Trip checklist: Lebanon

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

Print this checklist

Visa requirement

South Africans need to apply for a visa before travel to Lebanon.

Permitted stay

Not published for South Africans. Set by the visa or authorisation issued.

Before you go

• Passport validity

  GSA says at least 6 months for the visa application; the UK FCDO says at least 3 months from entry for its citizens. Use 6 months. Passports with Israeli stamps are refused entry.

• How to apply

  Either apply for a visa at the Embassy of Lebanon in Pretoria, or have prior entry authorisation requested from the General Directorate of General Security (general-security.gov.lb). GSA says to apply one month before travel; the visa is issued 3 to 5 working days after approval; single-entry fee ZAR 1,400, paid only once the embassy confirms approval. Documents (GSA): passport valid 6 months with no Israeli stamps, hotel booking and invitation letter from your host, 3 months of bank statements, proof of international travel insurance, return ticket booking, employment letter.

• Where South Africans apply

  Embassy of Lebanon, 165 Lynwood Road, Brooklyn, Pretoria. Tel 012 430 2130/31. Email info@embassyoflebanon.co.za (GSA).

• Travel insurance

  Proof of international travel insurance is required with the visa application (GSA). Minimum cover not stated. The UK FCDO warns travel insurance may be invalid if you travel against its advice.

• Return or onward ticket

  Round-trip ticket booking required for the visa application (GSA).

• Proof of funds

  Bank statements for the last 3 months and an employment letter (GSA).

• Accommodation or invitation

  Hotel booking and an invitation letter from your host (GSA).

• Arrival forms

  Not published. Immigration checks every visitor's name against a database of people wanted or convicted in Lebanon; carry documents such as a birth certificate in case of a name match (UK FCDO).

• Extending your stay and overstaying

  Extensions are handled by General Security offices. Overstay fines are charged on departure and payable only in Lebanese pounds, before security screening (UK FCDO).

• Confirm with the embassy

  Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

• General Directorate of General Security, Lebanon https://www.general-security.gov.lb/en/posts/38

Research sources

1. 1. General Directorate of General Security, Lebanon (Official, general-security.gov.lb) https://www.general-security.gov.lb/en/posts/38
2. 2. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/lebanon/entry-requirements
3. 3. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_African_citizens
4. 4. The GSA (South African visa agency) (Commercial, thegsa.co.za) https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2745-lebanon-country-guide

From doineedavisa.co.za/lebanon. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.