Location: Lebanon
Event: The Government of Lebanon confirmed 4020 cases of COVID-19 and 54 related deaths in the country as of July 28, 2020.
The Lebanese government has extended the general mobilization until August 30. There is currently no curfew in effect.
The Lebanese government on July 28 announced new measures in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon. These measures include two weeks of increased restrictions such as the closure of many businesses until August 10, including bars, parks, beaches, and markets. Religious services and public events and gatherings will also be prohibited during this period. Essential businesses will remain open, and restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity. A “full lockdown” will be in force from July 30 to August 3 and from August 6 to August 10, which will entail the closure of most businesses and private institutions. Public entities in the transport, healthcare, security, and industrial sectors will remain open.
The Lebanese Government has revised public health procedures for arrivals to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. After July 31, all travelers to Lebanon must show a negative PCR test taken within four days of travel to be issued a boarding pass. Travelers from countries with low infection rates will have to take a PCR test upon arrival and home quarantine for up to 48 hours until they receive their test result. Travelers coming from countries with high infection rates will be required to take a PCR test upon arrival and then quarantine in designated hotels to await the result. Following this, they will have to take another PCR test 72 hours after arrival and use a tracking application for new arrivals to Lebanon. Please see the website of the Lebanese Directorate General of Civil Aviation for forthcoming information on these new procedures.
The Lebanese Civil Aviation Directorate has informed all airlines operating in Beirut that the above procedures also apply to passengers in transit to Syria. In addition, airlines are being instructed not to board passengers bound for Syria via Beirut without the prior approval of Syrian authorities.
The Government continues to implement enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please also see the latest daily Lebanese government publication which consolidates every ministry’s decisions, actions and responses to address the crisis.
Routine consular services at U.S. Embassy Beirut remain suspended until further notice. The Embassy continues to provide emergency services for U.S. citizens. Please visit our website for additional information, or contact BeirutACS@state.gov.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice and a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Europe advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Europe.
Actions to Take:
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19.
- Review the latest travel restrictions to the United States
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible
- Review the complete Travel Advisory for Lebanon
- Read what the U.S. Government Can & Can’t Do in a Crisis
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon
Awkar – Facing the Municipality, Main Street
Beirut, Lebanon
+961-4-542600 or +961-4-543600
BeirutACS@state.gov
https://lb.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
For further detailed information regarding travel and security in Lebanon:
- Visit the State Department’s travel website Travel.State.Gov to review the Lebanon Travel Advisory, Country-Specific Information for Lebanon, and the Worldwide Caution.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest security updates and make it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
- Follow the U.S. Embassy in Beirut on Twitter and Facebook
