Qatari authorities have temporarily suspended the visa‑on‑arrival facility for Lebanese citizens, requiring them to secure a visa before departure in what appears to be part of broader changes to entry rules amid regional tensions.

Under the new rule, Lebanese nationals can no longer obtain a visa upon arrival in Qatar and must hold a valid visa issued in advance by Qatari authorities before traveling, the government announced on Wednesday. Travelers are advised to apply for an electronic visa through Qatar’s official online platform hayya.qa and carry a printed confirmation of their approved visa for presentation at border control. 

The measure was communicated to airlines and travel partners, who were instructed to inform Lebanese passengers of the updated entry requirement prior to departure. Qatari authorities did not immediately provide reasons for the change or indicate how long the suspension would remain in effect. The decision follows similar action taken recently for other nationalities.” 

The visa‑on‑arrival policy previously allowed Lebanese passport holders to obtain entry permits — often by demonstrating confirmed hotel reservations or return tickets — without a prior visa.

Officials said the updated requirement applies to several countries, not Lebanon alone, reflecting a broader recalibration of entry regulations rather than a targeted ban.