Lebanon entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Lebanon — no need to apply in advance. Simply show up at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport with your documents and you'll be stamped in. This has been the case for 2026 and remains the standard procedure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport | Portuguese passport holders get a visa on arrival at Beirut airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD) at the bank counter before immigration — around $50 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 1 month. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready; the officer may ask to see them before issuing the visa.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from the day you leave Lebanon. Airlines at Lisbon and other European hubs enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Lebanon | Immigration at Beirut airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. If you're flying out to a third country, the same rule applies — they want to see you leave. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a signed letter from your host in Lebanon. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing sufficient means | Have at least $100–$200 USD per day of your stay available in cash or on a card. Immigration rarely asks, but the visa-on-arrival officer may request proof if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Security situation can change quickly
Lebanon has periodic security incidents and protests. Check your government's travel advisory before you go and register with your embassy on arrival. Avoid border areas with Syria and Israel.
Cash is king in Lebanon
ATMs and credit cards are unreliable due to the ongoing banking crisis. Bring enough USD cash for your entire stay — you can exchange it locally. Many businesses prefer USD over LBP.
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
Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' (usually the same line as all foreign passports). Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa — expect a short wait.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
As of 2026, the visa on arrival for Portuguese citizens is free for stays up to 30 days. If you're staying longer, there may be a fee — check with the officer. Payment is in cash (USD or LBP accepted).
4
Get stamped and collect luggage
Once approved, you'll receive an entry stamp valid for up to 30 days. Collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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, extendable 1 month
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)
Available at Lebanese embassy in Lisbon; may require invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay3 months per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (0 USD)
Rarely issued; must justify need for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
Requires employer or university sponsorship.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
Requires a job offer from a Lebanese employer and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrollment in a recognized Lebanese university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (plus investment)
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in a Lebanese business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month)Free for Portuguese passport holders at Beirut airport. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport departure. | LBP 50,000 (~$3.30 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for extended overstay. | LBP 1,500,000 (~$100 USD) |
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
Portuguese passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBeirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Health & vaccines for Lebanon
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk of dengue and leishmaniasis; use 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 Branch)
Beirut, Lebanon (near Martyrs' Square)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash (LBP or USD).
Beirut
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport Immigration Office
Beirut Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issuance and overstay payment at departure.
Practical information for PT 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. Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Beirut Airport. No pre-approval or application is needed.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the General Security office in Beirut — but extensions are not guaranteed and may involve a fee.
Yes, for stays up to 30 days, the visa on arrival is free. If you overstay or need an extension, there may be fees — typically around $50–100 USD depending on the duration.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the General Security Directorate in Beirut. Extensions are not automatic and cost around $50–100 USD. You'll need to provide a reason (e.g., tourism, business) and show proof of funds.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your first night's accommodation booking. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Lebanon has security risks — check your government's travel advisories before booking. The situation can change quickly. Avoid border areas with Syria and Israel, and stay informed about local protests or unrest.
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.