Lebanon entry requirements for Norway passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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

Norwegian passport holders get a free 1-month tourist visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. This has been the standard procedure since 2026. No pre-application is needed.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Pay in cash (USD or Lebanese pounds) — have $50–$100 in crisp bills. The visa counter is before passport control; fill the form, pay, and they stamp you in.Check visa detailsRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Lebanon
Lebanon enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Two blank pages are required for the visa stamp.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for visa-on-arrival entry
Immigration officers at Beirut airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to have ready
Border officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their contact details. A printed copy works best if your phone has no signal.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to have ready
Carry at least $2,000 in cash or have a credit card with a visible limit. Lebanon’s cash economy means immigration sometimes asks how you’ll support yourself. Bank statements or a credit card statement work.Recommended
Security situation can change quickly
Lebanon's security situation is volatile. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Avoid border areas with Syria and Israel. Always have a backup plan.
Cash is king in Lebanon
ATMs often run out of cash, and card payments are unreliable. Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash for your entire stay. You can exchange at local bureaux de change.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
After landing at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, follow signs to 'Passport Control' for foreign visitors. There are separate queues for Lebanese citizens and foreigners.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the queue for non-Lebanese passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation booking ready. The officer will ask your purpose of visit and length of stay.
3
Get your visa on arrival
The officer stamps your passport with a free 1-month tourist visa. No payment, no forms to fill. The process takes 2–5 minutes per person.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay1 month, extendable up to 2 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (Visa on Arrival)

Obtainable at Beirut airport or land borders. Extend at General Security office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay1 month per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (Visa on Arrival)

Available on arrival; multiple entries allowed within validity. Extend each stay as needed.

Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200 USD equivalent)

Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution. Apply at Lebanese embassy abroad.

work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fees)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires work permit approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fees)
For those enrolled in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fees)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $100,000) in a Lebanese business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Norwegian passport holders can obtain a free visa on arrival for stays up to 1 month, extendable.Free (USD 0)
Stay extension feeExtension for up to 2 months at General Security office. Subject to approval.Approximately 200,000 LBP (~USD 2.20)
Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration before departure.Approximately 10,000 LBP (~USD 0.11) per day

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

Norwegian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
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 (per WHO).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk

Risk is present, especially in warmer months. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Air pollutionModerate risk

Urban areas, especially Beirut, have high pollution levels. Those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most areas, but present in some rural regions. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended; use mosquito avoidance measures.

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, Lebanon (near the Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.

Beirut
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport Immigration Office
Beirut Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7

For visa on arrival and entry/exit issues. Open all hours.

Practical information for NO 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 19
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

No. Norwegian passport holders get a free 1-month visa on arrival at Beirut Airport. No pre-application needed.
It's free. There is no fee for the 1-month tourist visa on arrival for Norwegian passport holders.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Lebanon and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Lebanon can be very high, and insurance covers hospital stays, evacuation, and theft.
Entering from Syria is possible but not recommended due to security risks. Entering from Israel is illegal under Lebanese law and will result in arrest or deportation. Always fly into Beirut.
Your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and proof of accommodation for your first night. The officer may also ask your purpose of visit and where you'll be staying.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.