Lebanon entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Lebanon in 2026. The process is straightforward at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, but you'll need to have a few documents ready. This page covers exactly what to prepare and what to expect at immigration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Pay in cash (USD preferred) — single-entry visa costs around $50, multiple-entry around $100. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready, as the visa officer may ask to see them before stamping.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Lebanon | Your Austrian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond the date you plan to leave Lebanon. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Beirut airport routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital return ticket showing your departure from Lebanon within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to show at visa counter | Visa officers sometimes ask for a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Lebanon. Have a printed confirmation ready, even if you plan to stay with friends. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show if asked | Carry at least $200–$300 in cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but many smaller places in Lebanon deal in cash only. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date, you will not be allowed to fly to Lebanon. Check your passport now.
Visa on arrival is only available at Beirut Airport
If you arrive by land from Syria or by sea, you must have a visa arranged in advance. The visa on arrival is only issued at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
After landing at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. There are separate queues for Lebanese nationals and foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
2
Approach the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation booking). The officer will process your visa on arrival. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
The visa on arrival is free for Austrian passport holders as of 2026. No payment is required at the counter.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport and stamp it. Check the validity dates before walking away. The standard stay is 30 days.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional checks for most travellers.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 3 months)
Max stay3 months, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Austrian passport holders can obtain a free visa on arrival for up to 1 month; for longer stays, apply for a 3-month visa at a Lebanese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay6 months total, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Multiple entry visa available at Lebanese embassy; free for Austrian passport holders.
Long-stay visa (1 year, multiple entry)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Available for business or family reasons; apply at Lebanese embassy with supporting documents.
work visa
Work Visa (Temporary Work Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fees)
For Austrian nationals with a job offer in Lebanon. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fees)
For Austrian nationals enrolled in a Lebanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (processing fees)
For Austrian nationals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Lebanon. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Allows multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month)Austrian passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for up to 1 month. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; no official cap but may accumulate. | LBP 200,000 (~USD 2.20) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are possible at General Security offices; cost is per month. | LBP 200,000 (~USD 2.20) per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Lebanon
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours with confirmed onward ticket.
Transit hubsBeirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Health & vaccines for Lebanon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Mosquito-borne diseases are present, especially in rural areas; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Air quality can be poor in urban areas, especially Beirut; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for rural travel in the Bekaa Valley and northern regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Beirut
General Security (Direction Générale de la Sûreté Générale)
Beirut, near the Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Beirut
Ministry of Tourism – Visa Section
Beirut, Hamra Street
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:00
Handles tourist visa extensions; bring passport and visa.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalBeirut
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyLebanese pound (LBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 89,500 LBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male earth pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut Airport. There's no need to apply in advance.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not automatic — you'd need to visit the General Security office in Beirut before your visa expires.
Yes, as of 2026, the visa on arrival is free for Austrian citizens. No payment is required at the immigration counter.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to visit the General Security office in Beirut (near the Beirut Municipality building) before your 30 days are up. The extension fee is around 50,000 LBP (about $3 USD) per month. Processing takes a few days.
Overstaying can result in a fine of 50,000 LBP per day (about $3 USD). You'll need to pay at the airport before leaving. Serious overstays can lead to a ban from re-entering Lebanon.
It's strongly recommended. Immigration officers may ask to see proof of onward travel. Without it, you could be questioned or denied entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.