Lebanon Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Lebanon, provided that: (i) they are holding confirmed return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination; and (ii) they can supply a valid address and telephone number for themselves while in Lebanon. These tourist visas are either free (for stays of up to one month), or cost between LBP 50,000 and LBP 100,000 (for stays of up to three months). Note that holders of passports containing a visa for Israel (whether valid or expired, used or unused), or containing any Israeli stamps or endorsements, will not be allowed to enter Lebanon. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Lebanon, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below). NOTE that holders of passports endorsed British National (Overseas) require a prearranged entry visa, to be issued by a Lebanese consulate abroad, and which must show the approval numbers of the Immigration Directorate (Surete Generale), or a copy of the approval authority issued by Lebanese Immigration.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. Note that South African passport holders also require a prearranged entry visa, to be issued by a Lebanese consulate abroad, and which must show the approval numbers of the Immigration Directorate (Surete Generale), or a copy of the approval authority issued by Lebanese Immigration.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their estimated duration of stay in Lebanon. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival at Beirut International Airport (see note, below).

Healthcare

Health risks for travelers to Lebanon are not excessive. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas. Typhoid vaccinations are recommended to all travelers with the exception of those who intend to stay in Lebanon for only a short period and take their meals in major restaurants and hotels. Typhoid cases are reported in Lebanon every year around rainy season as water levels rise and contaminated water from the sewers come to ground level. Medical facilities and healthcare in Lebanon are good. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment and treatment can be very expensive.

Safety

For safety concerns due to the continuing socio-political unrest in Lebanon, foreign embassies are urging all potential travelers to reconsider all non-essential travel to the country. Lebanon remains tense due to ongoing conflict with Israel, and the border between the countries is considered a highly dangerous area. Travel south of the Litani River is discouraged. Crimes such as burglary, petty theft, vehicle theft and break-ins are present in Lebanon, but are low by international standards. Visitors should be streetwise and exercise normal precautions.