Lebanon entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Ethiopian passport holders must apply for a visa before traveling to Lebanon. You cannot get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Plan ahead and submit your application online at least three weeks before your trip in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Lebanon. Apply at the Lebanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes 5–10 working days; expect to submit your passport, photos, and a completed application form.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure from Lebanon. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all arrivals | Immigration officers at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — budget airlines sometimes refuse boarding without proof. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lebanon helps at immigration. Officers may ask where you are staying — having a printed address speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $1,000 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks, but if asked, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Visa required — no on-arrival option
Ethiopian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Lebanon. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Start the process at least 3 weeks ahead.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you arrive in Lebanon, not from when you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa online
Go to the official Lebanese visa portal (or your nearest Lebanese embassy website) and fill out the application. Upload a digital photo and your passport scan. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 1–3 weeks.
2
Wait for approval
After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email. Check your spam folder. If approved, you'll get a visa approval letter or e-visa PDF. Print it and keep a copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Beirut Airport
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport, printed visa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. No additional forms or fees at the airport.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Apply at Lebanese embassy; requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; employer-sponsored
Requires job offer and work permit from Ministry of Labor.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
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 workers with a job offer from a Lebanese company. Requires work permit approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Varies; university fees apply
For students enrolled in a Lebanese university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; investment amount required
For individuals investing a significant amount in Lebanon (e.g., real estate or business). Requires proof of investment and business plan. May lead to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; apply in advance. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in LBP at official rate) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May allow multiple entries; validity depends on embassy. | ~$200 USD (equivalent in LBP) |
| Overstay fine per dayCapped at a maximum; pay at immigration before departure. | ~$10 USD per day (equivalent in LBP) |
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
Transit visa required
Ethiopian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Lebanon, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Lebanese embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours (subject to airline confirmation).
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 (e.g., Ethiopia). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)Low risk
Low risk in urban areas; use insect repellent.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Beirut has moderate air pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Use mosquito avoidance measures.
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 Directorate of General Security (Beirut Office)
Beirut, Lebanon (near Downtown)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Tripoli
General Security Office (Tripoli)
Tripoli, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
For northern region; similar services as Beirut.
Practical information for ET 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. There is no visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. You must get a visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Apply at least a month before your trip to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect around $50–$100 USD. Check the official Lebanese embassy website for the exact amount.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes. Immigration and airlines require proof of onward travel regardless of where you're staying. A return or onward ticket is mandatory.
Extensions are not available for Ethiopian passport holders under standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires.
Bring your passport with the visa, printed visa approval letter, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Travel insurance is recommended but not always checked.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.