Lebanon entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Dutch passport holders get a free one-month tourist visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. You can extend it for up to three months. This procedure has been standard through 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Pay in cash (USD or Lebanese pounds) — the fee is around $50 USD for a single-entry, 1-month visa. Have your passport photo ready, and expect a short queue at the visa counter before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Lebanon | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity left from the day you leave Lebanon. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Two blank pages are also required for the visa stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Beirut airport asks to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone. Airlines also check this at departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it helps if asked. Credit cards are accepted in Beirut but less so outside the city. | Recommended |
Political situation can change quickly
Lebanon's security and political situation can shift rapidly. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. The visa-on-arrival policy has been stable for years, but entry requirements can change with little notice.
Cash is king in Lebanon
ATMs often have withdrawal limits, and many places don't accept credit cards. Bring enough USD or EUR in cash to exchange for Lebanese pounds. The official exchange rate is different from the black market rate — use official exchange offices for fair rates.
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's a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival — look for the sign or ask an officer.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, boarding pass, and (if asked) your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your free one-month visa on the spot.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a one-month visa. No payment is required. You'll then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay3 months
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)
Available at Lebanese embassies; may allow longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (0 USD)
Rarely issued; requires strong justification and embassy approval.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
Requires a Lebanese employer to sponsor; includes residency permit.
Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (university-sponsored)
Must be enrolled in a recognized Lebanese institution.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires work permit and residency permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (university-sponsored)
For enrollment in a Lebanese university or accredited institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (investment-dependent)
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 in a Lebanese business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 1 month)Netherlands passport holders get a free visa on arrival for up to 1 month. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; no official cap but may be waived for short overstays. | LBP 50,000 (~$3 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are rarely granted for visa-on-arrival holders; check with General Security. | LBP 100,000 (~$6 USD) per month |
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if you do not leave the airport.
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, chikungunya)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; stick to bottled water and well-cooked meals.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban areas may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for rural travel in the Bekaa Valley.
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 (Direction Générale de la Sûreté Générale)
Beirut, near the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Beirut
Ministry of Tourism (for long-stay inquiries)
Beirut, Hamra Street
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:00
Can provide guidance on long-term stay options but does not process visas.
Practical information for NL 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
The visa on arrival is valid for 1 month from the date of entry. You can extend it at the General Security office in Beirut for up to 3 months total. The extension costs around $50 USD (paid in Lebanese pounds at the official rate).
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 2 additional months (total 3 months). Go to the General Security office in Beirut (near the Beirut Municipality building). Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee (about $50 USD equivalent in LBP). Processing takes 1–3 working days.
Yes, the initial one-month visa on arrival is free. No payment is required at the airport. Only the extension costs money.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Beirut Airport. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival. Check with your airline for transit rules.
Entering from Syria is possible at the Masnaa border crossing, but you'll still get a visa on arrival there. Entering from Israel is not possible — Lebanon does not recognize Israel and will deny entry to anyone with Israeli stamps or evidence of travel to Israel.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about $200 USD (paid in LBP) and potential difficulties when leaving. It's best to extend or leave before your visa expires. The General Security office can advise on overstay penalties.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.