Lebanon offers visa on arrival for citizens of over 80 countries, allowing a 1-month stay extendable to 3 months. The country has no digital nomad visa but welcomes remote workers on tourist visas. Known as the Paris of the Middle East, Beirut provides rich culture, Mediterranean beaches, and affordable living. However, digital nomads should be aware of the ongoing economic crisis affecting banking and infrastructure. IMPORTANT: Entry is denied to anyone with Israeli stamps or visas in their passport.
5
Visa Types
82
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Visa on Arrival
Free visa on arrival for citizens of 82+ countries, valid for 1 month and extendable to 3 months. Most popular entry option for digital nomads and tourists.
30 days
Duration
$0
— fee
+$50 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Completely free of charge
✓Instant processing at port of entry
✓Extendable up to 90 days total
✓No advance application required
✓Valid at all ports of entry
📋 Requirements (5)
•Passport valid for at least 3 months from entry date
•No Israeli stamps, visas, or seals in passport
•Telephone number and address in Lebanon
•Non-refundable return or round-trip ticket
•Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or local address)
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Instant upon arrival
1Arrive at Beirut International Airport or any land/sea port of entry
2Present passport to immigration officer
3Provide local contact information and accommodation details
4Receive free visa stamp valid for 1 month
5Communicate address to General Security as required
Process: Visit the nearest General Security office before visa expiration. Extension is free and can be done up to twice for 30 days each, totaling 90 days maximum stay.
Renewal: Must exit and re-enter for new visa. Brief trips to Syria allowed during initial 1-month period.
💡 Pro Tips
•Ensure passport has no evidence of travel to Israel
•Have at least $2000 USD in cash for emergencies
•Get a local SIM card immediately for required contact number
•Keep hotel booking confirmation handy at immigration
•Check electricity hours when booking accommodation
Embassy Tourist Visa
TouristPopular
Pre-arranged tourist visa for nationalities not eligible for visa on arrival. Required for citizens of countries needing General Security pre-approval.
30d
Duration
$35
— fee
+$120 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-3 working days for senior positions. 6-8 weeks for positions requiring General Security approval.
🔄Extendable +30d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Single entry visa feeStandard embassy processing fee
$35—
Additional (estimated)
Multiple entry visa feeFor stays up to 3 months with multiple entries
$70—
Travel insurance (90 days)Strongly recommended
$50—
Required Total
$35—
+ Additional (estimated)
$120—
Estimated Total
$155—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
4Domestic workers, drivers, and bodyguards accompanying GCC citizens also receive free entry
⚠️ Restrictions
•For tourism only
•No work authorization
•Israeli stamps result in denial
💡 Tips
•Domestic workers must have employer name and nationality noted on their passport
•Drivers can enter by land if car is registered to employer
•Extension process is straightforward at General Security
Work Visa
WorkPopular
Employment visa for foreign nationals with a job offer from a Lebanese employer. Requires work permit from Ministry of Labor and is employer-sponsored.
90d
Duration
$222
— fee
+$150 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱1-3 months for complete process including work permit
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Work visa feeApproximately 2,000,000 LBP at current rates
$22—
Work permit feePaid by employer to Ministry of Labor
$200—
Additional (estimated)
Document legalizationFor certificates and qualifications
$100—
Medical examinationRequired at approved clinic in Lebanon
$50—
Required Total
$222—
+ Additional (estimated)
$150—
Estimated Total
$372—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
•Job offer from registered Lebanese company
•Employment contract
•Educational certificates (legalized)
•CV/Resume
•Medical examination results from approved clinic
•Police clearance certificate from home country
•Passport-sized photographs
•Proof of employers company registration
•No Israeli stamps in passport
📝 Application Steps
1Employer applies for initial approval from Ministry of Labor
2Employer must demonstrate need for foreign labor (no qualified Lebanese available)
3Once approved, employer applies for work visa through General Security
4Foreign worker applies for entry visa at Lebanese Embassy
5Upon arrival in Lebanon, complete medical examination
6Submit all documents to Ministry of Labor for work permit
7Once work permit issued, apply for residence permit at General Security
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to specific employer
•Cannot change jobs without new permit
•Spouse cannot work on dependent status
•Employer controls the visa process
•Subject to Ministry of Labor quotas
💡 Tips
•Ensure employer is legitimate and properly registered
•Have all documents translated to Arabic and legalized
•Complete medical exam promptly upon arrival
•Keep copies of all permits and documents
•Renew well in advance of expiration
Business & Investor Entry
business
Special entry conditions for businessmen, investors, bankers, directors, and employers from Arab countries, with 6-month visa issued at port of entry.
180d
Duration
$0
— fee
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱72 hours for invitation approval, instant visa at arrival
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Entry feeFree for qualified investors and businessmen
$0—
Additional (estimated)
IDAL invitation processingInvestment Development Authority of Lebanon
$0—
Required Total
$0—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
•Proof of business/investor status (accreditation)
•Official invitation from Lebanese business or IDAL
•For Arab investors: attestation from official authorities
•No Israeli stamps in passport
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain official invitation from Lebanese businessman or IDAL
2For formal request: sponsor submits to General Security with commercial register copy
3Include certified copy of guest passport and profession documentation
4Request processed within 72 hours
5Arrive at port of entry with invitation documentation
6Receive 6-month investor visa
⚠️ Restrictions
•For business purposes only
•Requires proof of business status
•Must have invitation or accreditation
•Family members must qualify separately if not investors
💡 Tips
•Contact IDAL for official investment support
•Have commercial registration documents ready
•Lebanese business partner can expedite invitation
•Professionals with valid GCC residence enjoy additional benefits
No, Lebanon does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically enter on a tourist visa (visa on arrival) which is free and valid for 30 days, extendable to 90 days. While working remotely for foreign employers is in a legal gray area, it is commonly practiced by digital nomads. For stays longer than 90 days, you would need to exit and re-enter the country.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while in Lebanon on a tourist visa
Technically, a tourist visa does not authorize any form of work in Lebanon. However, remote work for foreign employers with income from abroad exists in a gray area that is not actively enforced. Many digital nomads work remotely while in Lebanon on tourist visas. If you plan to work for a Lebanese company or have local clients, you would legally need a work permit obtained through employer sponsorship.
What happens if I have Israeli stamps in my passport
Entry to Lebanon will be DENIED if your passport contains any Israeli stamps, visas, seals, or evidence of travel to Israel. This is strictly enforced at all ports of entry. If you have visited Israel, you should apply for a new passport before traveling to Lebanon. Some travelers also get stamped on a separate paper at Israeli borders, but even circumstantial evidence of Israel travel can result in denial, arrest, or detention.
How do I extend my tourist visa in Lebanon
You can extend your initial 30-day visa on arrival for up to two additional 30-day periods (total 90 days) for free. Visit the nearest General Security office before your current visa expires. You will need your passport and proof of accommodation. The process is usually straightforward. After 90 days, you must leave Lebanon and can re-enter for a new visa period.
Is it safe to travel to Lebanon as a digital nomad
Lebanon has experienced political instability and economic crisis since 2019. While Beirut and tourist areas are generally safe for visitors, you should monitor travel advisories, avoid the southern border with Israel and areas near Syrian border, and be prepared for infrastructure challenges including power outages and cash-based economy. The 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah affected parts of the country. Check current conditions before traveling.
Can I open a bank account in Lebanon as a foreigner
Opening a bank account in Lebanon is extremely difficult and not recommended due to the ongoing banking crisis since 2019. Banks have imposed strict capital controls, limiting withdrawals and transfers. Most foreigners and even locals conduct transactions in cash. If you need banking services, consider maintaining your bank account in your home country and carrying sufficient USD cash. Some international transfer services like Western Union operate in Lebanon.
What is the cost of living in Lebanon for digital nomads
Lebanon is relatively affordable due to currency devaluation. Expect to spend $1,000-1,500 per month for comfortable living in Beirut including: rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ($400-600), groceries ($200/month), coworking or cafe expenses ($100-200), and leisure activities. Prices are typically quoted in USD though paid in Lebanese Pounds. Carry cash as credit cards are rarely accepted.
How is the internet and coworking situation in Lebanon
Mobile 4G internet is reliable and fast (30+ Mbps) through providers like Touch Lebanon. A local SIM with 20GB data costs around $25/month. Fixed-line internet can be variable. Electricity is generator-dependent with daily outages, so confirm power hours when booking accommodation. Coworking spaces like Antwork cost $100-200/month. Many cafes offer free WiFi and are popular work spots.
Do I need health insurance for Lebanon
Health insurance is not legally required for tourist entry but is strongly recommended. Lebanon has good private healthcare facilities, especially in Beirut, but treatment is expensive for foreigners without insurance. Public healthcare is underfunded and not recommended. International health insurance providers like Allianz, SafetyWing, or World Nomads are popular choices. Ensure your policy covers emergency evacuation.
Can I travel to Syria from Lebanon
Yes, land travel between Lebanon and Syria is possible through official border crossings including Masnaa (closest to Damascus) and Arida (northern coast). Both Lebanese and Syrian visas are required for most nationalities. The security situation can change rapidly, so check current travel advisories. Some crossings were damaged in 2024 conflicts but have been reopened. The drive from Beirut to Damascus takes about 2-3 hours under normal conditions.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025