30 Sep 2021 | 06:18 PM UTC
Lebanon: Authorities extend medical state of emergency through Dec. 31 /update 58
Lebanon extends medical state of emergency through Dec. 31. Other COVID-19-related measures in place.
Event
Authorities have extended Lebanon’s state of medical emergency through Dec. 31. The directive grants the government broad powers to implement preventative measures, such as curfews and travel restrictions, to combat COVID-19. While most restrictions have been lifted in recent weeks, individuals must still obtain permission from authorities on the government's IMPACT platform before entering crowded locations, such as supermarkets or banks.
Due to concerns regarding COVID-19 variants, international arrivals 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 the date of arrival in Lebanon. Travelers from these countries must also take another PCR test upon arrival at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) and undergo a four-day mandatory quarantine period at a government-approved hotel at their own expense.
Travelers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have had the virus in the past 90 days are exempt from the pre-departure PCR test requirement and mandatory quarantine period. Diplomats are also exempt from having to quarantine at hotels. PCR test results that have been issued in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, or the EU will be accepted without a QR code.
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 before the date of arrival in Lebanon. 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.
International arrivals at BEY - except for those traveling from the countries listed above - must undergo another PCR test upon arrival and may be subject to a four-day quarantine period; travelers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recently recovered from the disease are exempt from these requirements. 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.
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.
