Lebanon entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Lebanon, valid for up to 30 days. This has been the case since 2024 and remains in effect for 2026. You'll need to pay the fee in cash at the airport and have a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | French passport holders 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. You can extend it once at the General Security office in Beirut for an additional fee.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Lebanon. Airlines at CDG and Beirut check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Confirmed onward travel within visa validity | Immigration at Beirut airport asks for a return or onward ticket dated within your visa's validity (1 month). Budget airlines like Middle East Airlines and Pegasus enforce this at check-in — have a printed itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask for a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Lebanon. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or a signed invitation letter works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient funds | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Lebanon's economy runs heavily on USD cash — ATMs work but withdrawal limits are low. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or LBP). Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Keep your documents handy
Immigration may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation booking. Keep screenshots on your phone or printouts in your carry-on.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Pay the fee in cash (USD or LBP). The officer will issue a visa sticker.
3
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa sticker. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). Answer clearly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 20–40 minutes.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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)
Max stay3 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival for French passport holders; no advance application needed.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-Stay Visa (Residence Permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~USD 200 (processing fee)
Requires sponsorship (employer, family, or property owner) and in-country application.
work visa
Work Visa (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 200 (processing fee)
For those with a job offer in Lebanon. Requires employer sponsorship and a work contract. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 150 (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a Lebanese university. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 500 (processing fee)
For those investing in Lebanon (e.g., real estate or business). Minimum investment varies; consult the Ministry of Economy. Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month)French passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for up to 1 month. | Free (USD 0) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 3 months)French passport holders can obtain a free 3-month visa on arrival. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fine applies for each day over the allowed stay, payable at the airport or immigration office. | LBP 200,000 (~USD 2.20) |
| Overstay fine (maximum cap)Maximum overstay fine is capped at this amount. | 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
French passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and leishmaniasis; 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 not routinely 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 Branch)
Beirut, near the Beirut Port area
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Beirut
General Security – Airport Office
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, Arrivals Hall
Open 24/7
Handles visa on arrival and overstay payments at departure. Keep receipts.
Practical information for FR 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 30 days. It can be extended at the General Security office in Beirut for an additional fee (around $50 USD for another 30 days).
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 days. Go to the General Security office in Beirut (near the Beirut Municipal Stadium) with your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash. The process takes a few hours.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you still need proof of onward travel. A bus or ferry ticket to Syria or Cyprus counts. If you're driving out, a rental car agreement showing return to a different country may work, but a flight ticket is safest.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at the Beirut airport and at the Masnaa border crossing with Syria. It's not available at all land crossings, so check in advance.
Bring USD cash. The fee is around $50 USD. Lebanese pounds are also accepted at the official rate, but USD is simpler. Avoid large bills — have $50 or $100 notes.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
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.