Lebanon: Numerous restrictions remain in effect as of July 30 to combat COVID-19 /update 55

Domestic and international travel restrictions remain in effect in Lebanon as of July 30 to combat COVID-19 and its variants.

Event

Numerous restrictions remain in effect across Lebanon as of July 30 as part of the nation's efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. A 21:30-05:00 nightly curfew is in force nationwide until further notice. Nonessential movement is prohibited during curfew hours. Individuals are permitted to travel to and from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) during the curfew but must possess relevant travel documents, such as a flight boarding pass. Individuals must obtain permission from authorities on the government's IMPACT platform prior to entering crowded locations, such as supermarkets and places of worship. Malls, stores, restaurants, gyms, and factories are allowed to operate; however, pubs, nightclubs, cinemas, theaters, and amusement parks remain closed until further notice.

Due to concerns regarding COVID-19 variants, international travelers arriving from the UK, Brazil, the UAE, India, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zambia, Liberia, Kenya, Gambia, and Sierra Leone must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before traveling to Lebanon. Travelers from these countries must also agree to another PCR test upon arrival at BEY and undergo a four-day mandatory quarantine period at a government-approved hotel at their own expense. Travelers who have been fully inoculated and those who have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days are exempt from the pre-departure PCR test and mandatory quarantine period. Diplomats are also exempt from having to quarantine at hotels.

BEY remains operational. Travelers to Lebanon who have been outside the country for more than one week must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to boarding their flight. Fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from this requirement provided they present proof of vaccination and have received their second dose of the vaccine at least 15 days prior to arrival in Lebanon. Those who have only received a single dose are still required to present a negative PCR test result. International travelers arriving at BEY - with the exception of those from the countries listed above - must undergo another PCR test upon arrival and quarantine at their accommodations for 72 hours; travelers who are fully vaccinated or who recovered from the disease more than 15 days prior to arrival are exempt from this requirement. Land and maritime borders remain closed to travelers who do not hold valid transit visas. Nonresidents traveling to Lebanon are required to have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of their stay.

Lebanon’s state of medical emergency has been extended until at least Sept. 30. The directive grants the government broad powers to implement preventative measures, such as curfews and travel restrictions, to combat COVID-19. Facemasks are mandatory in public. Public transportation has resumed operating nationwide, albeit at reduced capacity. Violations of the country's social distancing and safety guidelines are punishable by fines. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements, including required in-country quarantine requirements, before travel. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for delays at available shopping centers.