Lebanon, a beautiful country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, is a gem in the heart of the Middle East. As a traveller, consider it for your next adventure. But before you pack your bags and hop on a plane, there’s one critical factor you need to consider – the Lebanon on-arrival visa. As the name suggests, this visa is issued to you when you land in Lebanon, making the journey more convenient.
On-arrival visas are great for those spontaneous trips or last-minute business meetings where you need more time to go through the normal visa application process. However, it’s essential to note that only some are eligible for a Lebanon on-arrival visa. You need to meet certain criteria and specific documents you need to have at hand.
Check if your country supports Lebanon Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | e-visa |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahamas | visa required |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Barbados | visa required |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa required |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Botswana | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Egypt | visa required |
| El Salvador | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | e-visa |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Gambia | visa required |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Grenada | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| India | visa required |
| Iraq | visa on arrival |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kenya | visa required |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kosovo | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | e-visa |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | visa required |
| Namibia | visa required |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Nicaragua | visa required |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | e-visa |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Panama | visa required |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | e-visa |
| Saint Lucia | visa required |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | visa required |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa on arrival |
| Singapore | e-visa |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Africa | visa required |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa free |
| Tajikistan | visa on arrival |
| Tanzania | e-visa |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Tunisia | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | visa required |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Vanuatu | visa required |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | e-visa |
| Zimbabwe | e-visa |
Eligibility Criteria for Lebanon On Arrival Visa
The eligibility criteria for a Lebanon on-arrival visa is pretty straightforward, but it’s important to know the details to avoid surprises at the immigration counter. Firstly, nationals from most Western countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union, can apply for a Lebanon-on-arrival visa. However, citizens from other countries may need to apply for a visa in advance.
Secondly, upon arrival, you should have a valid passport with at least six months remaining from the entry date. You should also have a return or onward ticket as proof that you intend to leave the country once your visa expires. Lastly, you should not have travel bans or other legal issues hindering your entry into Lebanon.
Required Documents for Lebanon On Arrival Visa
While obtaining a Lebanon on-arrival visa is relatively straightforward, you will still need to present some essential documents to the immigration officers upon arrival. The most vital record, of course, is your valid passport. Without this, your application for a visa will be rejected outright.
In addition to your passport, you’ll also need to provide proof of your accommodation in Lebanon. This could be a hotel booking or an invitation from a Lebanese resident. Furthermore, you should have evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Lebanon. This could be in bank, credit card, or cash statements.
Read: How to apply for Lebanon eVisa
Application Process for Lebanon On Arrival Visa
The application process for a Lebanon on-arrival visa is pretty straightforward. Upon landing at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, proceed to the immigration counters. Here, you’ll need to present your passport, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. The immigration officers will then verify your documents and issue your visa.
Remember, it’s essential, to be honest and transparent during this process. Any inconsistencies or false information could lead to your visa being denied. Also, ensure that all your documents are in order and easily accessible to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Processing Time for Lebanon On Arrival Visa
One of the biggest advantages of a Lebanon on-arrival visa is the quick processing time. You can usually expect your visa to be issued within a few minutes. However, the process could take longer during peak travel times or if there are issues with your documents.
When planning your travel itinerary, it’s advisable to factor in some extra time for the visa application process. This way, you’ll avoid any stress or panic if things don’t go as smoothly as expected.
Fees and Payment Methods for Lebanon On Arrival Visa
The fee for a Lebanon on-arrival visa varies depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. Generally, you can expect to pay between $20 and $30 for a single-entry visa valid for up to one month. Payment is usually made in cash, so ensure you have enough.
While the Lebanon on-arrival visa is relatively affordable, it’s important to factor this cost into your travel budget. Also, remember that the fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Lebanon On Arrival Visa
Despite the straightforward nature of the Lebanon on-arrival visa application process, travellers still make some common mistakes. One of the biggest mistakes is not having all the required documents. As mentioned earlier, you’ll need your passport, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. Missing any of these could lead to your visa being denied.
Another common mistake is insufficient cash to pay the visa fee. While Lebanon is a modern country with plenty of ATMs, it’s better to be prepared and have money on hand. Lastly, not adhering to the eligibility criteria can also lead to issues. Ensure you meet all the requirements before you board your flight to Lebanon.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process for Lebanon On Arrival Visa
Preparation ensures a smooth application process for your Lebanon on-arrival visa. Make sure you have all the required documents in order and easily accessible. Also, ensure you have enough cash to cover the visa fee.
It’s also advisable to be polite and respectful to the immigration officers. Remember, they have the final say on whether your visa is approved. If you need clarification on anything, feel free to ask. It’s better to clarify doubts beforehand rather than face issues later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lebanon On Arrival Visa
You’re not alone if you still have questions about the Lebanon on-arrival visa. Many travellers have similar queries. To help you out, here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Q1. Do I need a visa to visit Lebanon?
Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to visit Lebanon. However, citizens from certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival.
Q2. How long can I stay in Lebanon with a visa on arrival?
The length of stay depends on your nationality and the type of visa issued. A Lebanon on-arrival visa generally allows you to stay for up to one month.
Q3. Can I extend my stay in Lebanon?
You can apply for an extension at the General Security Office in Beirut. However, doing this well before your visa expires is advisable to avoid legal issues.
Read: How to apply and get Oman visa on arrival
Applying for a Lebanon on-arrival visa is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, have all the required documents, and have enough cash to cover the visa fee. Also, remember to be respectful to the immigration officers and ask for clarification if needed. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to enjoying all Lebanon offers. Safe travels!