ISSUING LEBANESE VISAS
General Information
Every
foreigner who wishes to visit Lebanon must apply for a visit visa at the Embassy or Consulate of Lebanon at the country of his/her residence, even though Lebanon applies the principle of reciprocity in regard to exemption of visas and fees.
The visa applications that
are submitted to minors must be signed by both parents infront of
the Embassy/Consulate official. In case of guardian, then the
guardian will act accordingly. The validity of the visa is 90 days from the date of
issue.
The duration of stay should
not exceed the specified period from the date of entry.
The issued visit visa does not give the bearer any right to work in Lebanon. Work visas are issued as per the following procedures:
- The applicant must submit the request for the visa well in advance in order to give the Embassy ample time to study the request.
- Applicants of Lebanese origin may submit a copy of their Civil Status.
Types of
Visas
Diplomatic and Official Visas: Issued for holders of diplomatic and official passports, and for those holding UN passport and to their families, whether they are accredited to Lebanon or just entering as visitors.
Visit Visa: Issued for tourism, family visits, and businessmen.
Student's Visa: (see below)
Work Visa: (including visas issued to artists, see below)
Required Documents
- Passport valid for 30 days more than the required duration of the visa. The period to be calculated as of the date of the expiry date of the visa.
- One copy and a new picture (4x3 cm) should be submitted to the Embassy in case the visa will be issued immediately. In case of the need for an approval, copies of the first pages of the passport should be included.
Special Documents
Student Visas: The student must apply for the visa through the administrative office of the university or its agent in order to obtain the approval of the General Directorate of the Public Security as per the conditions stated by the latter. The approval will be sent by fax to the Embassy in order to issue the visa. The student's visa is valid for one month and one trip, which would enable him/her to join the university and to proceed with the necessary procedures upon his/her arrival. Students should present a bank statement of their financial status, which proves that they are capable of supporting themselves while residing in Lebanon.
Work Visas: The applications for working visas are submitted to the prior approval issued by the Ministry of Labour, which are submitted to the Directorate of Public Security through the Lebanese companies or their representative of the visa applicant. The approval is later sent to the Embassy via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Visas to attend meetings or conferences: The applicant must provide the Embassy with information concerning the meeting/conference plus the telephone and fax numbers of the party organizing the event in Lebanon.
Visas for tourists' groups: such
visas are issued by the Embassy after verifing the proper documents.
Customs
1. Luggage is subject for inspection at borders.
2. Goods manufactured in Israel are not allowed into Lebanon.
3. People residing in Lebanon are allowed to carry: 200 cigarettes, 200 grams of tobacco or 25 cigars. 1 litre of alcohol, 60 grams of perfume or 50 ml. of eau de cologne, plus personal gifts.
4. Goods that are exempted from customs fees are:
- Goods equivalent to $125 for Lebanese and foreigners residing in Lebanon
- Foods equivalent to $300 for the Arab tourists
- Goods equivalent to $600 for the immigrants of Lebanese origin.
5. Visitors are allowed:
- Foreign currency and jewelry.
- Those leaving the country are allowed to carry Lebanese and/or foreign currency, except for gold coins. Gold currency bought during their visit to Lebanon can be taken out of Lebanon provided that the bearer presents a receipt.
6. Weapons and ammunitions are not allowed, except with prior permission from the Ministries of Defense and Interior.
7. Drugs are prohibited.
8. Exporting archeological items is prohibited, except with permission.
Health Procedures
Visitors from places infected with disease need health certificates, and are subject to health inspection from the Ministries of Health in their country of origin prior to entering Lebanon.
