Lebanese visa resources
How to apply for a Lebanese visa or residence permit
Where and how visa and residence applications are made — on arrival, through a Lebanese mission, or via prior authorisation from General Security.
Important
How you apply for entry to Lebanon depends on your nationality. Nationals of eligible countries receive a free visa on arrival at Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport and other official crossings. Nationals of other countries must obtain a visa from a Lebanese diplomatic mission or have a sponsor secure prior authorisation from the General Directorate of General Security before travelling.
Longer stays require a residence permit. After arriving, applicants register at a regional General Security bureau and submit the residence application for their category — work, study, family/courtesy, or investor/permanent residence. Employment additionally requires a work permit from the Ministry of Labour, arranged by the sponsoring employer.
General Security stresses that handing in all the documents does not by itself guarantee a visa will be granted, and it may request further documents. Documents are generally accepted in Arabic, French or English.
Next steps
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.