Egypt Visa RequirementsFor Lebanon passport holders
Lebanese passport holders can enter Egypt without a visa for up to 30 days. Important exception: Lebanese males aged 18 to 40 must obtain a visa in advance from an Egyptian embassy or consulate. This age and gender restriction is a long-standing Egyptian security policy.
Great news! Lebanon passport holders can enter Egypt without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
For Lebanese females and Lebanese males under 18 or over 40: no advance visa application is required. Present a valid Lebanese passport at the Egyptian port of entry. The standard 30-day entry stamp is issued on arrival.
For Lebanese males aged 18 to 40: a visa must be obtained before travel from the Egyptian Embassy in Beirut or another Egyptian consular post. Contact the embassy directly for current requirements, fees, and processing times, as these can change.
- A valid Lebanese passport (at least 6 months validity recommended)
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation for at least the first night
- Sufficient funds for the stay
All Lebanese travelers should carry:
Israeli entry stamps or exit stamps in your passport are generally not a problem for entry into Egypt. Egypt has maintained a peace treaty with Israel since 1979 and Egyptian border officials do not reject Lebanese travelers on this basis.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Lebanese Passport
Passport recommended to have 6+ months validity for comfortable entry
Arrival Card Recommended
Passenger arrival card filled out on the plane or at the airport (if required)
Return/Onward Ticket Recommended
Proof of departure from Egypt, though not always strictly checked for visa-free visitors
Sufficient Funds Recommended
Evidence of funds for your stay if asked (rare but possible for random checks)
Current Travel Situation
Lebanon to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Egypt and Lebanon maintain a visa-free arrangement for most Lebanese citizens, allowing stays of up to 30 days for tourism and short visits. The two countries share deep cultural, linguistic, and historical ties as Arab nations, and Egypt is among the most popular travel destinations for Lebanese families, students, and tourists.
However, there is a significant and well-established restriction: Lebanese males between the ages of 18 and 40 are required to obtain a visa in advance from an Egyptian embassy or consulate. This policy is rooted in Egyptian security considerations and has been in place for many years. It does not apply to Lebanese females of any age, nor to Lebanese males under 18 or over 40, who can enter without a prior visa.
For those who are visa-free, entry is straightforward at Cairo International Airport, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, or other ports of entry. The 30-day stay can generally not be extended without visiting an immigration office.
Egypt remains highly accessible from Lebanon by direct flight. Beirut to Cairo takes approximately 1.5 hours. Both Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada also receive direct flights from Beirut. Travelers should note that the flight situation from Beirut is subject to disruptions depending on the regional security situation; always confirm flight status directly with the airline before travel.
How to Get There
- Jordan: Lebanese citizens are visa-free in Jordan for up to 30 days. Amman is a 2-3 hour flight from Beirut and offers Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.
- Tunisia: Visa-free for Lebanese passport holders. Tunisia offers beaches, Carthage ruins, and the Sahara at competitive prices.
- UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi): Lebanese citizens receive a 30-day visa on arrival in the UAE. A popular hub for shopping, transit, and business.
- Turkey: Lebanese citizens can enter Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days. Istanbul is around 2 hours from Beirut.
- Cyprus: EU member, short flight from Beirut. Lebanese citizens may need a Schengen or EU visa; check current requirements.
Money & Banking
- Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Exchange rates fluctuate; USD and EUR are the most practical currencies to bring for exchange.
- Currency exchange is available at Cairo airport, banks, and licensed exchange bureaus throughout the country. Rates at the airport are generally slightly worse than in the city.
- ATMs are widely available in Cairo and all major tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Check with your Lebanese bank about international withdrawal fees before travel.
- Credit and debit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist shops, but carry cash for markets, small restaurants, taxis, and temple entry fees.
- The Lebanese Pound (LBP) is not accepted or usable in Egypt. Bring USD, EUR, or convert to EGP on arrival.
- Egypt has tightened foreign exchange rules in recent years. Always exchange money at official points (banks, licensed bureaus, hotel desks) to avoid problems.
Practical Tips
- Lebanese males aged 18-40 must apply for a visa at the Egyptian Embassy in Beirut before travel. Do not attempt to enter without one.
- Flight schedules from Beirut can be disrupted due to regional tensions. Check directly with your airline before departure and consider booking flexible tickets.
- Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Bring USD to exchange on arrival. Use official banks or licensed exchange bureaus; street changers are illegal and risky.
- Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts are all popular with Lebanese travelers. Nile cruise packages between Luxor and Aswan are well-priced and highly recommended.
- Tourist areas in Cairo and Red Sea resorts are generally safe and well-policed. Exercise standard precautions in crowded areas such as Khan el-Khalili.
- The Sinai Peninsula outside established resorts has active travel advisories. Stick to Sharm el-Sheikh and the resort corridor; avoid the interior of Sinai.
- Taxis and rideshare (Uber, Careem) are available in Cairo. Agree on fares in advance with non-metered taxis.
- Egyptian summer (June to August) is extremely hot, particularly in Luxor and Aswan where temperatures exceed 40C. The Red Sea remains popular year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lebanese citizens need a visa to visit Egypt?
It depends on age and gender. Lebanese females and Lebanese males under 18 or over 40 can enter Egypt without a visa for up to 30 days. Lebanese males aged 18 to 40 must obtain a visa in advance from the Egyptian Embassy in Beirut or another Egyptian consular post before travelling.
How long can Lebanese citizens stay in Egypt without a visa?
The visa-free stay for eligible Lebanese citizens (females and males outside the 18-40 age range) is 30 days. Extensions beyond 30 days require a visit to an Egyptian immigration office.
Why do Lebanese males aged 18-40 need a visa for Egypt?
This is a long-standing Egyptian security policy applied to Lebanese male nationals in that age bracket. It is unrelated to individual travel history. Lebanese males in this age group must apply for a tourist visa at the Egyptian Embassy in Beirut before travel. Attempting to enter without one will result in being turned away.
Are Israeli stamps a problem for Lebanese travelers entering Egypt?
No. Egyptian border officials do not reject entry based on Israeli stamps or exit stamps in a Lebanese passport. Egypt has maintained a peace treaty with Israel since 1979 and this is not treated as a barrier to entry for Lebanese travelers, unlike some other Arab countries.
Are there direct flights from Beirut to Egypt?
Yes. Direct flights operate between Beirut (BEY) and Cairo (CAI), taking approximately 1.5 hours. Direct flights also serve Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) and Hurghada (HRG) from Beirut. However, flight schedules from Beirut are subject to change due to regional security conditions; always confirm with your airline before travel.
What currency should Lebanese travelers bring to Egypt?
Bring USD or EUR to exchange into Egyptian Pounds (EGP) on arrival. The Lebanese Pound (LBP) is not accepted in Egypt. Exchange at official banks or licensed bureaus; avoid street changers. ATMs in Cairo and resort areas accept most international cards.