Lebanon entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits in 2026 — no need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Available at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport | Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut airport. Have a printed return or onward ticket and a hotel booking ready — immigration officers routinely ask for both. The visa costs around $50 USD in cash (Lebanese pounds also accepted at the official rate). | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Lebanon | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity left after your planned exit from Lebanon. Airlines at check-in in Canada will enforce this — they've been burned before by denied boarding fines. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Beirut airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before stamping your visa on arrival. A printed copy or a screenshot of the booking works — they're not picky about format, just that it exists. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Officers at the visa-on-arrival counter sometimes ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or credit card | Carry at least $100–$200 USD in cash or have a credit card with a visible limit. Immigration rarely asks, but if you look under-prepared they can deny entry on suspicion you'll work illegally. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival only at Beirut Airport
If you plan to enter Lebanon by land from Syria or by sea, you must get a visa from a Lebanese embassy before you travel. The visa on arrival is only available at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
Lebanon's healthcare system is under strain. A hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is cheap insurance against a very expensive problem.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
All international flights land at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before passport control.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Present your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking. The officer will issue a visa sticker — no payment is required at the counter.
3
Proceed to passport control
Hand over your passport with the new visa sticker. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly — tourism or visiting family is standard.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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 1 month
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0) for Canadian citizens
Apply at Lebanese embassy in Canada before travel; allows longer stay than visa-on-arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay6 months total, 90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0) for Canadian citizens
Available from Lebanese embassy; suitable for frequent travellers.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries; employer-sponsored
Requires job offer and work permit approval from Ministry of Labor.
Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable annually
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries; university-sponsored
Requires acceptance from a Lebanese educational institution.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
Varies; employer covers fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires work permit approval and residency registration. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
Varies; university fees apply
For international students enrolled at a Lebanese university. Requires proof of acceptance and financial means. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor/Residency by Investment
1 year, renewable
Varies; minimum investment ~$200,000 USD
For individuals investing in Lebanon (real estate, business). Requires proof of investment and clean criminal record. Grants residency and potential citizenship after several years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month)Canadian passport holders receive a free 1-month visa on arrival at Beirut airport. | Free (USD 0) for Canadian citizens |
| Overstay fine per dayFine accumulates daily; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration office before departure. | LBP 200,000 (~USD 13) per day |
| Stay extension (1 month)Extensions are possible at General Security offices; apply before current visa expires. | LBP 200,000 (~USD 13) plus administrative fee |
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
Canadian 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
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 (per WHO).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Beirut, may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in some rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers. Consult a travel clinic.
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 Main Office
Adlieh, near the Ministry of Interior, Beirut
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, visa, and fee in cash (LBP or USD).
Beirut
General Security – Beirut Airport Office
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issuance and immediate inquiries; limited extension services.
Practical information for CA 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. Canadian passport holders get a visa on arrival at Beirut Airport. No pre-approval or application is needed for tourism or short visits.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 1 month. You can extend it at the General Security office in Beirut for an additional period — check with them directly for current fees and processing times.
No fee is charged at the airport for Canadian passport holders. The visa is issued free of charge.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, but the visa on arrival is only available at Beirut Airport. If entering by land or sea, you must obtain a visa in advance from a Lebanese embassy or consulate.
Yes. Immigration expects to see a confirmed onward or return ticket regardless of your accommodation plans. A flexible ticket works.
Overstaying can result in fines and potential difficulties when leaving. Visit the General Security office in Beirut before your visa expires to request an extension.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.