Country guide

Lebanon

Visa

Visa required

Vaccinations

None required

Currency

Lebanese Pound (LBP)(also known as the Lebanese Lira). US Dollars and Euro may be accepted.

Time zones

UTC/GMT +2 hours (same time as South Africa). Daylight savings from last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC/GMT +3 hours (1 hour ahead of South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 961

Best time to go

June – September. Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring and Autumn are also warm months. Winter (December – March) is rainy with snow on the mountains, making it the best time to enjoy winter sports.

Drinking water

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available and recommended.

Visa guide

Travel alerts

WARNING: Travelers with Israeli stamps in their passports will not be granted entry into Lebanon.

Visa requirements

Visas are required by South African passport holders.

Application form fully filled in.
Scanned copy of passport (bio page).
A valid passport for at least (6) months with no Israeli stamps.
One colored photo (Size 4,3 x 3,5 cm)
A Hotel booking.
An invitation letter from the host in Lebanon (except for South Africans of Lebanese Origin).
A clear physical address and contact number of the host in Lebanon. a: If the host is Lebanese: a copy of his ID or Lebanese passport is required. b: If the host is a Foreigner: a copy of the work permit or residency permit with at least (3) months validity and a scanned copy of his passport are required.
Itinerary – (2) ways ticket booking.
Bank statement for the last (3) months.
A letter of employment or work status.
If holder of a foreign passport a valid South African work permit or temporary of at least (6) months.
Proof of international travel insurance policy.
A parental consent to be signed at the Embassy or appropriate South African Authority for minors and a copy of an Unabridged Birth Certificate.

Issuing authorities

Embassy of Lebanon
165 Lynwood Road, Brooklyn
Tel: 012 430 2130/31
E-mail: info@embassyoflebanon.co.za
Web: pretoria.mfa.gov.lb

Visa processing time

3-5 working days after visa approval.

Application to be submitted one month (1) prior to proposed date of travel.

Visa cost

Payment for Visa fees to be made AFTER contacting the Embassy and confirming the VISA APPROVAL

Single entry: ZAR 1400
Double entry: ZAR 2000
Multiple entry: ZAR 2800

SA representative

Representation accredited from Damascus, Syria

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio

Public holidays

2026: Jan 1, 6; Feb 9, 14; Mar 20-21, 25; Apr 3, 5-6, 10, 12-13; May 1, 3, 10, 25, 27-28; Jun 17, 26; Nov 22; Dec 25