Lebanon Visa

Lebanon — Visa Overview

About Lebanon

Lebanon is one of the most extraordinary and culturally captivating destinations in the Middle East — a small but astonishingly diverse country where ancient civilisations, world-class cuisine, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and a warm, cosmopolitan people combine to create an experience unlike anywhere else in the region. Often described as the Paris of the Middle East — a description that still rings true despite the country's complex modern history — Lebanon rewards every visitor with a depth, warmth, and richness that is genuinely unique.

Beirut — Lebanon's legendary capital — is one of the Arab world's most vibrant, creative, and resilient cities. Its legendary nightlife, world-renowned restaurant scene, contemporary art galleries, and the extraordinary energy of its people have made it a magnet for visitors from across the region and beyond. The UNESCO-listed historic centre of Byblos — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth — transports visitors back over 7,000 years of human civilisation. The magnificent Roman ruins of Baalbek — home to the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Bacchus, two of the finest Roman temples in the world — rank among the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the entire Middle East.

The Cedars of Lebanon — the ancient cedar forests of the Mount Lebanon range — are among the most iconic and symbolically significant natural wonders of the Arab world, appearing on the Lebanese flag itself. The mountain resorts of Faraya, Mzaar, and the Kadisha Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — offer spectacular alpine scenery, world-class skiing in winter, and cool mountain retreats in summer. The Mediterranean coastline stretches from Tripoli in the north through the historic port city of Sidon to the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — in the south, offering beautiful beaches, ancient harbours, and extraordinary seafood. Lebanon's cuisine — from the legendary mezze spreads of hummus, kibbeh, tabbouleh, and fattoush to the freshest grilled fish on the Corniche — is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world. Lebanon is a destination of extraordinary depth, beauty, and warmth — a country that has always welcomed visitors with legendary Lebanese hospitality.

What is a Lebanon Visa?

Lebanon does not currently operate a fully digital eVisa system for all nationalities. Depending on the applicant's passport nationality, a Lebanon visa is obtained through one of the following routes — Visa on Arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, or a pre-approved Embassy Visa obtained through the nearest Lebanese Embassy or Consulate before travel. The official authority governing all Lebanon visa matters is the General Directorate of General Security — general-security.gov.lb.

Important — Israel Stamp Policy:
A Lebanese visa is rendered invalid if the passport contains an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamp. Applicants whose passport has been stamped with an Israeli visa or seal — even from a previous trip — must obtain a new passport before applying for a Lebanon visa.

Three Entry Routes — Lebanon

Route 1 — Visa on Arrival (Free — No Prior Application)

GCC nationals — UAE · Saudi Arabia · Kuwait · Bahrain · Qatar · Oman — and Jordanian nationals holding a national number on their passport are granted a free entry stamp on arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport and all designated Lebanese border crossing points. No application, no eVisa, and no fee required. This covers not only the GCC national traveller but also their accompanying family members, domestic workers, and drivers.

Additionally, nationals of the USA · UK · Canada · and many European countries may also obtain a Visa on Arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport.

UAE Nationals — Visa on Arrival — Free:
UAE nationals may enter Lebanon with a free entry stamp on arrival — no application required. Family members, domestic workers, and drivers accompanying UAE nationals are also covered.

KSA Nationals — Visa on Arrival — Free:
Saudi Arabian nationals may enter Lebanon with a free entry stamp on arrival — no application required. Family members, domestic workers, and drivers accompanying KSA nationals are also covered.

Route 2 — Embassy Visa (Pre-Approved — Before Travel)

Nationalities not eligible for Visa on Arrival — including Indian nationals — must obtain a pre-approved Lebanon visa through the nearest Lebanese Embassy or Consulate before travel. No Visa on Arrival facility is available for Indian nationals. Applications for nationalities requiring pre-approval by the General Directorate of General Security may take 6 to 8 weeks — apply well in advance.

Important — Indian Nationals:
There is widespread misinformation suggesting Indian nationals can obtain a Visa on Arrival in Lebanon. This is confirmed as incorrect by the official Lebanese General Security — general-security.gov.lb. Indian nationals must obtain a pre-approved embassy visa before travel. Applicants residing in the UAE may apply through the Consulate General of Lebanon in Dubai — or the Embassy of Lebanon in Abu Dhabi.

Route 3 — Visa on Arrival at Airport — Tourist Visa

Tourist visas may be granted upon arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport for nationals of certain additional countries — for a period of one month — renewable up to three months. Rayna Tours will confirm eligibility based on the specific passport nationality at the time of enquiry.

Do You Need a Lebanon Visa? — UAE, India & KSA

UAE Nationals — Visa on Arrival — Free:
UAE nationals enter Lebanon with a free entry stamp on arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport — no prior application required. Family members, domestic workers, and drivers accompanying UAE nationals are also granted entry.

UAE Residents of Other Nationalities:
Determined by passport held — not UAE residency. UAE residents must apply for a Lebanon visa based on their passport nationality through the Consulate General of Lebanon in Dubai or the Embassy of Lebanon in Abu Dhabi before travel. A valid UAE Residence Visa with at least 6 months remaining validity is required for applications submitted through the Lebanese Consulate in Dubai.

KSA Nationals — Visa on Arrival — Free:
Saudi Arabian nationals enter Lebanon with a free entry stamp on arrival — no prior application required. Family members, domestic workers, and drivers accompanying KSA nationals are also granted entry.

KSA Residents of Other Nationalities:
Determined by passport held — must apply for a Lebanon visa through the Embassy of Lebanon in Riyadh or the Consulate General of Lebanon in Jeddah before travel.

Indian Nationals:
Indian nationals are not eligible for Visa on Arrival in Lebanon. A pre-approved Lebanon embassy visa is mandatory before travel — applied for through the nearest Lebanese Embassy or Consulate. Indian nationals residing in the UAE may apply through the Consulate General of Lebanon in Dubai.

Entry Summary 

Permitted Activities

• Tourism, sightseeing, leisure travel, historical and cultural visits
• Visiting family or friends
• Business meetings, conferences, and trade activities
• Short-term personal visits

Not Permitted:

• Paid employment — a work visa and authorisation from the Lebanese Ministry of Labour required
• Long-term study — appropriate study visa required
• Any activity inconsistent with the declared purpose of visit

Important Entry Requirements

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Lebanon.
• Passport must not contain an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamp — a Lebanon visa is rendered invalid if such a stamp exists.
• Return or onward travel ticket — may be requested at the Lebanese border.
• Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay.
• Proof of sufficient funds — bank statement or equivalent — may be requested.
• UAE residents applying through the Lebanese Consulate Dubai: UAE Residence Visa must have at least 6 months remaining validity at the time of application.

Processing Time

• Embassy Visa (standard): 5 to 7 working days — subject to Embassy workload.
• Embassy Visa (requiring General Security pre-approval): 6 to 8 weeks — apply well in advance.
• Visa on Arrival: Processed at Rafik Hariri International Airport upon arrival.

General Disclaimer
All visa decisions rest solely with the General Directorate of General Security of Lebanon and the Lebanese immigration authorities at the port of entry. Rayna Tours acts as a professional visa assistance provider only. Possession of a visa does not guarantee entry — final entry is at the sole discretion of Lebanese immigration officials.