Lebanon Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

The tourist permit is an endorsement that lets individuals enter Lebanon for the purpose of taking part in tourism-related activities. Be it sightseeing, visiting friends/family, taking part in adventure sports or whatever leisure activities it is, a Lebanon tourist visa from India is mandatory. The permit can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entries types, and can be issued with stay duration of 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, or even 6 months, as per the decision of the embassy. 

The application for the Lebanon tourist visa for Indian citizens is made through a Visa Application Center (VAC). Before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country on the tourist permit. After this, you can proceed to make the application as follows -  

1. Obtain all the documents for the tourist category. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC or the Embassy and download the application form. 
3. Fill in the form with all the relevant details. 
4. Visit the website of the Lebanese VAC in India.
5. Proceed to book an appointment at the VAC through the portal. 
6. Visit the respective VAC with your application form, booking confirmation, and the documents.
7. Submit the application at the VAC, as well as pay the fees.  

In order to be able to apply for the tourist permit, you will have to make sure that you meet the following criteria - 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism alone. 
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.

As per the Lebanon tourist visa requirements from India, the following are the documents you must furnish at the VAC for your application to be successful - 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel. 
• 2 coloured photographs as per the specifications.
• Round trip flight tickets.
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.
• Covering letter mentioning the details of the visit. 
• Bank statements for the past 3 months. 

As per the Lebanon tourist visa photo requirements, the photos must meet the following specifications- 

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The processing time for the tourist visa for Lebanon is dependent on the validity of the visa, the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. In normal conditions, it takes around 7-10 working days from the date of the application to process the application. However, this can even take longer in certain extreme cases. As a result, it is strongly advised that you must apply for it well in advance. 

The fees for the tourist permit for Lebanon is dependent on the number of entries, as well as on the foreign exchange rates. Apart from this, there may be service charges levied by the VAC. You may also be required to pay additional delivery charges in case you want the passport to be delivered to your address after approval. As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Once you have submitted the application at the VAC, the application will be forwarded to the Embassy of Lebanon in New Delhi. Even though you have submitted the application at a VAC, the processing is done by the embassy. The VAC has power only over the collection and verification. Once your application is approved, you can collect the passport with the visa stamped, directly from the VAC in person, or you may have it delivered to you for an additional charge. You may also ask a third party to collect it on your behalf provided that they hold an authorization letter from you. 

You can check the status of your Lebanese tourist visa application by clicking here and entering your reference number and date of birth. You can also contact the travel agency through whom you have applied in order to know the status.

On successfully obtaining your visa, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey -

 Before you travel - 

• Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. You must also follow the entry type given. 
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 

At the border

• You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. Your entry stamp will be stamped on the passport.
• You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
• You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 

When you enter Lebanon

• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in any work or business activities.
• You are permitted to extend this visa. 
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.