Lebanon entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Lebanon in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Lebanon. Apply through the General Directorate of General Security website before your trip. Processing times vary, so submit your application at least 2 weeks in advance.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Lebanon. Airlines at JKIA will check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lebanon. Officers may ask for it during the visa interview or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or bank statement | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Around $50–$100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely checks this, but the visa officer may ask. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Kenyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Lebanon. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Processing can take several weeks.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Lebanon, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Submit visa application
Apply at the Lebanese embassy or consulate in Nairobi (or the nearest accredited mission). Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photos, and supporting documents. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for approval
The embassy forwards your application to Lebanese authorities for clearance. There is no online tracking — follow up by phone or email.
3
Collect your passport with visa
When approved, you'll be notified to collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and any conditions printed on the visa.
4
Arrive at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions — answer clearly. Expect a stamp and entry granted.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in LBP)
Apply at Lebanese embassy in Nairobi; requires passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once for 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in LBP)
Suitable for frequent travellers; must show travel history and ties to home.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200–500 USD (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Lebanese Ministry of Labor.
Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100–300 USD (institution-dependent)
Must be enrolled at a recognized Lebanese educational institution.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa (Temporary Work Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals employed by a Lebanese company. Requires employer sponsorship, labor ministry approval, and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–300 USD (institution-dependent)
For enrolled students at recognized Lebanese universities. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (plus investment minimum)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $100,000) in a Lebanese business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. May lead to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by nationality and embassy; check with Lebanese embassy in Nairobi. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in LBP at official rate) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May require additional documentation; validity and fees subject to embassy discretion. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in LBP) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply but varies. | ~$10 USD per day (equivalent in LBP) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders transiting through Lebanon generally need a transit visa unless they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside for less than 24 hours. Check with the airline.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
- Diplomatic passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsBeirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Health & vaccines for Lebanon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., Kenya). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Low risk
Low risk in urban areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Especially in Beirut; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
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 (near Riad El Solh Square)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Tripoli
General Security Office (Tripoli Branch)
Tripoli, Lebanon (near Al-Qobbeh area)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
For northern Lebanon residents; similar procedures as Beirut.
Practical information for KE 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. Kenyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival for Lebanon. You must obtain a visa from a Lebanese embassy or consulate before traveling.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks, but it can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned travel date to be safe.
The Lebanese Embassy in Nairobi handles visa applications. You'll need to submit your documents in person or through a representative. Check their website or call ahead for current requirements and appointment slots.
You'll typically need: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and a cover letter explaining your travel purpose. Requirements can change, so confirm with the embassy.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD equivalent. Check with the Lebanese Embassy in Nairobi for the exact fee in Kenyan shillings.
Extensions are not available for Kenyan passport holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
It is not officially required for visa approval, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Lebanon can be high, and insurance gives you peace of mind.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.