Not suitable for casual travel at this time
• Prepare yourself for difficulties with electricity, water, and transportation
• Always have an evacuation plan and be ready to leave Lebanon at any time

Lebanon can offer profound cultural experiences, but personal safety must be the top priority. Only travel if absolutely necessary and with the most comprehensive preparation.

Serious warning: The situation in Lebanon can change in a matter of hours. Always monitor the latest security advisories from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and be prepared to change your plans. Personal safety is more important than any travel plans.