Lebanon entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Lebanon in 2026. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankan nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Lebanon. Apply through the General Directorate of General Security portal linked below. Processing times vary — submit your application at least 2 weeks before departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Lebanon. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | 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 may ask for it during the entry interview. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least $1,000 USD ready. Officers occasionally ask to see proof of sufficient funds for your trip duration. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot enter Lebanon without a pre-arranged visa. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Start the application process at least 3 weeks before your trip.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Lebanon, not from your departure date. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Lebanese embassy
Contact the Lebanese embassy or consulate in Sri Lanka or your country of residence. Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and any other documents they request. Processing typically takes 5–10 working days.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
3
Arrive at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker (if issued in advance) or the visa approval letter. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly and confidently.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 75,000 LBP equivalent)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 150,000 LBP equivalent)
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 300,000 LBP equivalent)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 300,000 LBP equivalent)
For those with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 150,000 LBP equivalent)
For enrollment in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for single-entry visa obtained before travel. | $50 USD (approx. 75,000 LBP equivalent) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for multiple-entry visa, valid for 3 months. | $100 USD (approx. 150,000 LBP equivalent) |
| Stay extension feeFee for extending stay beyond initial visa validity. | $50 USD (approx. 75,000 LBP equivalent) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, no maximum cap. | $10 USD per day (approx. 15,000 LBP) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a transit 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 for a GCC country may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsBeirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Health & vaccines for Lebanon
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
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, have moderate air pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
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 permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Tripoli
General Security Office (Tripoli Branch)
Tripoli, Lebanon (near the city center)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for northern Lebanon. Expect longer processing times.
Practical information for LK 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. Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Lebanese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, but it can vary. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Check the Lebanese embassy in your country for the exact fee. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa.
Typically: a completed application form, passport valid for 6+ months, two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking or invitation letter, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. Check the embassy's website for the exact list.
Extensions are not generally available for Sri Lankan nationals on a tourist visa. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel even if you already have a visa. Always carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Lebanon can be very high, and insurance protects you from unexpected expenses.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.