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Lebanon Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival in Lebanon at Beirut airport or major land border crossings; the visa on arrival fee is 75 USD payable in cash, with possible 30-day extension at General Security; verify current rules on the General Security portal and MFA site.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and have at least one blank page.
  • Specific forms: no pre-entry visa application form is required for visa on arrival; no DS-160 or VAF1A forms.
  • Financial proof: not strictly required, but you should have funds to cover your stay; carry cash in USD or Lebanese pounds (LL) for the visa fee and day-to-day expenses.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: proof of hotel/address in Lebanon and a return/onward ticket recommended.
  • Photo spec: one passport photo (2x2 inches / 51x51 mm) with a white background may be requested.
  • Biometrics: not normally required in advance; border officers may capture a photo.
  • Travel health insurance: recommended but not required.
  • Official sources: check current rules at https://www.generalsecurity.gov.lb/ and https://www.mfa.gov.lb/ for updates and advisories.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: Official name Touris t Visa on Arrival; validity 30 days; max stay 30 days; single-entry; approximate fee 75 USD.
  • Business visa on arrival: Official name Business Visa on Arrival; validity 30 days; max stay 30 days; single-entry; approximate fee 75 USD.
  • Student visa: Not offered on arrival; must be obtained via embassy/consulate or as otherwise directed by authorities; duration and entry type vary; fee varies.
  • Work visa: Not offered on arrival; must be obtained via embassy/consulate; duration and entry type vary; fee varies.
  • Transit/other categories: Not offered on arrival; check official portals for applicability and requirements.

Application process

  • Visa on arrival: how to apply at entry points: Beiru t-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) and major land border crossings with Syria.
  • Steps: present passport, provide hotel/address in Lebanon, show return/onward ticket, and pay the visa fee at the designated visa-on-arrival counter; border officer stamps your passport with the 30-day visa.
  • Fee and currencies: visa fee is 75 USD; accepted currencies are cash (USD preferred); some ports may accept LL at the official rate and/or cash in small denominations.
  • How approval arrives: visa is issued on the spot at the border and stamped in your passport.
  • Queue tips: arrive early, join the proper visa-on-arrival line, keep your passport and receipt ready, and allow extra time during peak hours.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 75 USD (or equivalent in LL) payable at the visa-on-arrival counter.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable for Lebanon visa on arrival; there is no separate third-party center for this visa type.
  • Total cost: 75 USD plus any small local charges at the port of entry if applicable.
  • Standard processing time: visa is issued immediately upon processing at the entry point; queue times can vary from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the port and time of day.
  • Express/priority option: not applicable for visa on arrival.

Tips for United States travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: no pre-arrival application is required; you obtain the visa on arrival at the port of entry.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants specifically: passport validity under 6 months remaining, insufficient funds to cover stay, lack of onward/return ticket, incomplete hotel/address details, or attempting to work on a tourist visa.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: for visa on arrival, you do not use VFS/BLS; for other visa categories, check current procedures with the Lebanese embassy or MFA.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: review the U.S. State Department travel advisory for Lebanon and follow local authorities; conditions can change rapidly.
  • Extension options inside Lebanon: extensions may be possible for up to an additional 30 days at General Security before your current visa expires; apply in person at the General Security offices in Beirut or as directed by authorities; processing times and fees vary; check the official General Security portal for current procedures and fees at https://www.generalsecurity.gov.lb/.
  • Official portal references: always verify rules and fee changes on https://www.generalsecurity.gov.lb/ and https://www.mfa.gov.lb/ before travel.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.