Area Code 26 – North Lebanon

Overview of Lebanon’s Geographic Code +961 26

Lebanon’s country calling code +961 is followed by a National Destination Code (NDC) that identifies a specific geographic area or service type. The prefix 26 is allocated as a geographic area code for the North Lebanon region, covering the northern governorates of the country. This code is used for fixed-line telephone services (PSTN) and is assigned to the northern part of the country, which includes major cities and towns such as Tripoli (the second-largest city in Lebanon), Zgharta, Koura, Batroun, Bcharri, and the surrounding districts.

When dialing a number in North Lebanon from within Lebanon, callers must use the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and the subscriber’s number. The national dialing format is: 0 26 X XXX XXX (or 0 26 XXX XXX, depending on the number length). For example, a local number in Tripoli might be dialed as 026 123 456 from within Lebanon.

For international callers, the country code +961 is used, and the leading trunk prefix 0 is dropped. The international dialing format is: +961 26 X XXX XXX. For instance, to call a number in North Lebanon from abroad, you would dial +961 26 123 456.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +961 26 code serves the North Governorate (Liban-Nord) and the Akkar Governorate, which together form the northernmost part of Lebanon. The region is bordered by Syria to the north and east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The code covers the administrative districts of Tripoli, Minieh-Danniyeh, Zgharta, Koura, Batroun, Bcharri, and Akkar. Tripoli is the principal city and a major economic and cultural hub, with a historic port and numerous commercial activities.

Dialing Instructions and Overlay Considerations

Lebanon’s numbering plan is regulated by the Ministry of Telecommunications (MoT). The country has implemented a closed dialing plan for fixed lines, meaning that the area code must always be dialed, even for local calls within the same region. There is no overlay code for North Lebanon; the 26 code is unique to the region. However, due to the growth of mobile and VoIP services, fixed-line subscribers may have numbers that are portable between operators, but the geographic code remains tied to the physical location of the line.

For callers within Lebanon, the full national number includes the trunk prefix 0, the area code 26, and the subscriber number. For example, to call a fixed line in Batroun, you would dial 026 456 789. For international callers, the number is dialed as +961 26 456 789.

It is important to note that while the code is geographic, some businesses may use VoIP services that present a 26 number, but the routing is still based on the geographic allocation. Always verify the number length, as subscriber numbers in Lebanon can vary from 6 to 7 digits, depending on the operator and the specific area.