South Korea entry requirements for Lebanon passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Lebanese citizens, so you'll need to apply at the South Korean embassy in Beirut. The process involves paperwork and processing time, so plan ahead to avoid delays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Korean visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must apply in advance. Apply at embassy/consulate | Lebanese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Beirut or the nearest consulate. No eVisa is available for Lebanese citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date well before you travel. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight details. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from South Korea within your authorized stay. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds helps show you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in South Korea, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration may ask where you are staying. Hotel booking or invitation | Have your hotel reservation or the address of where you will stay, and if staying with friends/family, an invitation letter may be required. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical costs can be high; insurance protects you. Medical coverage | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended for your stay in South Korea. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before departure. K-ETA not applicable | No arrival declaration or K-ETA is required for Lebanese passport holders. You will complete the standard arrival card provided on the flight or at the airport. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Lebanese citizens
Despite South Korea having an eVisa system for some nationalities, Lebanese passport holders are NOT eligible. You must apply at the South Korean embassy in Beirut. Do not fall for online services claiming to offer an eVisa for you — they are scams.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding and entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Visa is not extendable
The South Korean visa you receive cannot be extended. You must leave the country before the authorized stay expires. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, photo, itinerary, financial proof, and employment/study letter. Make copies of everything — the embassy will likely keep your passport during processing.
2
Submit your application at the embassy
Visit the South Korean embassy in Beirut in person. Submit your application and provide biometrics (fingerprints). Walk-in during public hours is typically allowed, but check the embassy's website to confirm current procedures.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee at the embassy's cashier or via the specified method. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to collect your passport.
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 5-10 working days, but can be longer during peak seasons. Track your application status online using the receipt number.
5
Collect your passport
Return to the embassy to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa details (dates, number of entries) immediately — report any errors before leaving the embassy.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 (single-entry)
For short-term business activities; requires invitation from Korean company.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$60 (single-entry)
For skilled employment; requires employment contract and approval from Korean immigration.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of study
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$60 (single-entry)
For enrolled students at Korean educational institutions.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
USD 80 (approx. 106,000 KRW)
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Korea. Requires contract and qualifications. Renewable annually.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years)
USD 60 (approx. 80,000 KRW)
For full-time students enrolled in Korean universities. Requires admission letter and financial proof.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
USD 100 (approx. 133,000 KRW)
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of KRW 100 million. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (short-term, e.g., C-3-9)Standard consular fee; may vary by embassy. | $60 (single-entry) / $90 (double-entry) |
| Multiple-entry visa (e.g., C-3-9 multi)For those eligible; validity up to 1 year. | $90 |
| Visa issuance fee (if applying in Korea)For visa extensions or changes; check with immigration. | Varies |
| Visa extension feeFor extending stay beyond permitted period; apply before expiry. | ₩60,000 (approx. $45) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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 South Korea
Transit visa required
Lebanese passport holders generally require a visa to enter South Korea, including for transit if leaving the international transit area. However, airside transit without a visa may be permitted for up to 24 hours under certain conditions, but it is not guaranteed and should be confirmed with the airline or embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a valid visa for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or an EU/Schengen country, you may be eligible for visa-free transit up to 30 days (subject to change).
- Transit passengers who remain in the international transit area and do not pass immigration may not need a visa for short layovers, but this is at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during winter.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid raw or undercooked foods.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport and application form.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa issues for southern region; appointments recommended.
Practical information for LB travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,543.91 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Lebanese citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. You must obtain a visa from the South Korean embassy in Beirut before you travel. There is no exception.
Standard processing takes about 5-10 working days. However, it can take longer if the embassy needs to verify documents or during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies by embassy but is typically around $40-60 USD for a single-entry visa. Double-entry and multiple-entry visas cost more. Check with the South Korean embassy in Beirut for the exact fee in your currency.
You need to provide a travel itinerary, but you don't need to purchase non-refundable tickets. A flight reservation (hold) and a hotel booking (refundable) are sufficient. Many travel agencies can provide a reservation without payment.
If your visa is denied, you'll receive a notice explaining the reason. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the issue (e.g., provide more financial proof). The visa fee is non-refundable.
No. The visa you receive is not extendable. You must leave South Korea before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering.
If you're transiting and will not leave the international transit area, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or have a layover longer than 24 hours, you'll need a visa. Check with your airline and the embassy to confirm.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.