24 Dec 2021 | 01:58 AM UTC
Lebanon: Authorities update COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions as of Dec. 24 /update 62
Lebanon updates COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions as of Dec. 24, amid rising cases.
Event
Lebanese authorities have updated the country's COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions as of Dec. 24 amid an uptick in recorded cases. Restaurants, hotels, fitness centers, and entertainment venues require patrons to present either a valid certificate indicating vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative result from a PCR test before entering; the provision is to remain in place until at least Jan. 9.
Additionally, from Dec. 25, individuals who are fully vaccinated and arrive via Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) are no longer exempted from taking a pre-travel COVID-19 test to enter Lebanon. Under the new restrictions, all travelers aged 12 years and older, regardless of vaccination status, must upload a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure for Lebanon to the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) PASS platform. Travelers must present the generated quick response (QR) code to authorities at BEY upon arrival.
Travelers who have proof of traveling outside of Lebanon and returning within one week are exempt from the pre-departure PCR test requirement if they upload certificates and official documentation to obtain an MOPH PASS.
Domestic Measures
Unvaccinated individuals are subject to a three-week 19:00-06:00 nightly curfew as part of the government's response to the recent emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Individuals who have received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and those with a negative result from a PCR test taken in the previous 48 hours are exempt from the curfew.
Additionally, vaccination against COVID-19 will become mandatory for all civil servants and employees in the military, security, education, health, public transport, and tourism sectors from Jan. 10; alternatively, these workers may take a PCR test twice per week at their own expense.
Authorities have extended the state of health emergency through at least Dec. 31. The directive grants the government broad powers to implement preventative measures, such as curfews and travel restrictions, to combat COVID-19. Individuals may be required to obtain permission from authorities on the government's IMPACT platform to conduct activities in crowded places, such as traveling to supermarkets or banks. To access the IMPACT platform, click here.
Current COVID-19-related measures in Lebanon generally do not restrict operating hours. However, capacity at public establishments is now limited to 50 percent. Individuals are required to wear a facemask in public spaces and in vehicles, unless traveling alone. Taxis and private cars are limited to four people, including the driver, while buses may operate at 50 percent capacity.
International Travel Restrictions
In addition to the recently updated international travel restrictions listed above, previously implemented entry controls remain in place. Notably, all travelers, with the exception of children under the age of 12 and members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), must take a PCR test upon arrival at BEY and isolate until receiving a negative test result (i.e., no more than 24 hours). Persons whose PCR test result is positive must contact the COVID-19 hotline at 1787 to receive further instructions.
Effective Jan. 10, arriving travelers are required to pay for the on-arrival test via credit card in advance on the MOPH PASS platform in the amount of USD 30. Alternatively, travelers may pay USD 30 for the on-arrival test at an International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel and Tourism Agency or at the airline's sales office; these individuals will obtain an Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD) that is to be presented to MOPH authorities upon arrival at BEY to take the on-arrival test.
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 before departure for Lebanon. 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.
