Lebanon entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders get a free one-month visa on arrival in Lebanon. Just show up at Beirut Airport or any land border crossing — no pre-approval needed. This policy is confirmed for 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Pay in cash (USD) — the fee is around $50 for a single-entry visa valid for 1 month. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter; officers often ask for both before issuing the visa.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Lebanon | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity left from the day you leave Lebanon. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will 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 before granting the visa on arrival. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready — showing a flight out of Lebanon within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lebanon. Visa-on-arrival officers sometimes ask for this to confirm where you will stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200–$300 in cash (USD) or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means, especially if you are staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
Visa is not extendable
The one-month visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Lebanon and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' (not 'Transit'). Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport with a free one-month visa. No payment is required.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After receiving your visa stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Lebanon.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostLBP 1,000,000 (~USD 10)
Apply at Lebanese embassy before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostLBP 2,000,000 (~USD 20)
Requires embassy application; suitable for frequent visitors.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostLBP 5,000,000 (~USD 50)
Requires sponsorship (employer, family, or property owner); apply at General Security.
work visa
Work Permit (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable
~LBP 3,000,000 (~USD 30) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~LBP 2,000,000 (~USD 20) plus university fees
For enrolled students at recognized Lebanese institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~LBP 10,000,000 (~USD 100) plus investment minimum
For those investing a significant amount (e.g., $100,000+) in Lebanon. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
retirement visa
Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~LBP 5,000,000 (~USD 50) plus proof of pension
For retirees aged 55+ with a stable pension. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Icelandic passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. | LBP 250,000 (~USD 2.50) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond 30 days is not generally allowed for visa-on-arrival holders. | LBP 500,000 (~USD 5) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation20%
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
Icelandic passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Moderate risk
Occur in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contamination; 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
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for rural areas 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 – Immigration Department
Beirut, Lebanon (near the Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions, residence permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Beirut
Ministry of Tourism – Visitor Services
Beirut Central District, near Martyrs' Square
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Provides information on visa rules and can assist with official procedures.
Practical information for IS 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. The one-month visa on arrival for Icelandic passport holders is free. No payment is required at the immigration counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Lebanon and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. The visa on arrival is also available at all official land border crossings with Syria and Israel. The same conditions apply: free one-month visa, passport valid for 6 months.
A digital copy (screenshot or email) on your phone is usually accepted. However, having a printed copy as backup is safer in case your phone dies or has no signal.
No, it's not mandatory. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Lebanon can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Lebanon. Always leave before your visa expires. If you need more time, exit and re-enter.
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.