Lebanon entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Lebanon in 2026. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option currently available. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders need a visa to enter Lebanon. Apply at the Lebanese embassy or consulate in South Africa before departure. Processing takes 5–10 working days — submit your passport, completed form, two photos, flight itinerary, and hotel booking.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Lebanon does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — it just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required at check-in and border | Immigration officers at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lebanon. Immigration may ask where you are staying during the interview. A simple booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $1,000 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Lebanon is a cash-heavy economy — many places do not accept cards. Immigration rarely asks, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
South Africans cannot enter Lebanon without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa. Apply at the Lebanese embassy in Pretoria well in advance.
Keep copies of everything
Make photocopies or digital scans of your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them separate from the originals in case of loss or theft.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Lebanese embassy
Contact the Lebanese embassy or consulate in South Africa (Pretoria) to submit your visa application. You'll need your passport, photos, completed application form, and supporting documents. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Receive your visa and prepare documents
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Make copies of your visa, passport data page, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep these accessible in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional forms to fill unless you're carrying large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Requires a local sponsor and work permit.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$150 USD
Requires acceptance from a Lebanese educational institution.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Lebanon. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a significant amount in Lebanon. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, typically valid for 30 days. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 3 months. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not require a 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 may exit the airport.
Transit hubsBeirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Health & vaccines for Lebanon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Low risk
Risk is low but present in some areas; use insect repellent.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Beirut, may have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Lebanon; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for tourists.
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
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Tripoli
General Security - Tripoli Branch
Tripoli, Lebanon
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa-related services for northern Lebanon.
Practical information for ZA 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
No. South African passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option currently available.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Contact the Lebanese embassy in Pretoria for the current fee schedule. Expect to pay in South African rand or equivalent.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel. Have a printed or digital copy ready.
Not strictly required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and repatriation.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the General Security office in Lebanon before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of entry into Lebanon.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.