Canada entry requirements for Lebanon passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Lebanese passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Lebanon. Start the online application at least 8 weeks before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Canada. Canadian immigration officers do not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may still check for at least 6 months beyond your departure date — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Visitor visa application Apply for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | You need a visitor visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks for most applicants. You will need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and pay a CAD 100 fee.Apply for visitor visa | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you will leave Canada before your visa expires — a dummy booking may not satisfy a skeptical officer. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your Canadian host. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you have no prior travel history to Canada. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the visit | Bring bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but CAD 1,000–2,000 per month is a safe benchmark — officers look for enough to cover accommodation, food, and return travel. | Recommended |
No eTA for Lebanese passport holders
Lebanon is not on the eTA-eligible country list. You must apply for a full visitor visa (TRV) before you travel. There is no shortcut.
Biometrics are mandatory
Everyone aged 14 to 79 must give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as part of the application. The fee is CAD 85. Do this within 30 days of applying, or your application will be cancelled.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Visitor Visa Online
Go to the official IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, financial proof, travel itinerary), and pay the CAD 100 fee. Processing takes 4–8 weeks on average.
2
Submit Biometrics
After you apply, IRCC will send a letter asking for your fingerprints and photo. Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) — in Lebanon, that's in Beirut. Cost is CAD 85. Do this within 30 days.
3
Wait for Decision
IRCC will email you when a decision is made. If approved, they'll ask you to send your passport to the VAC for the visa sticker. This takes another 1–2 weeks.
4
Arrive at a Canadian Port of Entry
When you land at any Canadian airport (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.), go to the immigration booth. Show your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation details. The officer may ask about your plans — answer honestly and briefly.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon 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 stayUp to 6 months
ValidityTypically 6 months from issue
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 500 (~USD 375)
For frequent travellers.
Super visa (parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Requires Canadian child/grandchild invitation and medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; worker may need work permit fee CAD 155 (~USD 116)
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Requires employer sponsorship.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | CAD 500 (~USD 375) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Visa application centre feeAdditional fee for using VAC services. | Varies (~USD 30-50) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Ties to home country25%
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Lebanon passport holders generally need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold regions; dress warmly and avoid prolonged exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
National headquarters; most applications processed online.
Toronto
IRCC - Toronto Office
74 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2A5
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For in-person inquiries by appointment only.
Practical information for LB travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing time is typically 4 to 8 weeks after you submit your application and biometrics. It can be longer during peak seasons (summer, holidays). Apply well in advance.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor record extension before your current status expires. The fee is CAD 100. You must show you still have funds and a reason to stay longer. Overstaying without permission can get you banned.
No fixed amount, but you should show enough to cover your stay. For a 2-week trip, CAD 2,000–3,000 is reasonable. Include recent bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsor letter.
You'll get a letter explaining why. Common reasons: weak ties to Lebanon, insufficient funds, or unclear travel purpose. You can reapply, but address the refusal reasons first. There's no appeal process.
Yes, but it's more complicated. You need to show you have legal status in that country (e.g., a valid visa or residence permit). Processing times may be longer. It's usually easier to apply from Lebanon.
Yes, Lebanese passport holders need a visa even for a transit stop at a Canadian airport. There is no transit visa exemption for Lebanon. You must have a valid visitor visa or a transit visa.
The biometrics fee is CAD 85 per person. In Lebanon, you go to the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Beirut. You must book an appointment online after you receive the biometric instruction letter from IRCC.
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.