Lebanon entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Russian 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 30-day tourist visa. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD) — $50 for a single-entry, valid 1 month. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready; the officer may ask to see them before stamping.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Lebanon. Airlines at check-in enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Beirut Airport routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. If you overstay, the fine is $200 USD plus $6.50 USD per day. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host in Lebanon. The visa-on-arrival officer may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or show a bank statement. Immigration rarely checks, but having it avoids any questions about your ability to support yourself during the stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or Lebanese pounds). There are no ATMs or card machines at the visa counter. Bring $50 USD in cash.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
The visa you get on arrival is valid for a single entry. If you leave Lebanon (even for a day trip), you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
After landing at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to fill out with your name, passport number, and address in Lebanon. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD or Lebanese pounds accepted). As of 2026, the cost is around $50 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp your passport and hand you a visa sticker. Then go to passport control, show your passport, and you're in.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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 date
CostFree (0 USD)
Available on arrival for Russian passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (0 USD)
Available on arrival; multiple entries allowed.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately $200 USD
Requires sponsorship or investment; apply at General Security.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa (Permis de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$300–500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a Lebanese employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–200 USD
For students enrolled at a recognized Lebanese university. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000–5,000 USD (depending on investment)
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Russian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Beirut airport for stays up to 30 days, renewable once. | Free (0 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension for up to 30 days at General Security office. | Approximately 200,000 LBP (~$2 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply. | Approximately 50,000 LBP (~$0.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Russian passport holders transiting through Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Lebanon or a residence permit for a GCC country may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Beirut, may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in some rural areas; prophylaxis 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 (Direction Générale de la Sûreté Générale)
Beirut, near the Museum area
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Beirut
Beirut Airport Immigration Office
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
24/7
For visa on arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for RU 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
As of 2026, the fee is $50 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. You can pay in USD or Lebanese pounds at the current exchange rate. Cash only — no cards accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Lebanon. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printout ready.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Beirut Airport. Land border crossings (e.g., from Syria) may have different rules. Check with the nearest Lebanese embassy if you're entering overland.
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Lebanon can be high, and insurance covers evacuation, theft, and trip disruption.
Your passport, the completed visa form, and the fee. The officer may also ask for your return ticket and accommodation confirmation, so have those ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.