Lebanon entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi passport holders can enter Lebanon without a visa and stay up to 180 days per visit. This policy is in effect for 2026, so you can plan a long trip or multiple shorter stays without any visa paperwork.
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 time you plan to stay in Lebanon. Airlines at Saudi airports will check this before boarding. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Lebanese immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Lebanon | Immigration officers at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this at check-in in Saudi Arabia. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed booking confirmation or a letter from a host with their contact details works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry enough cash (USD or Lebanese pounds) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, $50–$100 per day is a safe benchmark. ATMs in Beirut work but cash is king. | Recommended |
Israeli stamps or visas
Lebanon strictly prohibits entry to anyone with an Israeli visa, entry, or exit stamp in their passport — even in an expired passport. If you have one, you will be denied entry and sent back.
Currency situation
Lebanon uses both the Lebanese pound (LBP) and US dollars (USD) in daily transactions. Bring crisp, clean USD bills — old or damaged notes are often refused. ATMs dispense LBP, but exchange rates vary.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night hotel booking. Get travel insurance and a local eSIM if you want to skip airport queues.
2
Arrive at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-Lebanese. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready.
3
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly: purpose of visit (tourism, family visit, etc.) and length of stay. They'll stamp you in — no visa fee.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if nothing to declare. You're free to enter Lebanon.
Download Lebanon Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostApproximately $50 USD (varies by embassy)
For those who prefer a visa before travel or need longer than 180 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostApproximately $100 USD (varies by embassy)
Allows multiple visits within validity period.
work visa
Lebanon Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored, fees ~$200–$500 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires work permit approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Lebanon Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately $100–$200 USD (plus university fees)
For enrollment in a recognized Lebanese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Lebanon Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (investment threshold ~$100,000 USD or more)
For individuals investing in a Lebanese business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies after exceeding 180-day stay. Maximum cap may apply. | Approximately $5 USD per day (subject to change) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Saudi passport holders transiting through Lebanon do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours if they remain airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, visa-free entry applies (up to 180 days).
Transit hubsBeirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Health & vaccines for Lebanon
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 diseases (dengue, leishmaniasis)Low risk
Low risk in urban areas; use insect repellent in rural or forested regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Beirut and other cities may have poor air quality; 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 matters. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tripoli
General Security Office (Tripoli Branch)
Tripoli, Lebanon (near the old city)
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern Lebanon.
Practical information for SA 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. Saudi passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 180 days per visit. No application, no fee.
Up to 180 days per entry. You cannot extend this stay beyond 180 days — if you need longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, family visits, and short business trips. To work, you need a proper work visa or residence permit arranged by your employer.
You will likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel regardless of where you're staying. A return ticket or onward flight booking is required.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Lebanon can be very high, and insurance covers emergencies.
Lebanon does not allow entry to anyone with an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamp. If you have one, you will be denied entry. This applies even if the stamp is in an old passport.
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.