Lebanon entry requirements for Japan passport holders

Verified May 14, 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

Japanese passport holders can get a free one-month visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. This policy has been in place since 2025.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
You get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD) — $50 for a single-entry 1-month visa, $100 for 3 months. Have your passport photo ready.Check visa detailsRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Lebanon. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Outbound travel proof
Immigration officers at Beirut airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Overstaying the visa period results in a $200 fine per month.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Lebanon. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means
Have at least $2,000 in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if you look under-prepared they can deny entry.Recommended
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check passport validity before boarding. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will not be allowed to fly to Lebanon. Check your passport now.
No visa fee at the airport
The visa on arrival for Japanese passport holders is free. You do not need to pay any fee at the airport.

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 issuance before immigration.
2
Present documents at visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your free one-month visa. No payment is required.
3
Proceed to immigration
Once the visa is stamped, go to the immigration booth. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly. You'll then be allowed into Lebanon.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Download PDF

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 (USD 0) for Japanese nationals

Available on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0) for Japanese nationals

Not commonly issued; apply at embassy before travel.

work visa
Work Permit (Temporary Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD (processing fees)
For Japanese nationals employed by a Lebanese company. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–300 USD (processing fees)
For Japanese nationals enrolled in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (processing fees)
For Japanese nationals investing a significant amount in Lebanon (e.g., real estate or business). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Japanese passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days.Free (USD 0)
Overstay fineOverstaying beyond the permitted period incurs a daily fine.USD 50 per day (no cap mentioned)

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

Japanese passport holders do not require 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
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, leishmaniasis)Low risk

Risk is low for most tourists, but use insect repellent in rural areas.

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, can have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in Lebanon; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for most travellers.

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.

Tripoli
General Security Office (Tripoli)
Tripoli, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00

Regional office for visa-related issues in northern Lebanon.

Practical information for JP 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
updated May 13
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
Police112
Medical140
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival is valid for 1 month (30 days). It is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes, it is completely free. No payment is required at the airport.
The visa on arrival is only available at Beirut Airport. Land borders with Syria are open but may have different procedures. Entry from Israel is not possible — Lebanon does not recognize Israeli passports.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Lebanese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting through Beirut Airport and staying airside (not passing immigration), you do not need a visa. If you need to leave the airport, you must get a visa on arrival.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the 30 days expire or apply for a different visa category from a Lebanese embassy before travel.
Your passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, and first night accommodation booking. Travel insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory. Keep copies of everything on your phone.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.