Beirut Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, welcomes international travelers through Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), the country's main gateway. Entry requirements for Lebanon vary significantly based on nationality, with some travelers enjoying visa-free access while others must obtain authorization in advance. The Lebanese government offers visa-on-arrival services for many nationalities, making Beirut relatively accessible for tourism and business visits. The immigration process at Beirut's airport is generally straightforward, though wait times can vary depending on flight arrivals and time of day. Travelers should be prepared to present valid travel documents, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. It's important to note that Lebanon has specific entry restrictions for travelers with Israeli stamps in their passports or evidence of travel to Israel, which can result in denial of entry. Before traveling to Beirut, visitors should be aware of the current security situation and check their government's travel advisories. The political and economic situation in Lebanon can be fluid, and entry requirements or border operations may change with limited notice. Always verify the most current visa requirements, health protocols, and safety information from official Lebanese government sources or your country's embassy before departure.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Lebanon offers various visa options depending on nationality. Many travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Beirut airport, while some nationalities enjoy visa-free access and others must apply in advance.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Citizens of certain Arab Gulf states can enter Lebanon without a visa

Includes

United Arab Emirates Kuwait Bahrain Qatar Oman Saudi Arabia

Must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Some restrictions may apply based on bilateral agreements.

Visa on Arrival

1 month (extendable)

Most Western and many other nationalities can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Beirut airport

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand EU member states Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Brazil Argentina Mexico South Africa Russia

How to Apply: Available at immigration counters upon arrival. Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on queues. Bring exact payment in USD or Lebanese Pounds.
Cost: Free for most nationalities; some may pay USD 50-200 depending on reciprocity agreements

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Proof of accommodation and return ticket may be requested. Israeli passport holders or those with evidence of travel to Israel will be denied entry.

Visa Required in Advance

Varies by visa type, typically 30-90 days

Certain nationalities must obtain a visa from a Lebanese embassy or consulate before travel

How to Apply: Apply at nearest Lebanese embassy or consulate at least 2-4 weeks before intended travel. Requires passport, application form, photos, proof of accommodation, financial means, and travel itinerary.

This includes most African and Asian countries not listed in other categories. Palestinian refugees require special authorization. Check with your nearest Lebanese diplomatic mission for specific requirements.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, travelers proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is generally efficient, though delays can occur during peak travel times.

Disembarkation and Immigration Hall

After leaving the aircraft, follow signs to passport control. Fill out any arrival cards if distributed on the flight (though Lebanon has largely moved to electronic systems).

Immigration Control

Present your passport and any required visa documentation to the immigration officer. If obtaining a visa on arrival, you may need to visit a separate counter first to process payment and receive the visa stamp before proceeding to passport control.

Biometric Data Collection

Immigration officers may take fingerprints and photographs as part of the entry process. This is standard procedure for all international arrivals.

Baggage Claim

After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Check flight information screens for your carousel number. Report any missing luggage to your airline's desk in the baggage hall.

Customs Declaration

If carrying items to declare or amounts exceeding duty-free allowances, proceed through the red channel. Otherwise, use the green channel (nothing to declare). Customs officers may conduct random inspections.

Airport Exit

After clearing customs, you'll enter the arrivals hall where you can access currency exchange, SIM cards, taxis, and car rental services.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps. Must not contain Israeli stamps or evidence of travel to Israel.

Visa or Visa Payment

Depending on nationality, either a pre-approved visa or cash (USD preferred) for visa on arrival fees.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Lebanon, either a return ticket or onward travel to another destination. May be requested by immigration officers.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying in Lebanon. Immigration may request this information.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay (credit cards, bank statements, or cash). Rarely requested but advisable to have available.

Travel Insurance

While not always mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended and may be requested.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents easily accessible in a travel folder rather than packed in luggage

Ensure you have USD cash for visa on arrival fees if applicable, as card payment may not always be available

Be prepared for questions about your itinerary and have a general plan of what you'll do in Lebanon

Remain polite and patient with immigration officers, even if there are delays or extensive questioning

Have contact information for your accommodation readily available on your phone or printed

If you've previously visited Israel or have Israeli stamps, you will be denied entry - this is strictly enforced

Exchange some currency at the airport for immediate expenses like taxis, though rates may be better in the city

Download offline maps and important contact numbers before arrival in case of connectivity issues

Customs & Duty-Free

Lebanese customs regulations allow travelers to bring in personal items and limited quantities of certain goods duty-free. All travelers must pass through customs control after collecting their baggage, and certain items require declaration or are prohibited entirely.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages (spirits, wine, or beer combined)

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol should be in original, unopened containers.

Tobacco

500 grams of tobacco products OR 500 cigarettes OR 25 cigars

Must be 18 years or older. For personal use only.

Currency

Amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared

Both cash and monetary instruments must be declared if exceeding the threshold. No limit on amount that can be brought in if properly declared.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to USD 200 in value

Items for personal use during the trip are generally exempt. Commercial quantities will be subject to duties and taxes.

Perfume

Reasonable quantity for personal use (typically up to 2-3 bottles)

Must be in original packaging and for personal use.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - unless properly licensed and declared in advance
Israeli products or goods - items manufactured in Israel or bearing Israeli marks
Pornographic materials - magazines, videos, or digital content deemed obscene
Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media, or counterfeit currency
Certain plants and plant products - without proper phytosanitary certificates
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants under CITES
Unlicensed radio transmitters and communication equipment

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - must be accompanied by valid prescription and in original packaging; quantities should be reasonable for personal use during stay
Drones and aerial photography equipment - require advance permission from Lebanese authorities
Professional camera and video equipment - may require temporary import permit if for commercial purposes
Pets and animals - require health certificates, rabies vaccination proof, and import permits (see special situations)
Fresh food products - meat, dairy, and fresh produce may require inspection and certification
Cultural artifacts and antiquities - export of Lebanese antiquities is strictly prohibited; import may require documentation

Health Requirements

Lebanon requires certain vaccinations for travelers arriving from specific regions and recommends others for health protection. Health requirements can change based on global health situations, so always check current requirements before travel.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - required if arriving from or having transited through yellow fever endemic countries in Africa or South America within 6 days prior to arrival. Proof of vaccination (yellow card) must be presented.
Polio - travelers from polio-endemic countries may be required to show proof of vaccination

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, chickenpox, polio, and yearly flu shot
Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers as transmission can occur through contaminated food or water
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids, engage in sexual activity, or require medical procedures
Typhoid - recommended for travelers eating outside major restaurants and hotels
Rabies - recommended for travelers with extensive outdoor activities, working with animals, or visiting rural areas
COVID-19 - stay updated with current vaccine recommendations and requirements

Health Insurance

While not always mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Lebanon's healthcare system includes both public and private facilities, with private hospitals offering higher quality care but at significant cost. Insurance should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Ensure your policy covers the Middle East region specifically.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 requirements have evolved significantly. As of late 2024, most COVID-19 entry restrictions have been lifted, but this can change. Check the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health website and your airline for current requirements regarding testing, vaccination certificates, or quarantine. Some countries may require specific health declarations or travel health apps. Always verify the latest health entry requirements 72 hours before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Beirut for citizen services and emergency assistance

Register with your embassy upon arrival for safety updates. Most embassies are located in the Beirut area. Check your government's travel advisory website for contact details and current security information.

Lebanese General Security (Immigration Authority)

General Directorate of General Security handles visa extensions and immigration matters

Located in various offices throughout Beirut. Main office: Mathaf area, Beirut. For visa extensions, residence permits, and immigration inquiries. Website: www.general-security.gov.lb

Emergency Services

Emergency numbers in Lebanon

Police: 112 or 160 | Ambulance/Red Cross: 140 | Fire Department: 175 | Civil Defense: 125 | Tourist Police: 1735

Rafic Hariri International Airport

Airport information and services

Phone: +961 1 628 000 | Website: www.beirutairport.gov.lb | For flight information, lost luggage, and airport services

Ministry of Tourism

Official tourism information and assistance

Phone: +961 1 340 940 | Provides tourist information, handles complaints, and offers assistance to visitors

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the travel. This letter should include travel dates, destination, and accompanying adult information. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Divorced parents should carry custody documents. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Lebanon require: (1) ISO-compliant microchip for identification; (2) Valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel but within validity period); (3) Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel; (4) Import permit from Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture (apply in advance); (5) Some breeds may be restricted or require special permission. Pets must enter through Rafic Hariri International Airport. Airlines have their own pet policies regarding cabin vs. cargo travel. Consider quarantine requirements for your return destination.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas are typically valid for 1 month but can be extended. To extend: visit the General Security office (Mathaf area, Beirut) before your current visa expires. Bring passport, passport photos, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and extension fee (varies). Extensions are usually granted for 1-3 months at a time, up to a maximum of 6 months total tourist stay. For longer stays, you may need to apply for a residence permit, which requires sponsorship (employment, family, property ownership, or student enrollment). Overstaying without extension results in fines and potential entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can usually enter on a tourist visa for short trips. For longer business assignments or frequent visits, consider applying for a business visa through a Lebanese embassy, which may offer longer validity. Bring business invitation letters, company registration documents, and proof of business activities. If conducting paid work, a work permit and residence permit are required, sponsored by a Lebanese employer. Attending conferences or meetings on a tourist visa is generally acceptable.

Dual Nationals and Lebanese Origin

Persons of Lebanese descent may be required to enter on a Lebanese passport if they hold Lebanese citizenship, even if they also hold another nationality. Males of Lebanese origin may face military service obligations. Contact the Lebanese embassy in your country before travel to clarify your status and requirements. Those with Lebanese heritage may be eligible for simplified residence or citizenship procedures.

Previous Travel to Israel

Lebanon strictly prohibits entry to anyone with evidence of travel to Israel. This includes Israeli stamps, Israeli entry/exit stamps from land borders (Jordan, Egypt), or any indication of Israeli travel in your passport. Even if you have a new passport, questioning about previous travel may occur. This policy is strictly enforced with no exceptions. If you need to visit both countries, visit Lebanon first and ensure no Israeli evidence appears in your documentation.