Lebanon entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can get a free 1-month tourist visa on arrival in Lebanon. This applies at Beirut Airport and all land border crossings. Policy effective as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Available at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport | Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD) at the bank counter before proceeding to immigration. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready — immigration officers routinely ask for both.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration at Beirut airport asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you are flying one-way, have a flight booking out of Lebanon within the visa validity period. Airlines also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Lebanon. Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival counter often ask for an address and contact number. A booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip. ATMs are available at the airport but have withdrawal limits. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The 1-month visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel or leave Lebanon and re-enter to get a fresh visa.
Keep your return ticket accessible
Immigration officers at Beirut Airport routinely ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a screenshot or printed copy of your return or onward ticket ready — don't rely on finding it in your email while in the queue.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport or land border
Most Swedish travellers fly into Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. You can also enter via the Masnaa border crossing from Syria or the Naqoura crossing from Israel. At the airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Join the line at the dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa — it's free and takes about 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive your visa stamp and proceed
The officer stamps your passport with a 1-month tourist visa. You then proceed to baggage claim and customs. Keep the stamped page safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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)
Max stay3 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Swedish citizens can obtain a free single-entry tourist visa on arrival for up to 1 month; longer stays may require a pre-arranged visa.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0)
Multiple-entry visas are not typically issued on arrival; apply at a Lebanese embassy in advance.
Long-Stay Visa (e.g., Work, Student)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. USD 100–300)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution; apply at Lebanese embassy.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 200–500 (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires a work permit and residency permit. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 100–300 (plus tuition)
For those enrolled in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 1,000–5,000 (depending on investment)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., USD 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)Swedish passport holders can obtain a free visa on arrival for up to 1 month. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines accumulate daily; no official maximum cap reported, but can be substantial. | LBP 200,000 (~USD 2.20) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not officially available for visa-on-arrival stays; overstay or exit and re-enter may be options. | Unknown |
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
Swedish passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours with confirmed onward ticket.
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
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Low risk
Low risk in urban areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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; no prophylaxis is 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 Directorate of General Security (Beirut Office)
Beirut, Lebanon (near the Beirut Port area)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and any supporting documents.
Beirut
Beirut International Airport Immigration Office
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
24/7
For visa-on-arrival processing and entry issues; located in the arrivals hall.
Practical information for SE 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 (30 days). It cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Yes, it's completely free for Swedish passport holders. No fee is charged at the airport or land borders.
Yes. The main land border crossings are Masnaa (from Syria) and Naqoura (from Israel). The same visa-on-arrival policy applies. Note that the security situation at borders can change — check current travel advisories before planning a land entry.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Lebanese immigration. Renew your passport before travel. There are no exceptions.
Yes, an onward ticket to any country outside Lebanon is sufficient. It just needs to show you're leaving Lebanon within the visa period.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit or leave and re-enter to get a new visa.
Have your passport, return/onward ticket (printed or screenshot), and first night accommodation booking ready. Immigration officers may ask to see any of these. A travel insurance certificate is also a good idea.
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.