Lebanon entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Lebanon in 2026. You'll receive a one-month stay at the airport, which can be extended at the General Security office in Beirut. Just have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Pay in cash (USD) — single-entry visa costs $50, multiple-entry costs $100. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready, as the visa officer may ask to see them.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Finnish passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Lebanon. Airlines at Helsinki check 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 asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Budget airlines like Pegasus and Middle East Airlines enforce this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Lebanon ready. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $1,000 in cash (USD) or have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means, especially if you're staying for more than a week. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. There are ATMs before immigration, but they sometimes run out of cash. Bring $30–$50 USD in small bills.
Keep your visa slip safe
The visa-on-arrival sticker is attached to your passport. Don't remove it — you'll need it when leaving Lebanon. If you lose it, you may face delays or fines at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents and pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process the visa sticker. As of 2026, the visa-on-arrival fee is approximately $30 USD (cash only, preferably USD). They'll stamp it into your passport.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to baggage claim
Once stamped, you'll get a one-month stay. Collect your luggage and exit through customs. Keep the visa slip attached to your passport — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Extend your stay (if needed)
If you want to stay longer than one month, visit the General Security office in Beirut (near the Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport or downtown). Extensions cost around $50 USD and can give you up to 3 additional months. Bring your passport, visa slip, and a passport photo.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay3 months
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Finnish citizens can also apply for a free single-entry tourist visa in advance for longer stays.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0)
Multiple-entry visa available for Finnish passport holders; allows multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. USD 100-200)
For work or study purposes; requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable
~USD 200-400 (processing fees)
For those with a job offer in Lebanon. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 100-200 (processing fees)
For enrollment in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 500-1000 (processing fees)
For those investing a minimum amount (typically USD 100,000+) in a Lebanese business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month)Finnish passport holders can obtain a free visa on arrival for up to 1 month. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; no official cap but can accumulate quickly. | LBP 50,000 (~USD 33) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are possible at General Security offices; subject to approval. | LBP 200,000 (~USD 133) for 1 month extension |
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
Finnish 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
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours with onward ticket.
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, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Beirut, can have poor air quality; 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 the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport)
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Beirut
Ministry of Tourism (for tourist-related inquiries)
Beirut, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Can assist with tourist visa issues and provide information.
Practical information for FI 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
You get one month from the date of entry. You can extend it at the General Security office in Beirut for up to 3 additional months. The extension fee is around $50 USD.
As of 2026, the fee is approximately $30 USD. You must pay in cash — preferably US dollars, but Lebanese pounds are also accepted at a poor exchange rate. Have exact change if possible.
No. Immigration will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is fine. If you don't have one, you may be denied entry.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. Visit the General Security office in Beirut. Bring your passport, the visa slip, a passport photo, and around $50 USD. Extensions are usually granted for up to 3 additional months.
The security situation can change quickly. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Avoid border areas and large gatherings. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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.