In a significant advancement that highlights the UAE’s ongoing efforts to improve government services, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICA) has announced the upcoming opening of a new Electronic Visa Issuance Center in Beirut, Lebanon, marking a key milestone in bilateral cooperation and service innovation.

The announcement underscores the strong fraternal ties and mutual respect between the United Arab Emirates and the Lebanese Republic, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing constructive cooperation across multiple sectors and making inter-country travel more accessible and efficient.

According to the official statement, this initiative aligns with the UAE leadership’s directives to export pioneering government practices and implement advanced digital solutions that simplify procedures, reduce bureaucracy, and exceed the expectations of users both inside and outside the country.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICA, described the Beirut center as a strategic step in the authority’s comprehensive plan to restructure and elevate its global electronic visa centers, which currently number 18 worldwide. He emphasized that the new center will allow applicants in Lebanon to complete all visa issuance procedures locally, eliminating the need for travel or multiple intermediaries, and significantly shortening processing times.

The center is equipped with state-of-the-art digital systems linked directly to the UAE’s Electronic Visa Platform, ensuring faster processing, accurate data management, and unified procedures that adhere to the highest international standards. This enhancement further optimizes operational efficiency and sustainability of services.

Services provided at the new Beirut center include:

• Visitor visas for tourism, medical treatment, education, and employment purposes.

• Verification of official documents such as passports, medical certificates, and police clearance certificates.

• Advanced biometric services, including ten-fingerprint scans, iris scans, and facial imaging.

• In-person interviews for work visa applicants and other categories requiring personal verification.

The ICA emphasized that the new facility represents a significant enhancement in the delivery of government services abroad, offering a comprehensive and streamlined experience for applicants in Lebanon. This initiative supports the UAE’s broader vision of providing smart, user-friendly government services that produce tangible benefits for citizens, residents, and international travelers alike.

By reducing procedural complexity and improving service responsiveness, the new center solidifies the UAE’s reputation for innovation in government operations and reinforces close diplomatic and service-oriented relations with the Lebanese community and government. The ICA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding such initiatives that facilitate cross-border travel and enhance user satisfaction globally.