Lebanon entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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

Since 2026, Ivory Coast passport holders can get a free one-month visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. You can extend it for longer stays.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Have $50 USD in cash for the single-entry visa fee, plus a printed hotel booking and return ticket. The visa counter is before immigration — pay and get a stamp, then proceed to passport control.Required
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Lebanon. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Beirut airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing departure from Lebanon within your visa validity.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 may ask for it at the counter, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means
Have at least $1,000 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay.Recommended
Visa on arrival is only at Beirut Airport
If you plan to enter Lebanon by land (from Syria) or by sea, you must get a visa in advance from a Lebanese embassy. The visa on arrival is only available at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Check current travel advisories
Lebanon's security situation can change quickly. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Some countries advise against non-essential travel to certain areas.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
Fly into Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' after disembarking.
2
Queue at immigration counter
Join the queue for foreign passports. When it's your turn, hand over your passport, boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation).
3
Receive visa on arrival
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a free one-month visa. No payment is required. The process usually takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After receiving your visa, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Lebanon.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay1 month, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)

Obtainable on arrival; extension possible at General Security offices.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay1 month per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)

Not commonly issued on arrival; may require application at embassy.

Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. 200-500 USD)

Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor.

Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. 100-300 USD)

Requires acceptance from a Lebanese educational institution.

work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~200-500 USD (fees vary)
For foreign nationals employed by a Lebanese company. Requires employer sponsorship, labor ministry approval, and a valid contract.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~100-300 USD (fees vary)
For those enrolled in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~500-1000 USD (fees vary)
For individuals investing a significant amount in Lebanon (e.g., real estate or business). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Citizens of Ivory Coast can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism at Beirut airport, valid for up to 1 month.Free (0 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond the permitted period incurs a daily fine; avoid overstay to prevent issues.Approximately 5 USD per day (no official cap known)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Citizens of Ivory Coast transiting through Lebanon do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsBeirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)

Health & vaccines for Lebanon

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
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.

Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk

Low risk of dengue and leishmaniasis; use insect repellent.

Air pollutionModerate risk

Urban areas, especially Beirut, may have high air pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

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 downtown)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00

Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Tripoli
General Security - Tripoli Branch
Tripoli, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00

For visa extensions in northern Lebanon.

Practical information for CI 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
updated May 30
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
Police112
Medical140
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival is valid for 1 month (30 days). You can extend it once at the General Security office in Beirut for an additional 1–3 months.
Yes, the one-month visa on arrival is free of charge. No payment is required at the airport.
Yes. Visit the General Security office in Beirut (near the airport or in the city center). The extension costs around 50,000 LBP (about $3 USD) and can give you up to 3 more months.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. Even if staying with family, you must have a return or onward ticket booked. Immigration may ask to see it.
Yes, but the visa on arrival is only available at Beirut Airport. If entering by land, you must apply for a visa in advance at a Lebanese embassy.
Bring your passport (6+ months validity), return ticket confirmation, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance details. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.