Lebanon’s visa policy determines the rules foreign nationals must follow to enter and remain in the country. Visitors to Lebanon may need to obtain a visa before travel, depending on their nationality and the nature of their visit. However, many countries benefit from visa-free access, visa on arrival, or conditional visa on arrival arrangements.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Lebanon?
- Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of select countries can enter Lebanon without a visa for specific durations.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Nationals of many countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Beirut International Airport or other ports of entry.
- Conditional Visa on Arrival: Some nationals must meet additional requirements to receive a visa on arrival.
- Visa in Advance: Nationals from certain countries must apply for a visa before traveling to Lebanon.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the following countries may enter Lebanon visa-free for stays up to 6 months within any 1-year period:
- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Citizens of Jordan can enter Lebanon visa-free for up to 3 months within a 6-month period.
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Lebanon offers a visa on arrival (VoA) to citizens of over 80 countries. The visa is issued for 1 month and can be extended for an additional 2 months. This visa is available at Beirut International Airport and other ports of entry.
Countries eligible for a free visa on arrival include:
- European Union (all member states)
- Australia, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, United States, United Kingdom
- Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea
- Turkey, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq
Conditions for obtaining a visa on arrival:
- Valid passport with no Israeli stamps, visas, or seals.
- Holding a telephone number and address in Lebanon.
- Non-refundable return or circle trip ticket.
Conditional Visa on Arrival
Certain nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival if they meet specific additional conditions, such as providing a reservation at a 3 to 5-star hotel or a private residential address, holding at least 2,000 USD in cash, and having a return ticket. These conditions apply to nationals of:
- Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia
- Comoros, Djibouti, Ghana, Libya
- Sudan, Syria, Yemen
Visa Exemption for Lebanese Origin
Travelers of Lebanese origin holding any foreign passport can enter Lebanon visa-free if they also hold one of the following:
- Lebanese national identity card
- Expired Lebanese passport
- Lebanese civil document
This exemption also applies to their spouse and children under certain conditions.
Special Visa Conditions
- Israeli Stamps: Visitors with Israeli stamps, visas, or seals in their passport will be denied entry to Lebanon. Additionally, travelers who have previously visited Israel, even if there are no stamps in their current passport, may face detention or denial of entry.
- GCC Residents: Businessmen, directors, and professionals who hold a valid residence permit in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country are eligible for a visa on arrival.
- United Nations Staff: Holders of a UN Laissez-Passer or diplomatic ID issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs can enter Lebanon without a visa for up to 6 months.
Visa Required in Advance
Citizens of the following countries must apply for a visa in advance through a Lebanese embassy or consulate:
- Angola, Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Sri Lanka
Additionally, Palestinians holding Jordanian passports without a national serial number must also obtain pre-approval from the General Directorate of General Security before travel.
Types of Lebanese Visas
- Tourist Visa: For travelers visiting Lebanon for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or attending conferences. This visa can be applied for in advance or obtained on arrival.
- Temporary Residence Visa: Issued for those wishing to live and work in Lebanon. Requires a job offer from a Lebanese company and involves more extensive documentation, including educational qualifications, police clearance, and medical exams.
- Work Visa: Foreigners employed by companies in Lebanon must apply for a work visa, which is usually valid for 3 months and can be extended.
- Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Lebanon for less than 48 hours without leaving the airport.
Visa Fees
- Single-entry visa: 35 USD
- Multiple-entry visa: 70 USD
- Transit visa (48 hours): Free
- Transit visa (48 hours to 15 days): 25,000 LBP (approximately 17 USD)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I get a visa on arrival in Lebanon? Yes, citizens of over 80 countries, including the EU, US, Canada, and Australia, can obtain a visa on arrival for 1 month, which can be extended.
- Do I need a visa if I am of Lebanese origin? No, travelers of Lebanese origin can enter Lebanon visa-free if they hold a Lebanese ID card, expired passport, or other civil documents.
- Can I enter Lebanon with an Israeli stamp in my passport? No, Lebanon denies entry to anyone with Israeli stamps, visas, or seals in their passport. This includes travelers with evidence of prior visits to Israel.
- What is the cost of a Lebanese visa? A single-entry visa costs 35 USD, while a multiple-entry visa costs 70 USD.
- Do GCC residents need a visa for Lebanon? No, businessmen, directors, and professionals with a valid GCC residence permit can obtain a visa on arrival.
- How long can I stay in Lebanon with a visa on arrival? The visa on arrival is valid for 1 month and can be extended for an additional 2 months.