Lebanon Tourist Visa
A visa may be required. We cannot assist in processing this document, but we provide instructions on how to apply.
All About the Lebanon Visa
Travelling to the Middle Eastern country of Lebanon? This nation located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea blends cultures and traditions.
From Roman ruins to the trendy bars of Beirut, this is an underrated destination that offers something for all types of travellers.
If you’re planning to visit the home of one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, you’ll need to check the entry requirements in advance.
To visit this compact country, most people will have to obtain a visa to Lebanon. Fortunately, this is generally quite simple as many travellers can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA). This can be obtained at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (airport code: BEY), the country’s only operational commercial airport.
Those who are not eligible for a VoA must secure their travel authorisation in advance at the nearest embassy. The exceptions are citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries who are exempt from visa requirements. There is currently no electronic travel pass available but if the Lebanese government introduces one, we will be the first to let you know.
Continue reading to learn more about requirements and plan your trip!
Contents
Lebanon Visa Application Process
Some travellers are eligible to obtain a Lebanon Visa on Arrival (VoA), they don’t have to obtain advance travel authorisation.
If you are eligible for a VoA, you can get this at Beirut International Airport when you land, or at your alternative port of entry. It is usually valid for 1 month and then there will be the possibility to extend it while you are there. Details on the extension can be obtained at a local office of Sûreté Générale (General Security).
To obtain this, as well as presenting a passport from a valid country, you will also need to provide immigration officials with:
- Your contact number
- Proof of accommodation
- A return flight ticket
Travellers who are not eligible for a Visa on Arrival will have to apply for one in advance at the nearest embassy or consulate. The list of this country’s embassies around the world can be found here.
A list of nationalities that this applies to can be found below.
At the embassy you will submit a:
- Completed application form (more details below).
- A copy of your passport as well as the original document itself.
- A passport picture.
- Some other supporting documents which may vary on a case by case basis.
You will also pay a visa application fee.
Lebanon Visa Requirements and Eligibility
Being clear on entry requirements in advance of your trip is essential to ensure your journey goes smoothly.
To confirm if you’re eligible, select your nationality in our checker tool:
What Are the Lebanon Visa Free Countries?
Only citizens of the following 7 countries are exempt from requiring travel authorisation to enter this nation:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Citizens of these nations can stay in the country visa-free for up to 6 months within 1 year.
Then there are the nations that can obtain the Visa on Arrival that we mentioned earlier.
Citizens of these countries can get the VoA on presentation of a valid passport once they land in the country:
EU Member States
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bhutan
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Georgia
Hong Kong
Iceland
Iran
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Liechtenstein
Macao
Malaysia
Mexico
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Norway
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Russia
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Samoa
San Marino
Serbia
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
There are some other countries that can obtain the Visa on Arrival, however, there are some additional conditions that these nationals must meet to be eligible.
As well as meeting regular requirements they must:
- Have a reservation in a 3 to 5-star hotel
- Have at least 2,000 USD in cash
This applies to citizens of the following countries:
- Algeria
- Comoros
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Iraq
- Libya
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
Important: If you are not exempt or eligible for a VoA, you must apply via the embassy for advance travel authorisation. Please note, at present, citizens of Israel and Kosovo are not allowed entry into this nation.
Lebanon Visa Form and Documents
Before heading to the embassy for your appointment, be sure to gather the following documents together:
- Your passport! It must be valid for a minimum of 6 months more and cannot have any Israeli stamps, visas, or seals. Make a photocopy of it to take with you too.
- A recent passport-size picture.
- Evidence of a round-trip ticket.
- Proof of accommodation that includes the full address of the place where you will be staying. This could be a hotel reservation or alternatively a letter of invitation if you are going to stay with family or friends.
- A letter demonstrating your proof of employment. It should specify your position and salary.
If you are not a citizen of your country of residence, you should also bring your residence permit.
Additional documents pertaining to the reason behind your trip may be required too.
You will also need a Lebanon Visa application form. This can usually be obtained online or alternatively, in person when you go to your appointment to submit your application.
The form will typically contain the following fields:
- First name
- Last name
- Father’s name
- Mother’s name
- Place of birth
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Original nationality (if different)
- Marital status
- Address
- Contact number
- Email address
- Profession
- Name and address of employer
- Passport number
- Date and place of passport issue
- Passport expiry date
- Address during your stay in Lebanon
- Details of contact in Lebanon
- Date of arrival
- Purpose of your visit
- Duration of stay
- Number of entries requested (Single/Double/Multiple Entry)
- Have you previously visited
- Are you entering the country by land, sea or air
These forms and documents should be submitted at the embassy along with the corresponding payment.
Wondering what form and documents are required to apply for a Lebanon work visa?
Look no further!
A work visa for Lebanon also known as a work permit must be obtained by your employer on your behalf. They will apply for this via the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Labor. Once a work permit has been secured, the individual is eligible to apply for a Lebanon residence visa. This allows the holder to stay in the country for 1 year.
Typical documents required for a work permit include:
- Appointment letter
- Birth certificate
- Recent bank statements
- Travel reservations
Lebanon Visa Status Check
To check the status of your application, you should consult the embassy or consulate where you applied for your documentation.
Usually, this shouldn’t be necessary, however, as you should typically receive your travel pass in the specified time frame.
How Much Is a Visa to Lebanon?
The Lebanon Visa on Arriva (VoA)l is issued free of charge for a period of up to 1 month.
If you aren’t eligible for the VoA you’ll need to apply via the embassy and pay the corresponding fee. A single entry pass costs 35 USD and a multiple entry one costs 70 USD.
Where Can I Find the Lebanon Embassy in the US?
The Embassy of Lebanon in the capital is located at 2560 28th Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C., in the Woodley Park neighbourhood.
Lebanon consulate in the United States can also be found in New York City, Los Angeles and Detroit. Discover all this country’s embassies across the globe here.
More Lebanon Visa Questions and Information
We hope to have covered all the main points regarding travel requirements to visit this Republic. Still have a few questions you need answering? Read on for more details about travelling to one of the world’s oldest countries!
