Those wishing to visit Lebanon should read this article released by one of our authors on how to apply for a visa. She visited the nation for a spiritual retreat and details the steps she took to get a Lebanese visa here. She was not there to travel as a tourist, but rather to conduct ‘business’. We hope you find her step-by-step method helpful.
Disclaimer: Before on vacation, please research the country’s news as well as its safety and security. Before visiting any destination, read travel alerts online and keep up to speed on current events to be aware of hazards and measures.
Last January, I took a brief four-day holiday to Lebanon to attend a spiritual retreat.
And, while I was still able to do some sightseeing in Beirut, Byblos, and Harissa, I strongly encourage you not to visit Lebanon… That is, for only four days!
Immerse yourself in Lebanon’s culture, history, and food (tonnes and loads of real Lebanese food).
How to Apply for a Lebanese Visa in Dubai, UAE
Step 1: Prepare all the required documents.
- Passport and UAE Residence Visa – Original and photocopies (data page and visa stamp)
- Bring both passports if you have just renewed your passport and your UAE visa is still in your original passport. It shouldn’t be an issue.
- (1) Passport-size picture
- If hired, a letter of no objection stating:
- Your explanation for travelling
- Your monthly gross salary
- A copy of your company’s Trade Licence if you are self-employed (i.e. resident partner/trader).
- Booking a Round-Trip Airline
- Hotel Bookings (If Travelling for Tourism) OR an invitation letter from your host in Lebanon (if you are travelling on business).
- Tip: If you are presenting an invitation letter, be sure to include: (1) your host’s specific location and (2) the reality that you will be living with him/her at that address for the length of your trip.
- Bank Statement – A statement issued by the bank and dated during the past three months.
- Tip: While some Consulates/Embassies may accept a Salary Certificate in place of a Bank Statement, I know of a few people who had their first Lebanese visa applications refused because they did not provide their bank statement. Make sure you bring this with you to avoid wasting your visa fee (which is not refundable even if your application is refused).
Visa Charges
- AED 130 for a one-time entrance
- 185 AED for two submissions
- Multiple entries: AED 260
Step 2: Submit your requirements at the Consulate General of Lebanon (or Embassy of Lebanon).
To avoid wasting your time, please let us know whether you will be applying at the Embassy of Lebanon (Abu Dhabi) or the Consulate General of Lebanon (Dubai). Because I live in Dubai, I applied for my visa at the Consulate General of Lebanon in the Burjuman neighbourhood (Bur Dubai).
If you’re taking the Metro, exit at Burjuman Metro Station and either grab a cab or walk the 10-minute trip.
Tip: A shortcut may be found behind Medeor Hospital. To avoid the summer heat, simply unlock Google Maps on your phone and walk below the shade of the many housing developments in the area.
From Sunday via Thursday, the Consulate opens at 8:30 a.m. and accepts visa applications until 12:00 p.m.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid a possible long line. I came at work with a buddy around 8:30 a.m., so we didn’t need to take time off.
- The afternoon hours (1:00-2:00 p.m.) have been designated completely for visa releases.
- The Visa Officer will ask you a few questions about your upcoming trip.
- He or she will then issue you a claim counterfoil and tell you to return in 5 days.
Step 3: Collect your passport and Lebanon visa stamp
I applied on December 18, 2018, and was told to come back on December 23rd (between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. only). But as seen by my visa stamp, my application was granted on the 19th. Still, I would not suggest applying for your visas on such short notice.
Lebanese visas are valid for 90 days prior to entry into Lebanon. The duration of residence spans from 15 days to 6 months from the date of admission.
Location: Consulate General of Lebanon in Dubai
Please see the map below for a guide to the location of the Consular General of Lebanon in Dubai. Take Exit 1 from the nearest metro station, Burjuman Metro Station.
