Lebanon entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Lebanon, valid for up to 30 days. This has been the case for 2026, and the process is straightforward at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD or Lebanese pounds) — around $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa valid for 1 month. Have your passport photo ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Beirut will deny boarding if it's close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration at Beirut airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Budget airlines like Middle East Airlines and Pegasus enforce this strictly at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have a hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers sometimes ask where you're staying. Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show you can support yourself | You may be asked to show you have enough cash or a credit card for your stay. Around $100–$200 USD per day is a safe buffer. ATMs in Beirut dispense Lebanese pounds, but USD is widely accepted. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee is $50 USD cash only. No cards, no other currencies. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be rejected.
Check your visa dates
After the officer stamps your passport, double-check the entry and exit dates. Mistakes happen, and you don't want to discover an error when you're leaving.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
After landing at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival processing.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer will process your visa — expect a short wait of 5–15 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs around $50 USD (cash only, in good condition). Have exact change if possible. They don't accept cards.
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa. Check the dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 3 months)
Max stay3 months, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 75,000 LBP)
Apply at Lebanese embassy in Italy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay3 months per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 150,000 LBP)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (1 year, multiple entry)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 300,000 LBP)
Requires sponsorship or work/study permit.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 300,000 LBP) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires work permit and residency permit.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 150,000 LBP) plus university enrollment
For students enrolled in a Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 750,000 LBP) plus investment proof
For investors who invest a minimum amount in Lebanon (e.g., real estate or business). Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month)Italian passport holders get a free visa on arrival for up to 1 month. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible at General Security offices; cost varies. | ~$33 USD (approx. 50,000 LBP equivalent) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply. | ~$2 USD (approx. 3,000 LBP) |
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
Italian passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a visa for airside transit if staying in the international transit area and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or visa may be required.
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 diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Low risk
Low risk in urban areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High pollution in Beirut and industrial areas; may affect respiratory health.
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 – Beirut Main Office
Beirut, near the Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Tripoli
General Security – Tripoli Office
Tripoli, near the city center
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
For extensions in northern Lebanon.
Practical information for IT 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 up to 30 days. You can extend it once at the General Security office in Beirut for an additional 30 days (cost around $50 USD).
Yes, you can extend it once for another 30 days. Go to the General Security office in Beirut (near the airport) with your passport, a passport photo, and the fee (about $50 USD). Processing takes 1–2 business days.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Lebanese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel. If leaving by land to Syria or another country, have a bus or taxi booking confirmation. Immigration may still ask for a flight ticket — it's safer to have one.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at the Masnaa border crossing from Syria, but the process is slower and less predictable. Most travelers recommend flying into Beirut for a smoother experience.
No, it costs around $50 USD in cash. Have exact change in good condition — no torn or marked bills. They don't accept credit cards or other currencies.
Overstays are fined at $50 USD per month (or part thereof). You'll need to pay at the airport before departure. Avoid overstaying — it can cause issues for future travel to Lebanon.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.