What documents does a United States citizen need for a Lebanon visa?

- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date - No application form needed in advance; a short arrival card is completed at the airport - Proof of onward or return ticket - Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host's address) may be requested - No photo required for the visa on arrival - Biometrics: fingerprints and a photo are taken at the General Security desk on arrival - Travel health insurance: not mandatory but recommended

What types of visas can United States citizens get for Lebanon?

- Tourist visa on arrival: single entry, free of charge, valid for up to 1 month, extendable up to 3 months total - Business visa: for work-related visits, may require an invitation letter from a Lebanese company, arranged through a Lebanese embassy or on arrival depending on nationality - US passport holders are among the nationalities eligible for the free visa on arrival for tourism

Can United States citizens get a Lebanon visa on arrival?

- Available at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport and official land/sea border crossings - Proceed to the General Security (Sécurité Générale) desk, present your passport, and complete the arrival card - No fee is charged for the standard 1-month tourist visa on arrival for US citizens - Processing typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on how busy the airport is - Extensions to 3 months can be obtained at a General Security office in Beirut (https://www.generalsecurity.gov.lb/) for a small fee

How much does a Lebanon visa cost for United States citizens?

- Visa on arrival: free for the initial 1-month stay for US citizens - Extension fee (up to 3 months total): approximately $30-$50, paid at a General Security office - Processing time: immediate on arrival (15-45 minutes); extensions typically processed same-day or within a few days - No express service needed since the initial visa is already issued on the spot

What should United States citizens know before traveling to Lebanon?

- Check current US State Department travel advisories for Lebanon before booking, as conditions can change quickly - Keep your entry stamp and any extension paperwork together, as it's checked again on departure - Travelers whose passports show evidence of travel to Israel have historically faced additional questioning; this has eased but can still occur - If you plan to extend your stay, start the process before your initial 1-month visa expires to avoid overstay fines - The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs site (https://www.mfa.gov.lb/) has updated consulate contact details if you need help while abroad

Lebanon Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens receive a free visa on arrival at Lebanese entry points, valid for up to one month and extendable locally; apply at the General Security desk on arrival (generalsecurity.gov.lb), with no advance application needed.

Guide last updated October 2, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
No application form needed in advance; a short arrival card is completed at the airport
Proof of onward or return ticket
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host's address) may be requested
No photo required for the visa on arrival
Biometrics: fingerprints and a photo are taken at the General Security desk on arrival
Travel health insurance: not mandatory but recommended

Visa types

Tourist visa on arrival: single entry, free of charge, valid for up to 1 month, extendable up to 3 months total
Business visa: for work-related visits, may require an invitation letter from a Lebanese company, arranged through a Lebanese embassy or on arrival depending on nationality
US passport holders are among the nationalities eligible for the free visa on arrival for tourism

Visa on arrival

Available at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport and official land/sea border crossings
Proceed to the General Security (Sécurité Générale) desk, present your passport, and complete the arrival card
No fee is charged for the standard 1-month tourist visa on arrival for US citizens
Processing typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on how busy the airport is
Extensions to 3 months can be obtained at a General Security office in Beirut (https://www.generalsecurity.gov.lb/) for a small fee

Fees & processing time

Visa on arrival: free for the initial 1-month stay for US citizens
Extension fee (up to 3 months total): approximately $30-$50, paid at a General Security office
Processing time: immediate on arrival (15-45 minutes); extensions typically processed same-day or within a few days
No express service needed since the initial visa is already issued on the spot

Tips for United States travelers

Check current US State Department travel advisories for Lebanon before booking, as conditions can change quickly
Keep your entry stamp and any extension paperwork together, as it's checked again on departure
Travelers whose passports show evidence of travel to Israel have historically faced additional questioning; this has eased but can still occur
If you plan to extend your stay, start the process before your initial 1-month visa expires to avoid overstay fines
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs site (https://www.mfa.gov.lb/) has updated consulate contact details if you need help while abroad

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United States passport holders

United Kingdom France Germany Japan Australia Canada View all →

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.