Lebanon visas
Whether you need a visa for Lebanon, and which one, depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: many nationalities receive a free short-stay visa on arrival, while others must obtain prior authorisation or a visa through a Lebanese diplomatic mission before travelling. Entry, visas and residence permits are administered by the General Directorate of General Security (Sûreté Générale), while employment is additionally governed by the Ministry of Labour. Always confirm the current rules for your nationality with General Security before you travel.
Lebanese visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Lebanon — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Lebanon to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Lebanon — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Lebanon.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Lebanon as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Lebanon long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Lebanese visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Lebanon — key facts
- Visa authority
- General Directorate of General Security (General Security / Sûreté Générale)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Lebanese pound (LBP)
- Time zone
- Eastern European Time (Asia/Beirut, UTC+2; EEST UTC+3 in summer)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.