Visitor visas are generally issued for periods between 2 weeks and 3 months and are renewable on request when in the country. Transit visas are valid for between 24 hours and 2 weeks. All ordinary personal effects are exempt from customs duty. There are also no restriction on bringing foreign or local currency into or out of the country. Lebanon's medical services are very modern, with most doctors having received their training abroad.
All doctors speak either English or French.
The private hospitals are generally the best, but also the most expensive, so medical insurance should be taken out by all visitors. Pharmacies sell most drugs over the counter and can advise on minor illnesses. Beirut International Airport is the home base for the national carrier, Middle East Airlines. The airport receives more than 31 international European and Asian airlines. Most travelers arrive at Beirut but one can also approach Lebanon by ferry from Cyprus or by road from Damascus.