Photo Credit: X/@rami_rizk
Dubai, UAE — February 2026 — The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security will soon inaugurate a new e-Visa issuance center in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the opening underscores the deep-rooted, brotherly relations between the two nations, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to fostering constructive cooperation across various fields for the benefit of both peoples.
The initiative aligns with the ICP’s efforts to extend the UAE government’s pioneering experience and proactive approach to governmental development. It focuses on digitizing traditional procedures, eliminating bureaucracy, and transitioning to integrated smart solutions that exceed customer expectations both domestically and internationally.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director general of the ICP, stated that the Beirut center represents a key step within the Authority’s plan to restructure and modernize its 18 overseas e-Visa centers.
He emphasized that the center aims to streamline and shorten the customer journey, enabling applicants to complete all visa procedures within their home country without the need for travel or multiple steps.
This will facilitate procedures, reduce service time, and enhance satisfaction for those wishing to visit the UAE for tourism, medical treatment, education, or other purposes.
The ICP has updated the technical systems at the center and linked them to the unified e-Visa platform to ensure rapid processing, data accuracy, and standardized procedures in line with the highest approved standards.
The center will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including the issuance of visit, medical treatment, study, and work visas.
It will also handle verification of official documents such as passports, medical certificates, and good conduct certificates, in addition to biometric procedures, including ten-fingerprints, eye scans, and facial photography, and personal interviews for work visa applicants.
The announcement follows a meeting between Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, first deputy ruler of Dubai, deputy prime minister and minister of finance, and Nawaf Salam, prime minister of Lebanon, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai.
The discussions reviewed the strong UAE-Lebanon ties and explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, Sheikh Maktoum affirmed the UAE’s commitment, under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to supporting Arab cooperation and the exchange of expertise.
In turn, Prime Minister Salam appreciated the UAE’s pivotal role in advancing regional and international cooperation and commended the Summit’s platform for fostering dialogue on development and governance.
The new Beirut service center is a tangible manifestation of these ongoing high-level engagements, aimed at deepening practical cooperation and facilitating people-to-people connections between the two countries.
