Steps On How To Apply For A Lebanon Visa on Arrival
The visa policies in Lebanon are lenient for many people. In other words, you can get a permit to visit the country quickly, especially if you qualify for a Lebanon visa on arrival. Thus, you don’t have to visit the embassy to apply for one.
Generally, getting a Lebanon entry permit can be stressful. But with the introduction of visas on arrival, citizens of some countries can obtain an entry permit once they enter Lebanon. However, such persons must meet the requirements.
In this blog post, you will get all the information you need about visas on arrival in the country: the application steps, the requirements, validity, processing fees, and many more.
What is a Lebanon visa on arrival?
Lebanon visa on arrival is a policy that allows citizens of certain countries to visit the country without getting an entry visa from their country of origin. However, once they arrive at an airport in Lebanon, they must apply for a visa to stay in the country.
Eligible countries for a Lebanon visa on arrival
Citizens of the following countries qualify for a Lebanon visa on arrival. They include:
- EU Member States
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Georgia
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Iran
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Liechtenstein
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Russia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Venezuela
Additional countries
In addition, nationals of the following countries can visit Lebanon with a visa on arrival if they have a reservation in a 3 to 5-star hotel. Plus, they must have USD 2,000 in cash. They include:
- Algeria
- Comoros
- Ivory Coast
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Iraq
- Libya
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
Exemptions from Lebanon visas on arrival
Citizens of the following countries do not need an entry permit to visit Lebanon. Subsequently, they will not apply for a visa on arrival at a Lebanese airport. They include:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
You can stay in Lebanon for up to six months without a visa if you are from the countries above.
Conditional visa on arrival
You can obtain a Lebanon visa on arrival if you meet the conditions below. They include:
- A child under 15 years with a foreign passport travelling with at least one Lebanese parent can get a visa at the airport.
- Businessmen, Directors/General Managers, Employers, Physicians, Engineers and Lawyers with a residence permit from the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries can get their entry permit at the airport to stay in Lebanon for 11 months.
- A tourist group of 8 people can get a visa on arrival if they have a telephone number, an address in Lebanon and a nonrefundable round ticket.
- You can get an entry permit at Beirut International Airport if you have a written notification issued by the Lebanese Immigration General Directorate of General Security. In addition, you must have a telephone number, contact address and roundtrip ticket.
Requirements for Lebanon visa on arrival
Applicants for a visa on arrival at an airport in Lebanon must have the following documents. They include:
- A valid phone number
- Proof of a valid address in Lebanon
- A return-flight ticket
- Your passport
- Proof of financial means
- Hotel reservation
#1. A valid phone number
The first document you need to apply for a visa at an airport in Lebanon is a telephone number of a resident in Lebanon.
#2. Proof of valid address in Lebanon
In addition to the phone number, you must also provide a valid address in the country. You can use the contact address of a resident or citizen of Lebanon. It can serve as proof of accommodation for you in Lebanon.
#3. A return-flight ticket
You also need a nonrefundable flight ticket to return to your country. A roundtrip ticket can serve this purpose.
#4. A valid passport
Another document you need for a Lebanon visa on arrival is your passport. The passport must not contain a visa, stamp or seal from the State of Israel.
#5. Proof of financial means
You will need to have enough money to stay in Lebanon. The minimum amount is USD 2,000 in cash, especially for citizens with conditional visas on arrival in Lebanon.
#6. Hotel reservation
Citizens of certain countries can only get a visa at an airport in Lebanon if they have a reservation in a 3 to a 5-star hotel.
Steps to apply for a Lebanon visa on arrival
You can use the following steps to apply for a visa when you arrive at an international airport in Lebanon. They include:
#Step 1. Find out if you are eligible
Firstly, find out if you qualify for a Lebanon visa on arrival. You can check the list of eligible countries above.
#Step 2. Gather all the documents
Secondly, if you are eligible for the visa, you must gather all the documents you need for the application. The requirements must be complete to avoid denial of your application when you arrive in Lebanon.
#Step 3. Get a visa at the Lebanese embassy in your country of origin
Thirdly, visit the Lebanese embassy near you. You will get a visit to stay in Lebanon for one month. Then, you can renew your permit for a further two months.
Step 4. Enter Lebanon
Fourthly, travel to Lebanon with all the documents. Once at the airport, you can apply for a visa.
#Step 5. Apply for a visa at an airport in Lebanon
Fifthly, you can apply for a visa on arrival. If you are eligible, you will obtain a permit for one month. However, you can extend it for another two months at Beirut Airport or another port of entry or the General Security building.
Also Read: 4 Ways To Immigrate To Canada From Lebanon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a Lebanon visa on arrival?
You can get a Lebanon visa ona arrival for free at the Lebanese embassy in your country of origin. However, once you arrive in the country, you must apply for a renewal for two months at Beirut Airport or another port of entry or the General Security building.
What is the validity of a visa on arrival at a Lebanese airport?
The validity period of a visa at a Lebanese airport is one month for the permit you obtained at the Lebanese airport in your country of origin. However, you can apply for an extension for another two months at Beirut Airport, another port of entry or the General Security building.
Where can I apply for a Lebanon visa?
You can apply for a Lebanon visa at the Lebanese embassy in your country of origin. However, if you qualify for a visa on arrival, you can extend your entry permit once you arrive in the country.
Is Lebanon a good place for visitors?
Lebanon is the perfect place for business and tourism. Many visitors who visit the country come to invest in Lebanon. In addition, the nation is a good choice for immigrants who want to relax and go on a vacation.
Moreover, being the smallest country in Asia, It is safe for foreigners. Thus, you can stay in the country with your family without fear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all visitors to Lebanon need a visa to stay in the country. However, citizens of a few countries can visit Lebanon visa-free and live for up to six months. If you are not among those who can travel to Lebanon without an entry visa, you can qualify for a Lebanon visa on arrival. It will allow you to obtain a permit for free at a Lebanese embassy. However, you must apply for an extension for an additional two months once you arrive in Lebanon.
Thus, the steps we provided in this article will help you to obtain your visa at an international airport in Lebanon. Plus, you will use the steps to get them quickly.
Above all, the best thing to do is to contact the Lebanese embassy in your country of origin. They will give you all the information you need about a vis on arrival, including the requirements, whether you qualify and the steps to apply.
