The useful headline for American travellers: U.S. passport holders may obtain an entry visa on arrival in Beirut. A consular visa in advance is an option rather than a requirement, which makes the consulates’ visa work mostly about third-country nationals and specific family situations.
Quick facts
One condition is absolute and worth stating plainly: a passport showing any evidence of travel to Israel will be refused entry to Lebanon. That includes stamps from land crossings. Check your passport before booking.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival | Charged at the airport | For eligible nationalities |
| Consular visa | Published tariff | Money order to the mission |
| Business visa | Higher tariff | With a company letter |
| Work permit | Charged in Lebanon | Through the employer |
| Travel health insurance | Your own cost | Required for some applications |
Lebanese-American applicants are asked to enclose a copy of their Lebanese identity card or ikhraj qayd, and spouses of Lebanese nationals a copy of the Lebanese marriage certificate and of the husband’s Lebanese identity card.
How to apply
- Decide whether the visa on arrival suits you or you need one in advance.
- Identify the mission covering your state.
- Gather a reference letter from the person or company being visited, with full address and telephone.
- For minors, obtain a notarised consent signed by both parents, or a notarised court order where the parents are separated or divorced.
- Pay by money order made out to that mission.
- Allow the published processing time before travelling.
Required documents
- Passport valid beyond the intended stay, with no evidence of travel to Israel.
- Completed application and one recent photograph.
- Green card for non-American applicants resident here.
- Reference letter for private visits.
- Lebanese identity card or ikhraj qayd for Lebanese-Americans.
- Travel health insurance where required.
Where to apply
On arrival in Beirut for eligible travellers, or at the mission covering your state.
Consulate General of Lebanon
View details →Los AngelesConsulate General of Lebanon
View details →New YorkConsulate General of Lebanon
View details →Parma HeightsHonorary Consulate of Lebanon, Cleveland, Ohio
View details →PhoenixHonorary Consulate of Lebanon in Arizona
View details →SouthfieldConsulate General of Lebanon in Detroit
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of Lebanon
View details →Additional notes
Check the travel advisory
Conditions in Lebanon have changed rapidly in recent years and U.S. travel advice has been severe for extended periods. Read the current advisory in full rather than relying on what a relative reports.
Dual nationals
A Lebanese citizen enters on a Lebanese passport and needs no visa. If you hold Lebanese nationality through your father, you are Lebanese whether or not you have ever held the documents.
Minors travelling separately
The notarised consent requirement is enforced, and a court order is needed where custody is divided.
Insurance
Standard travel policies have excluded Lebanon during periods of conflict. Check the wording rather than assuming cover.