Lebanon entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Lebanon, valid for stays up to 30 days. This has been the policy since 2025, and the process at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is straightforward. Just make sure you have the required documents ready before you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Belgian passport holders get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. The visa costs $50 USD (cash only, exact change preferred) and is valid for 1 month, extendable once at the General Security office in Beirut. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready — the officer may ask to see them before stamping.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Belgian passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Lebanon. Airlines at Brussels Airport enforce this strictly — 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 a return or onward flight. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. If you plan to exit overland to Syria, you may still need a flight booking — the officer decides. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lebanon. The visa officer may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A simple Booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card showing sufficient means | Have at least $100 USD in cash or a credit card showing available funds. The visa officer rarely checks, but if asked, show you can cover your stay. ATMs in Beirut dispense Lebanese pounds, not dollars. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or LBP). ATMs are available after immigration, but not before. Bring at least $50 USD in crisp bills.
SIM cards at the airport
You can buy a local SIM at Beirut Airport arrivals hall from providers like Alfa or Touch. Alternatively, get an Airalo eSIM before you travel to skip the queue.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
After landing at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival processing.
2
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will issue a visa sticker and stamp it into your passport. Payment is in cash (USD or LBP) — typically around $50 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa.
3
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main immigration queue. Show your passport with the visa, and you'll be cleared. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, extended stay)
Max stay3 months, extendable 1 month
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Apply at Lebanese embassy in Brussels before travel for a longer stay; must show proof of accommodation and funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay3 months per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0)
Available for frequent travelers; requires justification and prior approval from General Security.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (processing fee)
Requires a Lebanese employer sponsor and approval from Ministry of Labor.
Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (processing fee)
Must be enrolled in a recognized Lebanese institution; proof of enrollment and funds required.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in a Lebanese business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month)Belgian passport holders get a free visa on arrival for up to 1 month stay. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fine applies for each day over the allowed stay; no official cap but can accumulate. | LBP 50,000 (~USD 33) |
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
Belgian passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBeirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Health & vaccines for Lebanon
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Low risk
Low risk in urban areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets in rural areas.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Beirut and other cities may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Lebanon; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for travelers to urban areas.
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 – Immigration Department
Beirut, near the Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Beirut
Ministry of Tourism – Visitor Services
Beirut Central District, near Martyrs' Square
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Can assist with tourist-related inquiries and provide information on extensions.
Practical information for BE 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
The visa on arrival for a 30-day single entry costs about $50 USD (or equivalent in Lebanese pounds). Payment is in cash — bring crisp, undamaged USD bills. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel (e.g., a tourist visa from the Lebanese embassy in Brussels). Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the transit area or stay overnight, you'll need the visa on arrival. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Beirut Airport.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the Masnaa border crossing from Syria, but the process may be slower and less predictable. It's best to arrive by air if possible.
No, the standard visa on arrival is single-entry only. If you need multiple entries, apply for a multiple-entry visa at the Lebanese embassy in Brussels before travel.
Print your return ticket and accommodation booking — phone screens can die or lose signal. Keep a photocopy of your passport's photo page separate from the original.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.