Get Your Lebanon Visa Online
Fast visa processing for tourism, business, and cultural exploration — experience ancient history meets modern vibrancy
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Lebanon Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 3-7 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel plans, and intended itinerary. Our intelligent validation system guides you through each section, checking for common errors and ensuring your application meets Lebanon's visa requirements.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation. Our visa specialists review every document against Lebanese General Security standards before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
3
We submit to Lebanese authorities
Your verified application is transmitted to Lebanon's General Security office. We monitor processing status in real-time and proactively communicate any updates, requests for additional documentation, or status changes via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa approval
Your approved Lebanon visa arrives electronically or you receive confirmation for visa on arrival. Print your approval and present it at Lebanese immigration along with your passport. Ahlan wa sahlan — welcome to the land of cedars!
Lebanon Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
For leisure travel and exploring Lebanese heritage sites
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For commercial activities and professional meetings
Visa on Arrival
Up to 30 days
Available at Beirut airport for eligible nationalities
Transit Visa
Up to 48 hours
For connecting through Beirut International Airport
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Passport photo 35x45mm, white background
- Hotel booking or accommodation confirmation
- Return flight or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- No evidence of travel to Israel in passport
Tourist & Visa on Arrival Options
Lebanon welcomes visitors from around the world to experience its unique blend of ancient history, Mediterranean beauty, and vibrant culture. The country offers straightforward visa options for tourists eager to explore its treasures.
Visa on Arrival
Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut. This convenient option allows stays up to 30 days and is available to nationals of the United States, Canada, European Union countries, Australia, Japan, and many other nations. The visa on arrival costs approximately $20-35 USD depending on nationality and is stamped directly in your passport at immigration.
Tourist Visa — Extended Stay
For travelers planning longer visits or those from countries not eligible for visa on arrival, Lebanon offers tourist visas through its embassies and consulates. These visas typically allow stays up to 90 days and can be single or multiple entry. This option is ideal for those exploring Lebanon's archaeological sites from Baalbek to Byblos, enjoying the nightlife of Beirut, or skiing in the mountains.
Free Entry for Select Nationalities
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman can enter Lebanon without a visa for stays up to 6 months, reflecting Lebanon's strong ties with the Arab world.
Business & Special Purpose Visas
Business Visa
Lebanon's business visa caters to professionals conducting commercial activities within the country. This includes attending business meetings and trade fairs; exploring investment opportunities in Lebanon's diverse economy; establishing trade contacts in finance, technology, and hospitality sectors; conducting market research; and negotiating contracts. Business visas allow stays up to 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entries. Required documentation includes an invitation letter from a Lebanese company, your company's registration documents, and a detailed business itinerary.
Work Visa
For those seeking employment in Lebanon, a work visa must be arranged through an employer who obtains a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. This process requires significant documentation and typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Student Visa
Lebanon hosts several prestigious universities including the American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University. Student visas require acceptance letters from recognized institutions and proof of financial support.
Transit Visa
Travelers connecting through Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport en route to other destinations can obtain a transit visa allowing stays up to 48 hours. This is ideal for passengers who want to explore Beirut's vibrant downtown, visit the National Museum, or sample Lebanese cuisine during extended layovers.
Entry Requirements & Restrictions
Essential Requirements
All Lebanon visa applicants must meet these fundamental requirements:
• Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond your intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for entry stamps
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months
• Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter if staying with friends or family
• Travel itinerary: Flight bookings showing entry and exit from Lebanon
• Sufficient funds: Evidence of financial means to support your stay (bank statements or credit cards recommended)
Critical Restriction — Israel Entry
Lebanon does not permit entry to travelers with evidence of travel to Israel. This includes Israeli visa stamps, entry/exit stamps, or any stamps from Israeli-controlled border crossings (including Allenby Bridge, Taba, etc.). If you have such stamps in your passport, you will be denied entry. Consider obtaining a new passport before traveling to Lebanon if you have Israeli stamps.
Visa-Free & Special Arrangements
Citizens of GCC countries enjoy visa-free access for up to 6 months. Nationals of Jordan, Egypt, and several other Arab countries have simplified entry procedures. Armenian passport holders can enter visa-free due to the large Armenian community in Lebanon.
Entry Points & Processing
Entry Points & Immigration
Lebanon visas and visa on arrival are valid at all official entry points:
• Airport: Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is the primary gateway and only commercial airport. All visa on arrival processing occurs here at dedicated immigration counters.
• Seaports: Beirut Port and Jounieh Port handle cruise ships and ferry passengers. Visa on arrival may be available for eligible nationalities at seaports.
• Land borders: Syria border crossings (subject to current security situation and restrictions). Note: The Israel border is closed; there is no legal crossing between Lebanon and Israel.
Processing Times & Application Timing
Visa on arrival is processed immediately at Beirut airport, typically taking 15-30 minutes depending on queue length. Embassy visa applications take 3-7 business days on average, though timing can vary by location. During peak summer season (June-August) when the Lebanese diaspora returns, processing may take slightly longer.
Travel Tips
Lebanon uses the Lebanese Pound (LBP), though US Dollars are widely accepted. English and French are spoken alongside Arabic in tourist areas. The country is compact — you can drive from Beirut to the ancient city of Byblos in 40 minutes, to the ski resorts in 1 hour, or to the Roman temples of Baalbek in 2 hours.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
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97%Approval rate
"Got my Lebanon visa on arrival without any issues! DoVisa's pre-travel checklist helped me ensure I had everything ready. Beirut was absolutely amazing."
"The guidance on document requirements was invaluable. Visited Baalbek and Byblos — incredible ancient sites. Thank you DoVisa!"
"Very helpful customer service team answered all my questions about visa on arrival. The process at Beirut airport was smooth."
"Business trip to Beirut went perfectly. DoVisa helped me understand what documents I needed and the visa process was straightforward."
"First trip to Lebanon and I was nervous about the visa. DoVisa made it simple — got approved quickly and had an incredible time exploring the cedars."
"Good service overall. The information about Israel stamp restrictions was particularly useful. Immigration at Beirut was efficient."
"Applied for the whole family and everyone got their visas on time. Lebanese hospitality was wonderful and the food was outstanding!"
"Excellent experience from application to arrival. Beirut nightlife exceeded expectations and the historical sites were breathtaking."
"Helpful guides and responsive support team. Had a minor question about my accommodation documents and they resolved it within hours."
"Returning to Lebanon to visit family was made easier with DoVisa's clear instructions. Professional service throughout."
"The Cedars of God and Jeita Grotto were highlights of my trip. Thanks to DoVisa for the hassle-free visa process!"
"Solid service. Applied a week before travel and had no issues at Beirut airport. Would recommend for Lebanon trips."
Lebanon Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for Lebanon?
Lebanon offers several visa categories for international visitors. Tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days for leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting historical sites. Visa on arrival is available at Beirut airport for eligible nationalities, permitting stays up to 30 days. Business visa caters to commercial activities including meetings, conferences, and trade. Transit visa permits stays up to 48 hours for travelers connecting through Beirut. Student visa is for those enrolled at Lebanese universities. Work visa requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labor approval. The appropriate visa depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Lebanon?
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport for citizens of many countries. Eligible nationalities include USA, Canada, all European Union countries, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most other Western nations. Cost is approximately $20-35 USD depending on nationality. Duration is typically 30 days, with possibility of extension. Process: Upon arrival, proceed to the visa counter before immigration, pay the fee, and receive a stamp in your passport. The process takes 15-30 minutes. Important: Ensure you have no Israeli stamps in your passport, as this will result in denial of entry.
Who needs a visa to visit Lebanon?
Most international visitors require some form of visa for Lebanon, with the following categories: Visa-free entry: Citizens of GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) can enter for up to 6 months. Armenian passport holders also enjoy visa-free access. Visa on arrival: Available for citizens of approximately 80 countries including USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Japan, and most of the Americas. Pre-arranged visa required: Some nationalities must obtain a visa from a Lebanese embassy before travel. Restricted entry: Israeli passport holders and those with evidence of travel to Israel are not permitted entry.
What documents do I need for a Lebanon visa?
Essential documents for all applications: Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with minimum two blank pages; recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background); completed application form with accurate travel details. For visa on arrival: Return or onward flight ticket; proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter). For embassy visa: Bank statements showing sufficient funds; detailed travel itinerary; for business visa, invitation letter from Lebanese company on letterhead. Critical requirement: Your passport must not contain any Israeli stamps, visas, or evidence of travel to Israel. Documents should be clear, legible scans in PDF or JPEG format for online applications.
How long can I stay in Lebanon with a tourist visa?
Stay duration in Lebanon depends on your visa type: Visa on arrival permits stays of up to 30 days. Tourist visa from embassy typically allows stays up to 90 days. GCC nationals can stay up to 6 months without a visa. Extensions: You can extend your stay at the General Security office in Beirut or regional offices. Extensions are usually granted for an additional 30-90 days with proper documentation and fees. Overstaying: Is taken seriously by Lebanese authorities and results in fines calculated daily. Always ensure you depart before your authorized stay expires or apply for an extension in advance. The General Security website provides current information on extension procedures and fees.
Can I extend my Lebanon visa once I arrive?
Yes, Lebanon visa extensions are possible through the General Security Directorate. Where to apply: Main General Security office in Beirut (near the port) or regional offices in Tripoli, Sidon, and Zahle. Requirements: Valid passport, completed extension application, passport photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, and extension fee (varies by nationality and duration). Processing time: Usually same day to several days depending on office workload. Maximum stay: Extensions can typically extend your stay up to a total of 3 months. For longer stays, you may need a residence permit. Tip: Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay fines. Bring all documents in original form plus copies.
Can I work in Lebanon with a tourist visa?
No, Lebanon tourist visas and visa on arrival do not permit employment. Tourist visas are strictly for leisure activities including sightseeing, visiting historical sites, beach holidays, and visiting friends and family. Business visas allow commercial activities like meetings and conferences but not paid employment. Legal employment requires a Lebanon Work Permit which involves: employer sponsorship by a registered Lebanese company; application to the Ministry of Labor; obtaining a work visa before entry; residence permit application upon arrival. Penalties: Working illegally risks fines, deportation, and future visa bans. The Lebanese government conducts workplace inspections to ensure compliance.
Will I be denied entry if I have an Israeli stamp in my passport?
Yes, Lebanon will deny entry to anyone with evidence of travel to Israel in their passport. This includes: Israeli visa stamps; Israeli entry/exit stamps; stamps from border crossings between Israel and Egypt (Taba), Israel and Jordan (Allenby Bridge, Wadi Araba); any stamps indicating presence in Israel. Solution: If you have such stamps, obtain a new passport before traveling to Lebanon. Many countries allow passport renewal or additional passports for this reason. Note: Israel now offers paper stamps instead of passport stamps upon request, which helps travelers planning to visit Arab countries that don't recognize Israel. Important: Immigration officers carefully check passports, so attempting to enter with Israeli stamps will result in denied boarding or deportation.
How long does Lebanon visa processing take?
Processing times vary by visa type: Visa on arrival: Processed immediately at Beirut airport, typically 15-30 minutes depending on queue length. Embassy tourist visa: Usually 3-7 business days, though some embassies may take up to 2 weeks. Business visa: Similar to tourist visa, 3-7 business days with proper documentation. Work visa: 2-4 weeks due to Ministry of Labor approval requirements. Factors affecting processing: Nationality, completeness of application, seasonal demand (summer is busiest when diaspora returns), and specific embassy workload. Recommendation: Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel for embassy visas. DoVisa's document pre-check service helps ensure complete applications for faster processing.
What happens if my Lebanon visa application is rejected?
Lebanon visa rejections are uncommon for tourists from eligible countries but can occur. Common rejection reasons: Evidence of travel to Israel in passport; incomplete documentation; passport validity issues; previous immigration violations; concerns about purpose of visit; insufficient financial evidence. If rejected: You will be notified of the rejection, though detailed reasons may not be provided. You can reapply with improved documentation addressing potential issues. Visa on arrival denial: If denied at Beirut airport, you will be returned on the next available flight to your departure point. Prevention: Ensure passport has no Israeli stamps; provide complete documentation; demonstrate clear travel purpose and return plans; show proof of funds. DoVisa assistance: Our pre-submission review helps identify issues before they cause rejections.
What is the best time to visit Lebanon?
Lebanon offers excellent travel experiences year-round due to its Mediterranean climate and diverse geography. Spring (April-May): Ideal weather, wildflowers blooming, pleasant for sightseeing. Perfect balance of warm days and cool evenings. Summer (June-August): Hot in coastal areas (30-35C) but lively atmosphere. Beach season at its peak. Mountain areas offer cooler retreat. Peak tourist season with diaspora returning. Autumn (September-November): Pleasant temperatures, grape harvest season, fewer crowds than summer. Excellent for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter (December-March): Mild in Beirut (10-15C). Ski season in Mount Lebanon — uniquely, you can ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean afternoon. Unique experience: Lebanon is one of few places where you can experience both snow and beach in the same day.
Is Lebanon safe for tourists?
Lebanon is generally safe for tourists in main tourist areas, though travelers should stay informed about current conditions. Safe areas: Beirut (particularly downtown, Hamra, Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh), Byblos, Jounieh, Batroun, and most of Mount Lebanon. These areas have significant tourist infrastructure and active nightlife. Exercise caution: The southern border region near Israel and some areas of Bekaa Valley warrant extra awareness. Current considerations: Economic conditions have affected some services; verify ATM availability and consider carrying USD cash. Practical advice: Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps; follow local news; register with your embassy; travel insurance strongly recommended. Lebanese hospitality: Visitors consistently report warm welcomes from Lebanese people who take pride in their country and cuisine.
What currency should I bring to Lebanon?
Lebanon's official currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), but US Dollars are widely used and often preferred. Recommended approach: Bring US Dollars in cash — this is the most practical solution given the current economic situation. Fresh, unmarked bills are preferred. Dual pricing: Many businesses quote prices in USD directly, especially hotels, restaurants, and tourist services. ATMs: Availability and reliability have been affected by economic conditions; don't rely solely on ATMs. International cards may have limited functionality. Exchange: Exchange rates fluctuate; check current rates before travel. Licensed exchange offices often offer better rates than hotels. Credit cards: Accepted at major hotels and some restaurants but not widely used elsewhere. Tipping: Expected in restaurants (10-15%) and for services. Small USD bills (1s, 5s, 10s) are useful.
Can I travel from Lebanon to nearby countries?
Yes, Lebanon can be combined with travel to several neighboring countries, with some important considerations. Syria: Land border exists but travel is highly restricted due to the ongoing conflict. Check current government advisories — most countries advise against travel to Syria. Jordan: No direct land border, but flights connect Beirut to Amman (approximately 1 hour). Jordan requires its own visa for most nationalities. Cyprus: Ferry services connect Beirut to Limassol (approximately 10 hours). Flights take about 45 minutes. EU visa rules apply for Cyprus. Turkey: Frequent flights from Beirut to Istanbul and other Turkish cities. Critical note: There is no legal crossing between Lebanon and Israel — the border is closed and attempting to cross is illegal. Egypt: Well-connected by frequent flights to Cairo. Plan visas for each country separately.
Do children need their own Lebanon visa?
Yes, every traveler including infants requires their own visa for Lebanon. There are no family visas or provisions for children traveling on parents' documents. Requirements for children: Valid passport in child's own name with 6+ months validity; passport-sized photograph meeting same specifications as adults; completed application with child's details. Visa on arrival: Children pay the same fee as adults (approximately $20-35 USD depending on nationality). Additional considerations: Children traveling with only one parent may be asked for a consent letter from the other parent at immigration. Single parents and guardians should carry birth certificates and custody documents. Tip: Apply for all family members together to ensure visas are processed simultaneously. Keep copies of all children's documents easily accessible during travel.
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