Lebanon visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens

Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland do not need a visa to enter Lebanon for tourism. You get a visa on arrival, valid for up to 30 days, and the decision is made at the border. You cannot apply in advance; you simply present your passport and any requested documents to the officer at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport or a land border crossing.

The practical rule is to arrive with a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, and proof of where you are staying. Border officers have discretion, and entry can be refused even with a valid passport. Conditions in Lebanon can change quickly, so check your own government's travel advice before you book.

The table below summarises what citizens of the six countries covered by this page can expect. All entries are for tourism stays of up to 30 days. Longer stays, work, study or other purposes require a visa arranged in advance through a Lebanese embassy or consulate.

At Beirut airport, the process is straightforward: after landing, follow signs to passport control, present your passport, and the officer stamps you in. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask, though many travellers are not asked. At land borders with Syria, the process can be slower and more variable; expect to show the same documents and answer questions about your itinerary.

If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for an extension at the General Security office (المديرية العامة للأمن العام) in Beirut before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or difficulties when leaving. Extensions are not guaranteed, so plan your trip within the 30-day window unless you have a specific reason to extend.

Lebanon's entry rules can change with little notice, and border officers have wide discretion. Even with a visa on arrival, you can be refused entry if the officer is not satisfied with your documents or purpose of visit. There is no appeal at the border; you would be returned to your point of origin.

The security situation in Lebanon is volatile. Your own government may advise against travel to parts or all of the country, and that advice can change quickly. A visa on arrival does not mean the situation is safe. Read the travel advice from your foreign ministry before booking, and consider whether your insurance covers Lebanon.