Lebanon entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Lebanon. It's valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. At Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, the process is straightforward as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Lebanon. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Available at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport | New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut airport. The visa costs $50 USD (cash only, exact change preferred) and is valid for 1 month. Have your passport photo ready — they take one at the counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Beirut airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | 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 where you are staying — having a booking confirmation speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $1,000 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Lebanon is a cash-heavy economy — bring USD in good condition (no torn or marked bills). | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD preferred). There is no ATM or card payment at the immigration counter. Have USD 50 in small bills ready.
Single entry only
The visa on arrival is valid for a single entry. If you leave Lebanon (even for a day trip), you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Beirut Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. You'll join the queue for non-Lebanese passports.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation if asked. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs around USD 50 (cash only, preferably USD). Have exact change ready. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and walk through customs. No arrival declaration form is required.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Obtainable on arrival for New Zealand passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0)
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~USD 200 (processing fee)
Requires sponsor in Lebanon (employer, family, or property owner).
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 200 (processing fee)
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
~USD 100 (processing fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Lebanon Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 300 (processing fee)
For retirees over 55 with proof of pension or sufficient income. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)New Zealand passport holders get a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies if you exceed the 30-day stay. Pay at immigration before departure. | LBP 50,000 (~USD 33) per day |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | LBP 1,500,000 (~USD 1,000) |
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsBeirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Health & vaccines for Lebanon
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Moderate risk
Present in some areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated water and street food; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Beirut, have high pollution; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the Bekaa Valley; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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, Lebanon (near Martyrs' Square)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tripoli
General Security Office (Tripoli)
Tripoli, Lebanon (near Al-Qobbeh)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
For northern Lebanon visitors. Same services as Beirut.
Practical information for NZ 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 costs approximately USD 50. You must pay in cash (USD is preferred). Credit cards are not accepted. Have exact change ready to speed things up.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travelling or leave and re-enter.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you're leaving by land, have a bus or taxi booking confirmation showing your exit plan.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travelling.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. However, medical costs in Lebanon can be very high, so insurance is strongly recommended.
The visa on arrival is primarily issued at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Lebanese embassy if entering overland.
Usually 10–20 minutes at the immigration counter, depending on queue length. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
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.