Visa for the United States from Lebanon: price, documents and processing time 2026

Yes. Lebanon is not among the Visa Waiver Program countries, so Lebanese nationals must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States. For tourism, family visits or business this is the B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa, issued by a U.S. consular post after an interview.

The published fee is the government charge alone. Two or three other lines are added before the visa is in the passport, and they are what makes the final bill.

• Government fee185 USD

  Paid to the state, non-refundable if the visa is refused.

• Application centre feeVariable, set by the operator

  Only when the post uses an external centre. The amount is set locally and we do not publish a figure we cannot verify.

• Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top

  Never compulsory. An intermediary fills the form for you, it does not change the decision or the processing time.

• ExtrasVariable

  Courier return, SMS tracking, compliant photo, insurance, sworn translation or legalisation, depending on what the post requires.

We only display amounts published by an official source. Confirm the total before paying anything.

Prepare a valid passport (generally at least six months beyond your intended stay), the DS-160 confirmation page, the appointment confirmation, a photo meeting U.S. standards, and any supporting evidence: employment, income, property, family ties. The MRV fee amount is not stated here: check travel.state.gov for the current rate and do not invent a figure.

The Lebanese applicant completes the DS-160 form online, uploads a compliant photo, pays the MRV application fee, then books an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. The interview with a consular officer is a central step: the officer assesses the purpose of travel and the strength of the applicant's ties to Lebanon.

Then the application goes to the post accredited for Lebanon, often in a neighbouring capital, or to a state acting on its behalf. Confirm which post is competent with the official source before travelling to a third country to apply, a rejected file at the wrong counter costs the trip and the fee.

The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in Lebanon but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.

Timelines depend heavily on appointment availability and administrative processing, and can range from a few weeks to several months. Book your appointment early and prepare a file demonstrating your intention to return to Lebanon (stable employment, family, property). Answer the interview clearly and consistently.

Common errors are a DS-160 with inconsistencies, a non-compliant photo, or failure to demonstrate strong ties to Lebanon, which can lead to a refusal under the immigrant-intent presumption (section 214(b)). Do not book final flights before the visa is granted, and verify all current requirements on the official website.