The so called ‘Paris of the Middle East’, Lebanon lives up to its name from its ancient Roman landscapes to its metropolitan ambience. Although the raging conflict in its neighbouring states is aflame, Lebanon’s steadfast progress into an urban destination presses on. If you’re relocating to this vibrant country, take a look at some info we’ve gathered to get you up to speed.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
American Women's Club of Lebanon
AWC of Lebanon supports on average 15 charities during a calendar year. Additionally we host a charity bazaar each December at which about 45 diverse charitable organizations receive widespread exposure of their philanthropic effort during a day long event at which they sell their handmade articles and share their unique story to the several hundred visitors, shoppers and visiting press.
FB: www.facebook.com/pages/FAWCO/131996010188250
Website: www.fawco.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=
International Schools
American Community School
The American Community School At Beirut offers three types of high school diploma. The American high school diploma program prepares students for admission to colleges and universities in the US. The International Baccalaureate diploma is widely accepted at universities in the US, Canada, and Europe, as well as other universities throughout the world. The Lebanese Baccalaureate diploma prepares students for the government exams, which would qualify Lebanese students to study and practice law, engineering, and other professions in Lebanon.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate, American, Lebanese
Address: 67 Nigeria Street, Jal El-Bahr, 2035-8003, Beirut Lebanon
Tel: +961 1 374 370
Fax: +961 1 366 050
Website: www.acs.edu.lb
Adma International School
Adma International School (AIS), a Member of the Learner’s World International School (LWIS) network, embraces a Learner Centered Philosophy. They promote holistic development by integrating Peace Education, (Democracy and Citizenship, Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, Environmental Education, Health and Safety, and Service Learning), within all aspects of the school. AIS utilizes differentiated learning in order to accommodate students’ diverse learning profiles, interest, and readiness.
Curriculum: American, Lebanese
Address: Fatka, Kesrouan, P.O. Box 2654 Jounieh, Lebanon
Tel: +961 9 740225, +961 9 740226
Fax: +961 9 740224
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.admais.edu.lb/
Local News in English
The Daily Star Lebanon
The Daily Star on-line edition is the Web's leading source of Lebanese and regional news. redesigned to offer breaking news and on-the-spot follow-up. This site brings together an unmatched combination of high-quality content and powerful interactive capabilities.
Website: www.dailystar.com.lb/
Naharnet
Naharnet is the leading Lebanese news destination, breaking the news as it happens.
Website: www.naharnet.com/
Al-Akhbar English
The English edition of Al-Alkhbar aims to make debates and analyses circulating in the Arabic media sphere accessible to English speakers worldwide. Al-Akhbar depends on young and creative writers that challenge conventional forms of reporting and aspires to speak truth to power. Al-Akhbar English intends to preserve this tradition by translating selected articles from the Arabic edition for an international readership.
Website: english.al-akhbar.com/
Country Information
Location: Middle East
Capital City: Beirut
Other Important Cities: Trípoli
Currency: Lira
Language: Arabic
Calling Code: 961
Internet TLD: .lv
Electricity: Lebanon runs on 230V 50Hz.
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 140
Fire: 175
Police: 112
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org
Country Study
lcweb2.loc.gov
Embassy Information
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/lebanon
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Nationals for the following countries may enter and stay in Lebanon visa-free for up to 3 months: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates. Others including the US, EU and Australia may obtain visas upon arrival. The rest will have to go to a Lebanese embassy or consulate in their home or host country. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has full details:
Documents Required:
- Visa Application Form
- A valid passport
- 2 photos (passport size)
- Signed parental consent note from both parents for minors
- University/ School or Work attestation
- A proof of accommodation in lebanon
For a longer stay beyond three months, expats must obtain a residence permit through the regional department of the General Security
Documents and Procedure:
- The foreigner should present his application at one of the regional departments of the General Security located within the applicant's residential area along with his passport or a valid identity card as well as a return coupon if he is Syrian.
- The General Directorate of General Security can extend the temporary residence beyond its expiry to a maximum period of one year starting the date of entrance to Lebanon.
- The temporary residence is granted to those entering with a work permit. People concerned in this category should obtain a work permit and a yearly residence permit within three months from the date of entrance to Lebanon, in the case they fail to, the employer has to a clearance for his employee from the Labor Ministry and he should, jointly with his employee, consult the General Security's regional department located within his residential area in order to obtain a temporary stay that allows him to obtain a work permit.
- For more information please visit: www.general-security.gov.lb/
Note: Due to the Israeli-Palestine conflict, Israelis are not permitted to enter the country. Also, nationals whose passports have an Israeli travel stamped in them will be refused entry.
Accommodation
Lebanon and generally the capital city, Beirut is an expensive place to live in. The cost of living in this metropolitan area can be unaffordable for most expats. This is because of the progressive urban culture that’s bringing in business and commerce into the country. Rentable apartments are also in short supply. 1 bedroom apartments range from $496 to $805 per month; 3 bedroom apartments from $1,042 to $2,102 depending on the proximity to the city center.
Most expats turn to online listings to cut the search shorter. RealEstate.com.lb is a good place to start searching: www.realestate.com.lb/
Driving License
Expats will require their domestic license and an international driving license to drive legally in Lebanon.
Healthcare
The medical facilities in the country, specifically Beirut and surrounding areas, are modern and adequate. English speaking doctors are few. Cash payments is to be expected before treatment so a health insurance that can reimburse costs is highly advised.
Insurance Companies
Medgulf
Medgulf Group is one of the leading Arab and regional insurance companies providing the retail and institutional markets with all risk coverage requirements through its operations in Lebanon, KSA, Bahrain, UK, UAE, Turkey and Jordan.
Website: www.medgulf.com/
Hospitals
University Medical Center – Rizk Hospital
For the past 85 years, the University Medical Center – Rizk Hospital (UMC-RH) has been dedicated to fostering and advancing the health of humankind. The hospital has evolved through its history in becoming more comprehensive with its services, facilities and offerings; continuously developing with the core purpose of humanizing medicine.
Address: Zahar Street, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: +961 1 200800
Fax: +961 1 200816
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.umcrh.com
Fouad Al Khory Hospital
FKH is a hospital established in 1960. It is located in the heart of Ras Beirut, adjacent and walking distance to the American University of Beirut Medical Center. FKH is fully accredited by the Lebanese Ministry of Health and has a Memorandum Of Understanding with the American University of Beirut Medical Center. It is a private institution with a mission to provide the community with the highest medical standards.
Address: Abdul Aziz Medical Center, Hamra, Abdul Aziz Street, P.O. Box: 113-5111, Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: +961 1 742 140, +961 1 742 143, +961 1 742 147, +961 1 346 280, +961 1 346 281, +961 1 346 282
Fax: +961 1 340 781, +961 1 350 208
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bmg.com.lb
Rafik Hariri University Hospital
Rafik Hariri University Hospital is a public independent establishment that offers medical services to Lebanese citizens in Beirut and all other regions, by ensuring care and hospitalization services in an academic frame, and by offering an excellent quality of treatment and health follow-up.
Address: Bir-Hasan, Jinah, Beirut / Lebanon
Tel: + 961 1 830000
American University of Beirut Medical Center
Today, AUBMC is the only medical institution in the Middle East to have earned the three international accreditations of the Joint Commission International (JCI), Magnet®, and the College of American Pathologists (CAP), attesting to its superior standards in patient-centered care, nursing, and pathology/laboratory services. AUBMC’s impact on the medical sector and on improving people’s lives is without equal in the Arab world.
Address: PO Box: 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
Tel: +961 1 350000
Website: www.aubmc.org
Bellevue Medical Center
Located in the splendid and serene valley of Qanater Zbaydeh, the archeological remains of the Roman Era and only 15 minutes away from downtown Beirut, Bellevue Medical Center is one of the few healthcare centers in the country that provides treatment in the most tranquil atmosphere. Our patients will feel relaxed while surrounded by a natural, quiet environment away from the traffic main roads, which will contribute to a positive healing process especially in cases of long stays.
Address: Mansourieh, Beirut, LEBANON
Tel: +961 1 682666
Website: www.bmchcs.com
