General Directorate of General Security

The actual Lebanese authority foreigners deal with for visas and residence — distinct from, and more relevant than, the Ministry of Interior for this specific purpose. About General Security: Founded in 1921, Lebanon's General Directorate of General Security is the body that issues visas and residence cards to foreigners — not the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, a common point of confusion. It has specific, published procedures for domestic workers as well as Arab and other foreign residents. Key Features: Visa Issuance: Handles visa issuance including visa-on-arrival at Beirut airport for eligible nationalities. Residence Cards: The actual authority for foreign residents' residence documentation. Domestic Worker Procedures: Dedicated, distinct processes exist for domestic workers, a large category of foreign residents in Lebanon. Category-Specific Rules: Separate procedures for Arab nationals versus other foreign nationals. How to Get Started: Visit general-security.gov.lb/en to find the process for your specific nationality and status. For airport arrival, confirm whether your nationality qualifies for visa-on-arrival before travelling. For residence matters, gather the documents specified for your particular category — they differ meaningfully. Submit your application at the relevant General Security office, not the Ministry of Interior. Important Notice: This office, not the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, is the correct authority for visas and residence cards — going to the wrong ministry is a common and avoidable mistake.