Latest News:
International Restrictions:
*Entry to Lebanon: Beirut’s Rafik Hariri international airport re-opened on 1 July 2020 and there are direct and indirect commercial flights operating daily.
From 28 April, Lebanon has banned passengers travelling from India and Brazil unless they have spent at least 14 days in a third country directly prior to entry to Lebanon. This applies to entry via Beirut airport and the land and maritime borders.
Passengers travelling to Lebanon, except military personnel, diplomats, members of international organizations, UNIFIL and members of the Lebanese National Social Security Fund or staff cooperative, need to possess an insurance policy that is valid for the duration of their stay in Lebanon, covering all costs of treatment for Coronavirus on Lebanese territory. Alternatively, the policy can be obtained at the insurance counters upon arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport-Beirut.
Certificate requirements and measures within Lebanon: If you’re travelling to Lebanon, you are required to take a PCR test at a laboratory certified by local authorities 96 hours before you travel, and to show the result at check-in at your departure airport. If you do not have a negative PCR test result within this time frame and in an approved form (paper or email, not SMS), you will not be allowed to board your flight to Lebanon. Children under 12 are exempt from this requirement. The government has announced that you are exempt from this requirement if you have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine more than 15 days prior to your departure to Lebanon. However, you must have received the second dose of the vaccine in one of the following places: Lebanon, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, European countries (including the UK), Asian countries, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco or Tunisia. As there is currently no means to certify vaccinations vaccinations issued in the UK for international travel, all travellers should continue to obtain a PCR test as stated above. Check with your local Lebanese embassy or airline if you are unclear whether your vaccine is recognised.
You should arrange to take a private test. Any passenger who shows symptoms of illness including COVID-19 will not be allowed to board the aircraft. Passengers who left Lebanon for a period not exceeding one week are not required to do a PCR test before departure, but will be subject to a PCR test in Lebanon. Self-isolation requirements and tests after arrival.
From Monday 11 January 2021, all travellers to Lebanon will be required to take an additional PCR test at Beirut International Airport upon arrival (which is provided at the airline’s expense) and then to quarantine for 72 hours. Travellers will also be required to download and activate the “Covid Leb Track” mobile application on arrival to Lebanon, and to present the application to the authorities at Beirut International Airport at the time of the PCR test.
Diplomats and their families, official delegations and UNFIL officers are exempt from the quarantine measures, as well as those who have received the COVID-19 vaccination, on the condition that they have proof of vaccination and take a PCR test on arrival as a precautionary measure.
The Lebanese government is keeping these measures under review and they may change at short notice. You must comply with any amended regulations for testing and self-isolation. You should check with your airline and the Embassy of Lebanon in the country you are travelling from before travel.
*Transit passengers: There are no testing or additional COVID-19 related procedures required for transiting travellers. Passengers with a short transit time will be allowed to proceed directly to their gate, those with a longer transit time will have to wait at a designated gate where a cafeteria is available.
Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Lebanon: You must apply online via this platform to undertake certain activities such as going to the bank or going food shopping. Certain activities e.g. going to clothes shops, the hairdressers or veterinary clinics do not require this authorisation. Contact the Lebanese embassy for further details. Indoor restaurants, cafes and gyms are open between 6am and 9pm. From Saturday 15 May, restaurants with outdoor spaces will be allowed to operate until 12:30am. Restaurants and cafes are restricted to 50% capacity. Gyms are restricted to 30% capacity and cannot deliver exercise classes. Places of worship may open at 30% capacity for prayer. Supermarket, pharmacy and restaurant delivery services are operating 24/7. Hotels are also open 24/7.
Beirut International airport remains open. All passengers are required to have their tickets with them when transferring to and from the airport. Some exemptions to COVID-19 restrictions are applied to aid workers. For further clarification, aid workers should contact their employer for advice.
Taxis and private cars should have no more than four people in them (including the driver). Buses are allowed to operate with a maximum capacity of 50%.
Fabric masks covering the mouth and nose must be worn when outside the home and in vehicles (unless travelling alone). Lebanese authorities may issue fines, impose road blocks, or imprison those violating these measures for up to three years. You should comply with all measures introduced by the Lebanese authorities and obey the instructions of the security forces. These measures may be changed at short notice.
Keep up to date with information from your tour operator, transport or accommodation provider on the impact on any existing travel plans.
*Accommodation: Hotels and private rentals are available. You should check that accommodation is open and receiving guests before booking, and request information on the measures being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.