The UAE is set to open an Electronic Visa Center in Beirut in October, allowing local visa applicants to complete their application procedures without the need to travel abroad. This initiative, announced by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 28, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and streamline digital government services between the UAE and Lebanon.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry, Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, highlighted that the center represents a significant step in strengthening the ties between the two nations. He noted that it will facilitate the visa application process for Lebanese citizens, making it more efficient and aligned with the regulations of the relevant authorities.
Al Shamsi further explained that this initiative is part of the UAE’s commitment to adopting innovative digital solutions that simplify procedures and improve service efficiency. The center is expected to contribute to the UAE’s broader digital transformation goals by integrating services into electronic platforms and reducing bureaucratic steps for applicants.
Applications Stay Local
The opening of the center follows a previous announcement from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, which indicated plans for an Electronic Visa Issuance Center in Beirut. This facility aims to shorten the customer journey by allowing applicants to complete the entire visa issuance process locally.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, stated that the Beirut center is part of a strategy to upgrade electronic visa issuance centers abroad, which currently number 18. The latest announcement confirms that operations will commence in October 2026, providing a more specific timeline for the long-anticipated facility.
The center will cater to various visa categories, including visit, medical treatment, study, and work visas. It will also facilitate the verification of official documents, biometric procedures, and personal interviews for work visa applicants, all within a single local service framework.
Visa Services Outlined
Services at the Beirut center will encompass a range of UAE entry permits, with the ICP previously stating that it would handle document verification, biometric data collection, and personal interviews. The technical systems at the center will be fully integrated with the UAE’s electronic visa platform, enhancing processing speed and accuracy.
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not provide updates on individual visa requirements or fees, it emphasized the goal of making the application process more streamlined and efficient while adhering to the regulations set by UAE authorities.
Digital Services Expand
The establishment of the Beirut center is part of a broader UAE initiative to merge digital government services with overseas facilities, particularly for identity verification and in-person procedures. The ICP aims to modernize public services and reduce bureaucracy through integrated smart solutions.
This move also reflects a strengthening of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Lebanon, with the UAE Embassy in Beirut resuming activities in January 2025. The opening of the visa center is expected to simplify access to UAE visa procedures for applicants in Lebanon, further enhancing bilateral engagement.
Once operational, the facility will centralize visa processing, document verification, and biometric requirements, directly connecting to the UAE’s electronic visa systems, thereby improving the overall experience for applicants.
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