Lebanon entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Lebanon, valid for up to 30 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport with the right documents and you'll be stamped in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. The visa costs $50 USD (cash only, exact change preferred) and is valid for 1 month. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready — the immigration officer may ask to see both before issuing the visa.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Lebanon. Airlines at Zurich and Geneva enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | 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 flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, they may deny the visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lebanon. Immigration officers sometimes ask for this when processing the visa on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Have at least $100 USD per day in cash or a credit card available. Lebanon is a cash-heavy economy — many places don't accept cards, and ATMs may have withdrawal limits. | Recommended |
Israeli stamps = automatic denial
Lebanon strictly prohibits entry to anyone with an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamp. This includes stamps in old passports. If you have one, you will be refused entry at the border.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee is $50 USD (or equivalent in euros/LBP) — cash only. Have the exact amount in good condition. Credit cards are not accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
You'll land at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single terminal, easy to navigate.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Before the main immigration booths, there's a separate counter for visa-on-arrival. Join that queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa costs around $50 USD (cash only, in good condition). They accept US dollars, euros, or Lebanese pounds. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped
After payment, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport and an entry stamp. The officer may ask a few questions — stay calm and answer honestly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
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 · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 3 months)
Max stay3 months, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Swiss passport holders can obtain this visa on arrival at no cost.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay3 months per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival for Swiss passport holders; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
CostVaries (approx. USD 100–300)
Requires sponsorship from employer or family member in Lebanon.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 100–300 (processing fees)
For Swiss nationals with a job offer in Lebanon. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit. Allows multiple entries and residence.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 50–150 (processing fees)
For Swiss nationals enrolled in a Lebanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 500–2,000 (depending on investment)
For Swiss nationals investing in Lebanon (e.g., real estate, business). Requires proof of investment and business plan. Offers residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month)Swiss passport holders get a free visa on arrival for up to 1 month. | Free (USD 0) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 3 months)Swiss passport holders can also get a free 3-month visa on arrival. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fine applies for each day overstay, payable at immigration or airport. | LBP 200,000 (~USD 2.20) |
| Overstay fine (maximum cap)Maximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | LBP 6,000,000 (~USD 66) |
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
Swiss passport holders do not need a visa to transit through Lebanon, even if leaving the airport. They can obtain a visa on arrival for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya, leishmaniasis)Moderate risk
Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled water, avoid street food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Beirut, may have poor air quality; sensitive individuals should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis is 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 Directorate of General Security (Beirut Office)
Beirut, Lebanon (near the Beirut Port)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions, overstay fines, and residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of address.
Beirut
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport – Immigration Office
Beirut Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7
For visa on arrival and overstay payment at departure. Have cash in LBP or USD.
Practical information for CH 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 typically valid for up to 30 days. You can extend it once at the General Security office in Beirut for an additional 30 days (around $50 USD). Overstaying can result in fines.
Lebanon officially denies entry to anyone with an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamp. If you have one, you'll be refused. This applies even if the stamp is in an old, expired passport.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Yes, the same visa-on-arrival process applies at the Masnaa border crossing from Syria and the Naqoura crossing from Israel (though the latter is rarely used). The fee and requirements are the same.
Cash only — US dollars, euros, or Lebanese pounds. Credit cards are not accepted. Have $50 USD in good condition (no torn or marked bills).
Safety conditions can change quickly. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. In general, avoid border areas, large gatherings, and political demonstrations. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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.