Lebanon entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can get a free 1-month visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. No advance application needed, but you must meet entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport | Malta passport holders get a visa on arrival at Beirut airport. Hand over your passport at the bank counter inside the terminal before immigration — pay the fee in USD cash (around $50 for a single-entry, 1-month visa). The officer stamps you in on the spot. No need to apply in advance.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Lebanon. Airlines at Malta International Airport check this before boarding — no exceptions. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration at Beirut airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone. Airlines also check this at check-in in Malta. | 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 occasionally ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com 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's economy runs heavily on USD cash — ATMs work but withdrawal limits are low. Immigration rarely checks, but it's smart to have it ready. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free and straightforward
No need to apply in advance. Just show up at Beirut airport with a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The process takes about 15–30 minutes.
Currency situation in Lebanon
The Lebanese pound (LBP) has multiple exchange rates. Use official exchange offices or banks for the best rate. Many businesses accept US dollars cash, but expect change in LBP. Avoid exchanging money on the street.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut airport
After landing at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. There's a separate queue for visa-on-arrival passengers.
2
Present documents at immigration
Hand over your passport, boarding pass, and (if asked) your return ticket and hotel booking. The officer will issue a free 1-month tourist visa sticker.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date. Your 1-month stay starts that day. Keep the visa sticker safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
CostFree (0 USD)
Malta passport holders can obtain a free visa on arrival; no need to apply in advance.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)
Multiple entry visa on arrival is available for Malta passport holders at no cost.
Long-Stay Visa (Residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~200 USD (equivalent in LBP)
Requires sponsorship by a Lebanese resident or employer; apply at Lebanese embassy.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa (Employment-Based Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~200–500 USD (fees vary, employer usually pays)
Requires a job offer from a Lebanese employer who sponsors the visa. Allows long-term stay and work. Must apply at Lebanese embassy abroad.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa (Study Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~100–300 USD (fees vary by institution)
For enrollment in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa (Business Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~500–1000 USD (fees vary by investment amount)
For individuals investing in a Lebanese business or real estate (minimum investment ~$50,000). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Malta passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; no official maximum cap but may lead to deportation. | LBP 50,000 (~33 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not generally available for visa-on-arrival; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
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
Malta passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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, etc.)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 in rural areas.
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 Corniche)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and sponsor letter.
Beirut
Beirut International Airport Immigration Office
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issues and entry/exit questions; located in the arrivals hall.
Practical information for MT 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 valid for 1 month (30 days) from the date of entry. It's free and single-entry. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the General Security office in Beirut before your visa expires.
Yes, you can extend it once for an additional 1–2 months. Visit the General Security office in Beirut (near the Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport) with your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee (around $33 USD equivalent in Lebanese pounds). Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Yes, the 1-month tourist visa on arrival is free of charge. No payment is required at the airport.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Lebanese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel. If you're leaving by land (e.g., to Syria or Jordan), a bus ticket or a written itinerary showing your exit plan is acceptable. Keep a copy handy.
No. Lebanese immigration requires a passport in good condition. Significant damage (torn pages, water damage, missing cover) will result in denial of entry.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately $200 USD (in Lebanese pounds) and may be banned from re-entering Lebanon for a period. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.