Lebanon entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. No advance application is needed — just arrive with the required documents and pay the fee at immigration. This policy is standard as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. The fee is around $50 USD in cash (USD accepted). Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready — the officer may ask to see both before issuing the visa.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the full period you plan to stay in Lebanon. Airlines at Baghdad or Erbil may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Beirut airport regularly asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready on your phone. If you're flying Middle East Airlines, they check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Lebanon. The visa-on-arrival officer sometimes asks for this before approving entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a credit card available. Lebanon's economy runs heavily on USD cash — ATMs are unreliable and withdrawal limits are low. | Recommended |
Visa is not extendable
The visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Cash only at visa counter
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or LBP). Credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough USD to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted). The fee is around $50 for a single-entry visa. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before walking away. The visa is usually valid for 30 days.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After getting your visa, continue to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms are needed.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)
Available at Lebanese embassies; requires prior application.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)
Available at Lebanese embassies; requires prior application.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires work permit approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 in a Lebanese business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for Iraqi passport holders. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not applicable as the visa on arrival is typically for a fixed period and extension is not allowed. | Free (0 USD) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-on-arrival entries. | Not available |
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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not require a transit 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, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and leishmaniasis; use insect repellent.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Beirut, may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
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 Branch)
Beirut, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and photos.
Tripoli
General Security - Tripoli Branch
Tripoli, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency matters.
Practical information for IQ 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 fee is approximately $50 USD for a single-entry visa. You can pay in USD or Lebanese pounds at the airport counter. Cash is preferred — credit cards are not accepted.
The visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. It is not extendable, so plan your stay accordingly.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. It's best to have one booked before you arrive.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
This information applies to Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Lebanese embassy or consulate before traveling overland.
No, it's not mandatory, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Lebanon can be very high, and insurance can save you from unexpected expenses.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.