Lebanon Visa
Traveling to Lebanon
Lebanon is a popular travel destination that welcomes millions of visitors each year for its Mediterranean beaches, ancient mountain range, rich culture, entertainment and cuisine.
Foreign nationals from more than 80+ countries, wishing to travel to Lebanon for tourism, business, or other short stay purposes, are eligible to obtain a visa-on-arrival at any Lebanese port of entry and stay in Lebanon for a maximum of 30 days, extendable for up to three months. Citizens of GCC countries and Jordan, traveling to Lebanon for tourism purposes, are exempt from applying for a Lebanon entry visa. Depending on the purpose of travel to Lebanon, all other foreign travelers should apply for the appropriate Lebanon visa before traveling to Lebanon, at their nearest Lebanon embassy, consulate, or representation office abroad, or through courier if the Lebanese foreign mission permits.
Lebanon visas issued by a Lebanese embassy or consulate are valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a 48-hour, 15-day, 1-month, 3-month, or 6-month stay from the date of entry into Lebanon, depending on the purpose of your trip in Lebanon.
It is important to note that Lebanon visas will not be issued on passports with visas, stamps, seals, or other issued by Israel. If the passport or travel document is subsequently stamped with an Israeli visa or seal, the Lebanese visa will be deemed invalid.
Lebanon Visa Types
If you are a foreign national applying for a Lebanon visa, you should apply for the appropriate Lebanon visa, based on the purpose of your trip to Lebanon. The Lebanon visa types are:
- Lebanon transit visa:
- The Lebanon transit visa is for foreign nationals passing through Lebanon on their way to another destination, allowing for a 48-hour to 15-day stay in Lebanon.
- Lebanon short-term visa:
- The Lebanon short-term visa is for foreign citizens traveling to Lebanon for tourism, education, family or personal visits, sports, missions, religious, or other short stay purposes. The Lebanon short-term visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a 15-day, 1-month, 3-month, or 6-month stay from the date of entry into Lebanon, depending on the purpose of your trip in Lebanon.
- Lebanon residence visa:
- The Lebanon residence visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Depending on the purpose of your trip to Lebanon, it allows for a stay of 15 days to 6 months (single entry) or 3 months or 6 months (multiple entry) from the date of entry.
- Lebanon courtesy visa:
- The Lebanon courtesy visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Lebanon for official or diplomatic purposes, designated by Lebanese embassies and delegations abroad or by the Lebanon General Directory of General Security.
- Lebanon collective visa:
- The Lebanon collective visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Lebanon as part of a tour group.
- Members of the group eligible to obtain a visa-on-arrival in Lebanon are exempt from any entry fees, while ineligible foreign nationals will be required to pay.
- Members of the group, who are required to provide a pre-approval by the Lebanese General Security, should apply ahead of time, as such approvals can take weeks to be fully processed and issued.
- Lebanon work visa:
- The Lebanon work visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Lebanon for employment purposes. A 3-month Lebanon work visa is issued upon receiving authorization by the Lebanon General Directorate of General Security and The Lebanese Ministry of Labor.
Lebanon Visa Requirements
All foreign nationals applying for a Lebanon visa are required to submit the following:
Passport & copy
Applicant should have a passport, valid for at least 6 months, and one copy of the passport biometric page. Please note that travel documents are not accepted or passports stamped with Israeli visas or seals.
Personal photo
Applicant is required to submit one recent, passport-sized photo.
Application form
Applicant should fill out a Lebanon visa application form.
Accommodation
Applicant should provide hotel reservations, a residential address, or proof of lodging during stay in Lebanon.
Airline ticket
Applicant should provide an airplane ticket proving departure from Lebanon.
Financial proof
Applicant should provide proof of financial means during stay in Lebanon, such as bank statements or salary slips.
Professional statement
Applicant should submit a document highlighting the applicant’s profession or occupation.
Residence permit
Applicant should provide a residency permit, valid for 6 months, if the applicant lives in a foreign country.
Certain foreign nationals, such as female or domestic workers, students, minors, diplomats, or refugees, may be required to provide additional requirements, in addition to the basic requirements listed above. Depending on the applicant’s travel purpose and nationality, such requirements may include a medical report, accredited university admission letter or student card, official invitation letter, marriage or birth certificate, or other forms of documentation. All required documents should be submitted in English, Arabic, or French.
Lebanon Visa Application Steps
Foreign nationals applying for a Lebanon visa should follow these steps:
- Complete visa application form
Fill out a Lebanon application form with your personal details and other requested information.
- Submit visa application form
• Submit the Lebanon visa application form and all required documents at your nearest Lebanon embassy, consulate, or foreign mission abroad. Certain Lebanese embassies and foreign offices accept applications by mail.
• Pay the Lebanon visa application fees. If applying through the mail, note that payment through checks is not permitted. - Await visa decision
• Collect approved Lebanon visa from the Lebanon embassy, consulate, or representation office where you applied, or receive in the mail if applying by courier.
• Make sure all information on the visa is correct and matches your passport.
Where to Apply for a Lebanon Visa
All foreign nationals, who are not eligible for visa-on-arrival travel to Lebanon, are required to apply for the Lebanon visa at their nearest Lebanon embassy or representation office, or by courier if the Lebanon embassy or foreign mission allows.
Lebanon Visa Processing Time
Lebanon visas can take several days to weeks to be fully processed and issued. You are advised to start your Lebanon application at least 2 months before your intended trip, in order to avoid delays. Foreign citizens required to have a pre-approved authorization from the Lebanon General Security should note that such approvals can take 6-8 weeks to be processed.
Lebanon Visa FAQ
All foreign nationals, who are not eligible for visa-on-arrival access in Lebanon, must apply for the appropriate Lebanon visa, prior to traveling to Lebanon.
Lebanon visas-on-arrival are valid for one month, while visas issued by a Lebanese embassy or consulate are valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Visas acquired upon arrival can be extended for a maximum period of 3 months.
Lebanon visa-on-arrival is free of charge, while other Lebanon visas vary depending on the type of visa and number of entries.
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