Lebanon entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Lebanon. You'll get it stamped at the airport or land border — no need to apply in advance. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Pay in cash (USD) — the fee is around $50 for a single-entry visa valid for 1 month. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Lebanon. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at Beirut airport routinely asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Lebanon. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this at the visa-on-arrival counter. A booking confirmation with your name and dates works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $2,000 USD in cash or have a credit card with a sufficient limit. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. Having a bank statement or a credit card statement helps. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no credit cards. Bring $50 USD in crisp bills (or the equivalent in Lebanese pounds). ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a residence permit at the General Security office in Beirut before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' — it's usually separate from the main immigration line. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, pay the visa fee in cash. As of 2026, it's $50 USD for a single-entry visa. They accept US dollars or Lebanese pounds (at their rate). Keep the receipt.
3
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa valid for up to 30 days. Check the stamp before walking away — confirm the dates and spelling of your name.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
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 date
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival for Chinese passport holders; can be extended at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay1 month per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival; multiple entries allowed within validity.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries (approx. USD 100-200)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution in Lebanon.
work visa
Work Visa (Temporary Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~USD 200-300 (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals employed by a Lebanese company. Requires a work contract and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 100-200 (plus university fees)
For those enrolled in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 500-1,000 (investment required)
For individuals investing a significant amount 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)Visa on arrival is free for Chinese passport holders for stays up to 1 month. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | LBP 50,000 (~USD 33) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum overstay fine is capped at this amount. | LBP 1,500,000 (~USD 1,000) |
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
Chinese passport holders 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 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
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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 (Direction Générale de la Sûreté Générale)
Beirut, Lebanon (near downtown)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Tripoli
General Security Office - Tripoli
Tripoli, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Regional office for visa-related issues in northern Lebanon.
Practical information for CN 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
As of 2026, the single-entry visa on arrival costs $50 USD. You can pay in US dollars or Lebanese pounds at the airport exchange rate. Keep the receipt.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a residence permit at the General Security office in Beirut before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines.
The visa on arrival is also available at the Masnaa border crossing with Syria and the Naqoura crossing with Israel (though the latter is rarely used by tourists). The process is the same — pay $50 USD, get stamped. Land borders can be slower, so allow extra time.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to exit the airport (even for a few hours), you'll need the visa on arrival. The transit area is small, so many travellers opt to go into the city.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the standard visa on arrival is single-entry only. If you need multiple entries, you must apply for a visa at a Lebanese embassy before traveling.
It's not required for entry, but medical costs in Lebanon are high — a hospital visit can run hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance is strongly recommended. Some airlines may also ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.