View Full Version : Lebanon - New tourist visa rules
reverserunlocked
18th March 2004, 03:50
Have been to Beirut many times - wonderful place. I'm thinking of planning a trip in May but a friend tells me they've changed the visa rules and UK passport holders need to apply at the embassy now before departure, rather than the visa-on-arrival system they had before.
This to me seems a rather odd move for a country that's trying hard to establish itself as a playground for rich Europeans as it was in the 60's and 70's.
Any UKers been through BEY recently that can verify this? I'm a big fan of many things Lebanese, but their red tape isn't one of them, and don't much fancy the faff of getting a visa from the embassy.
Capt Chambo
18th March 2004, 06:03
Sadly it is true. UK passport holders do require an entry visa before arrival in BEY, the old system of buying a visa at the airpot no longer exists.
This was certainly the case two weks ago.
ODGUY
18th March 2004, 11:57
I as well read the new rules applying to a listed number of countries. This was mainly due to the other countries hardening the rules on visas for Lebanese travellers, so i hear.
The system still exists, just not for UKers, along with a number of other countries.
global707
19th March 2004, 14:20
Yes it is true. The Lebanese authorities introduced this about 4 months ago in retaliation to the UK govt for insisting that Lebanese passport holders needed a visa, even for a transit. No more TWOV.
You cant even enter as crew on a Gen Dec and leave as a pax. Only go in and out on a Gen Dec if arriving and departing (operating) on the same aircraft.
Shame, coz as you say, its a great place !
Cheers
bcqc
26th March 2004, 14:18
what other nationalities are affected by this new measure??
411A
26th March 2004, 15:12
These smaller countries are really not too bright.
Big countries (USA, UK, most of Europe, for example) can require visas for one simple reason...they CAN.
Smaller less developed countries need the tourist bucks/sterling/whatever, but do indeed cut off their collective noses to spite their face, with visa requirements.
Most folks will say...go somewhere else, to spend.
And, they will.:ok: