Lebanon entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits in 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and cash for the visa fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. The visa costs $50 USD (cash only, exact change recommended) and is valid for 1 month, single entry. You'll fill out a form at the immigration counter and pay before receiving the entry stamp.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Lebanon | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Lebanon. Airlines at Dublin check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Beirut airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight within the visa's 1-month validity. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready — they may check it before issuing the visa. | 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 where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Lebanon's economy runs heavily on cash — ATMs may have withdrawal limits or be out of local currency. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The bank counter before immigration only accepts cash — no cards. Bring crisp US dollars (around $50) or Lebanese pounds. Worn or marked notes may be refused.
Visa on arrival is single-entry
This visa is for one entry only. If you leave Lebanon and want to return, you'll need to go through the visa-on-arrival process again.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Beirut Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank Counter'. You'll see a small bank window before immigration.
2
Pay the visa fee at the bank counter
Hand over your passport and the cash fee (around $50 USD). The bank clerk will give you a receipt. Keep it safe.
3
Proceed to immigration
Present your passport, the bank receipt, and your return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-on-arrival. No interview, no forms.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on queue size.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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 stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)
Irish passport holders can obtain a free visa on arrival. Extensions are possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (0 USD)
Multiple entry visas are not typically issued on arrival; apply at Lebanese embassy in advance.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer in Lebanon. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a recognized Lebanese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors making a significant financial contribution to the Lebanese economy. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Irish passport holders can obtain a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply after the permitted stay. Pay at immigration before departure. | 50,000 LBP (~33 USD) per day |
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
Irish 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
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, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)Low risk
Risk is low but present in some areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Beirut, may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in rural areas. Prophylaxis is not generally recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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 the Beirut Port)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Beirut
Ministry of Tourism (for tourist-related queries)
Beirut, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Can assist with tourist visa extensions and provide information.
Practical information for IE 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 fee is typically around $50 USD (or equivalent in Lebanese pounds). Pay in cash at the bank counter before immigration. Bring crisp US dollars — worn or marked notes may be refused.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the granted period (usually 30 days), you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
No, it's not a formal requirement. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Lebanon can be very high, and evacuation may be needed in emergencies.
No. Only cash is accepted at the bank counter. Bring US dollars or Lebanese pounds. Cards are not accepted.
Usually 20–40 minutes from landing to exiting customs, depending on how many flights arrive at the same time. Peak hours (evening arrivals) can be slower.
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.