Lebanon entry requirements for Latvia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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

Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Lebanon. As of 2026, you simply show up at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, pay the fee, and receive a 1-month entry stamp. No advance application needed.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Latvian passport holders get a free 1-month visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Hand over your passport at the bank counter inside the arrivals hall before immigration — they issue the visa sticker on the spot. Overstaying costs $200 USD fine plus 200,000 LBP per day, paid at the airport departure bank.Check visa rulesRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
Lebanon enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly at the border. Airlines also check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Two blank pages are required for the visa sticker and entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for visa on arrival
Immigration officers at Beirut airport ask for proof of onward travel before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. Budget airlines like Pegasus and Air Arabia check this at check-in too.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to have hotel booking or host invitation
Immigration officers sometimes ask for a hotel reservation or a host's contact details during the visa-on-arrival process. Carry a printed booking confirmation or a letter of invitation with the host's phone number. Having it ready avoids delays at the counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to show cash or card
Officers may ask how you plan to fund your stay. Carry at least $1,000 USD equivalent in cash or have a credit card with available balance. ATMs at the airport dispense Lebanese pounds at poor rates — bring USD cash for the visa fee and initial expenses.Recommended
Israeli stamps = automatic refusal
Lebanon strictly prohibits entry to anyone with an Israeli visa, entry, or exit stamp. If you have any Israeli-related marks in your passport, you will be denied entry at the border. No exceptions.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD is preferred. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged $50 bills.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
After landing at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. There are no separate visa-on-arrival counters — you'll go directly to the immigration booths.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport and return ticket (if asked). The officer will process your visa on the spot. You'll need to pay the visa fee in cash — USD is preferred, but Lebanese pounds are accepted at a poor exchange rate. As of 2026, the fee is around $50 USD for a 1-month single-entry visa.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 1-month visa on arrival. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 (0 USD) – visa on arrival

Standard entry for Latvian passport holders.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (0 USD) – visa on arrival

Multiple entries allowed; each stay up to 30 days.

Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in local currency)

Requires sponsor in Lebanon and approval from General Security.

work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300–500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer in Lebanon. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (plus tuition)
For enrolled students at a recognized Lebanese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$1,000–5,000 USD (depending on investment)
For those investing in Lebanon (e.g., real estate, business). Minimum investment varies; consult Lebanese embassy.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Latvian passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days.Free (0 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstaying is not officially fined but can lead to denial of future entry.Free (0 USD) – no official fine, but may cause future entry issues

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

Latvian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, as long as they remain airside.

Airside transitAllowed
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, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Low risk

Risk is low in urban areas but present in rural regions; use insect repellent.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to contaminated water or food; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Air pollutionModerate risk

Beirut and other cities may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is very 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 Security – Immigration Department
Beirut, Lebanon (near Riad El Solh Square)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00

For visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and sponsor letter.

Tripoli
General Security – Tripoli Branch
Tripoli, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00

Handles extensions and permits for northern Lebanon.

Practical information for LV 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 20
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 typically valid for 1 month (30 days). It's a single-entry visa. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the General Security office in Beirut before your visa expires.
Yes, you can extend it once for an additional month. Go to the General Security office in Beirut (near the Beirut Municipality building). The extension fee is around $50 USD. You must apply before your current visa expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
Lebanon does not allow entry to anyone with an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamp. If you have any Israeli-related marks, you will be refused entry. This includes stamps from land borders with Israel.
Bring USD cash in good condition (no tears, no marks). The visa fee is around $50 USD. Lebanese pounds are accepted but at a poor exchange rate. Credit cards are not accepted for visa fees.
The visa on arrival is only available at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. If you're arriving by land from Syria (Masnaa border crossing) or by sea, you need to arrange a visa in advance from a Lebanese embassy.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.