Lebanon entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Greek passport holders get a free 1-month visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. You can extend it once for up to 3 months total. This policy has been in place since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Have $50–$100 USD in cash for the fee (exact amount depends on your nationality and length of stay). The queue can take 30–60 minutes, so come off the plane ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Lebanon | Lebanon strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline. Two blank pages are also required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Beirut airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. If you overstay your visa, you'll pay a fine of $200 USD per month. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have a hotel booking or host invitation | While not always checked, having a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from a Lebanese host (with their ID copy) smooths the visa-on-arrival process. If you're staying with friends, ask them to meet you at the airport. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show you can support yourself | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Lebanon's economy is cash-based, and ATMs may have withdrawal limits or be out of service. | Recommended |
Security situation in Lebanon
Lebanon's security situation can change rapidly. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Avoid border areas with Syria and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Always carry your passport with you — police checks are common.
Currency and cash
The official currency is the Lebanese pound (LBP), but US dollars are widely accepted. Bring enough USD cash for your stay — ATMs are unreliable and credit cards are not accepted everywhere. Exchange rates vary, so check the current rate before exchanging.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
After landing at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked and separate from the main immigration queues.
2
Present documents at visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa — no fee is charged. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive visa and proceed to immigration
Once the visa is stamped, proceed to the immigration counter for entry clearance. The officer will stamp your passport and you're free to enter Lebanon. The visa is valid for 1 month from the date of issue.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay1 month, extendable up to 3 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (visa on arrival for Greek passport holders)
Obtain at border; extension possible at General Security.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay1 month per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in LBP, subject to change)
Available at Lebanese embassies abroad; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (processing fees vary)
Requires sponsor (employer, family, or property owner); apply at General Security.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa (Employment-Based Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–500 USD (employer-sponsored, fees vary)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires work permit approval from the Ministry of Labor and a residence permit from General Security. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa (Study Residence)
1 year, renewable based on course duration
~$100–300 USD (university sponsorship, fees vary)
For those enrolled in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa (Business Residence)
1 year, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (investment threshold varies)
For individuals investing in a Lebanese business or real estate (minimum investment ~$100,000 USD). Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Greek citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Beirut airport or land borders at no cost for stays up to 1 month, extendable. | Free (no fee charged at border for Greek passport holders) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions can be applied at the General Security office in Beirut; fees vary and are paid in local currency. | ~$33 USD (50,000 LBP equivalent, subject to change) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstaying beyond permitted period incurs daily fines; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | ~$6 USD (10,000 LBP per day, max cap ~$200 USD) |
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
Greek passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. No transit visa is required for most nationalities for short layovers.
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 passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no intention to leave the airport are exempt.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
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 due to water quality issues; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban areas may have moderate pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in 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 (Al-Amn Al-Amm)
Beirut, near the Beirut Port area
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in local currency.
Beirut
Beirut International Airport Immigration Office
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7
For visa on arrival and entry issues; limited extension services.
Practical information for GR 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
The visa on arrival is valid for 1 month. You can extend it once for an additional 2 months at the General Security office in Beirut, for a total stay of up to 3 months.
Yes, it's completely free. No fee is charged at the airport.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 2 additional months. Visit the General Security office in Beirut (near the airport) with your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee (around 50,000 LBP as of 2025). Processing takes 1–2 business days.
Overstaying your visa incurs a fine of 50,000 LBP per day. It's best to extend or leave before your visa expires. The fine is paid at the airport before departure.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Yes, Greek passport holders can get a visa on arrival at the Masnaa border crossing from Syria. The process is similar to the airport — free, valid for 1 month. However, check current security conditions before traveling overland.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.