Lebanon entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 12, 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
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. You'll receive a stamp at immigration, valid for up to 30 days. As of 2026, no prior application is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport upon arrival. Pay the fee in cash (USD or Lebanese pounds accepted) — have the exact amount ready. The visa is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Lebanon. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Beirut airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you are flying out to a third country, that ticket also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lebanon. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $1,000 USD or equivalent in cash or on a card. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. A bank statement or credit card works as proof. | Recommended |
Check travel advisories before booking
Lebanon's security situation can change quickly. Always check your government's travel advisory before booking flights or accommodation.
No visa needed for short stays
Australian passport holders get a visa on arrival at Beirut Airport. No prior application or fee is required for stays up to 30 days.
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's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival passengers.
2
Present documents at immigration
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa on the spot — expect a short wait.
3
Receive visa stamp and enter
The officer stamps your passport with a visa-on-arrival. No payment is required at the counter. You're then free to collect your luggage and exit.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay3 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival for Australian passport holders; no pre-application needed.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Also available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-Stay Visa (Residence Permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostLBP 500,000 (~USD 333)
Requires sponsorship (employer or family) and application at General Security.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
LBP 500,000 (~USD 333) plus employer sponsorship
For Australian nationals with a job offer in Lebanon. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence and work.
student visa
Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
1 year, renewable annually
LBP 300,000 (~USD 200) plus university enrollment
For those enrolled in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Residence by Investment)
1 year, renewable annually
LBP 1,000,000 (~USD 667) plus investment minimum of $200,000
For Australian investors who invest at least $200,000 in a Lebanese business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Provides long-term residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month)Australian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Beirut airport at no cost for up to 1 month. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines accumulate daily; no official maximum cap but can be negotiated. | LBP 50,000 (~USD 33) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are possible at General Security offices for an additional month, subject to approval. | LBP 200,000 (~USD 133) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
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, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Moderate risk
Occasional outbreaks occur, especially in warmer months; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban areas may have moderate air pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis may be considered for rural travel in the Bekaa Valley.
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 – Beirut Branch
Beirut, Lebanon (near the Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Beirut
Ministry of Tourism – Visa Section
Beirut, Lebanon (downtown area)
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles tourist visa inquiries and extensions for longer stays.
Practical information for AU 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. Australian passport holders get a visa on arrival at Beirut Airport. No prior application is needed.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It can be extended at the General Security office in Beirut for an additional fee.
Yes, you can extend your stay at the General Security office in Beirut. Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 days. The cost is around 50,000 LBP (approximately $3 USD) per month, but check current rates.
You will likely be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew it before you travel.
No, the visa on arrival is free of charge at the immigration counter. No payment is required.
Land borders with Syria are open, but conditions can change. The border with Israel is closed. Always check current travel advisories before crossing.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return ticket to Australia or a ticket to another country. A screenshot or printed copy is fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.