China brings visa services back to Beirut

Following persistent coordination by Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry with the Chinese Embassy in Beirut, the Chinese Consulate will resume issuing visas to Lebanese citizens wishing to travel to China starting September 25.

Visa services had been suspended for over a year due to security and military developments, forcing Lebanese travelers to go to Jordan to obtain visas, which caused inconvenience and additional costs.

Sources close to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told The Beiruter that

the Ministry had received numerous complaints from Lebanese citizens in recent months, especially with a major event in China scheduled for October that involves significant Lebanese participation. Many were concerned about the need to travel abroad for visas and stay several days in Jordan

The Foreign Ministry followed up on these concerns with the Chinese Embassy, which clarified that the suspension was not politically motivated, but resulted from a staff shortage following the war in southern Lebanon and the recent Gaza conflict.

During his visit to New York, Chinese Ambassador Chen Chuandong contacted Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, confirming that visa services would return to their normal pre-suspension status starting September 25.