Lebanon visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Lebanon

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Lebanese Visa.

  • A valid international passport which has a validity of not less than 6 months after the intended period of exit from Lebanon.
  • A copy of completely filled and signed application form.
  • One passport-sized photograph with a white background following the visa application format.
  • A confirmed return ticket to your home country.
  • Bank statement dating back about 3 months prior to visa application showing consistent cash flow.
  • Insurance policy.
  • Proof of hotel reservation for the duration of stay in the country. If you are staying with someone in Lebanon, you need the address and contact number of the person you will be staying with.

Lebanon Visa for South Africans

Facts about Lebanon

Lebanon is a well-known destination for its archeological heritage, architecture and rich ancient history. Places like Beiteddine Palace, Baalbek Trilithon, Jeita Grotto are top quality places to visit.
 
The tourism industry is one of the most important industries in the country. The country generates a bulk of its revenue from the tourism industry. Over 300,000 tourists visit Lebanon yearly.
 
Due to the outbreak of the Ebola virus, foreigners from West African countries like Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone or who have recently been to the above-mentioned countries are not allowed into the country.

If you are a traveler with an Isreali stamp on your passport, you will not be allowed into Lebanon.

Types of Lebanon Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3 weeks 180 days
Business visa 3 weeks 180 days
Student visa 3 weeks 180 days

General Requirements for Lebanon Visa

  • A valid international passport which has a validity of not less than 6 months after the intended period of exit from Lebanon.
  • A copy of completely filled and signed application form.
  • One passport-sized photograph with a white background following the visa application format.
  • A confirmed return ticket to your home country.
  • Bank statement dating back about 3 months prior to visa application showing consistent cash flow.
  • Insurance policy.
  • Proof of hotel reservation for the duration of stay in the country. If you are staying with someone in Lebanon, you need the address and contact number of the person you will be staying with.
Lebanon Tourist visa Lebanon Business visa Lebanon Student visa

Lebanon Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa type for tourists going for recreational or sightseeing purposes.
  • Holders of this visa can visit friends and relatives in the country.
  • If you are a holder of this visa, you are not allowed to take up paid work.
  • You are not allowed to enroll in any of the institutions of learning in the country.
  • The visa is processed for a period of about 3 weeks.
  • You need an employment letter from your employer in South Africa.
  • For minors, a consent form from parents allowing their children to travel is needed.
  • A letter from your host in Lebanon if you are visiting a friend or relative. The letter should have the valid home address of the host.
  • It is valid for 6 months.
  • You are required to exit the country at the expiry of your visa.
  • It costs $35 for a single-entry visa and $70 for multiple-entry visa.

Lebanon Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa type for those who are in Lebanon for business purposes.
  • These people can attend business meetings, meet up with business partners and also sign business contracts.
  • A letter of invitation is required from the company you are having a business dealing with.
  • Certificate of employment from your current employer is required.
  • A letter from your employer acknowledging your business leave. The duration of stay in the country should also be stated.
  • Business registration certificate of the company you are meeting with in Lebanon.
  • Minors should ensure they have a copy of their birth certificate. Also, a consent form from signed by both parents of the minor.
  • The visa takes 3 days to be processed and it ceases to expire after 180 days.
  • It costs $35 for a single-entry visa and $70 for multiple-entry visa.

Lebanon Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is suitable for students who have been enrolled into a university of choice in Lebanon.
  • Such people are not allowed to take up work.
  • You need a working permit to take up work in the country.
  • A letter of invitation from the university you have been enrolled to confirming enrolment into the university.
  • If you are a minor, original copy of your birth certificate is needed. You should also present a letter of consent from your parents.
  • You are expected to leave the country at the conclusion of your study.
  • Proof of sustenance for the duration of stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation while in the country.

Lebanon Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

70.00 (USD)

Business visa

70.00 (USD)

Student visa

70.00 (USD)

Lebanon Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

238 Florence Ribeiro Avenue, Groenkloof, Pretoria.

mfa.gov.lb/pretoria/English/visas

info@embassyoflebanon.co.za

+27 12 430 2130

Frequently Asked Questions

Do South Africans need a visa for Lebanon?
Yes, as a South African, you need a visa to visit Lebanon.
Is it safe to go to Beirut?

Yes, Beirut is a safe place to go to. There are amazing tourist sites in the city.

What is the official language in Lebanon?

The official language in Lebanon is Arabic. Most Lebanese are bilingual and can additionally speak French or English.

Can I drink in Lebanon?

Yes, drinking is allowed in Lebanon.

Is Lebanon an Islamic country?
Although, the most practiced religion is Lebanon is Islam, Lebanon is the most religiously diverse country in the Middle East.