🇱🇧 Lebanon · ⚖️ Legal & Migration
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.
🌐 English available
🪪 Local ID needed
Quick Facts
- Works with a foreign card
- No
- English interface
- Yes
- Needs a local phone number
- No
- Needs local ID or residency
- Yes
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does General Directorate of General Security work with a foreign bank card in Lebanon?
Not reliably — a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
Is General Directorate of General Security available in English?
Yes, General Directorate of General Security has an English-language interface.
Do I need a local phone number to use General Directorate of General Security?
No, an international phone number generally works for General Directorate of General Security.
Do I need local ID or residency for General Directorate of General Security?
Yes, General Directorate of General Security requires local ID or residency status.