Location: Beirut
Event: Rafic Hariri International Airport is scheduled to reopen to commercial air traffic on July 1, 2020, with service starting at a level of ten percent of that handled a year ago. According to information released by the Lebanese government, no 14-day self-isolation will be required as of that date. Instead, arriving passengers will be grouped into two categories: those arriving from countries where the PCR test is available, and those arriving from countries where it is not.
Travelers from countries where testing is available will be required to undergo a PCR test within 96 hours before travel to Lebanon, and, if that test is negative, will need to take a second test upon arrival at the airport. Travelers from countries where PCR testing is not available must undergo a PCR test upon arrival at the airport, then self-isolate for 72 hours at the conclusion of which they must have a second PCR test done. This second test is mandatory and those who fail to complete it may be subject to legal action. If a result is positive, the individual must comply with all instructions of the Lebanese government.
Airlines will pay for the initial PCR tests conducted at the airport while arriving passengers must pay for all subsequent tests.
In addition to the testing requirements, all non-Lebanese travelers arriving in Lebanon must show that they possess health insurance which will be valid for the entire duration of their stay.
For departing travelers who intend to return to Lebanon, those who remain outside Lebanon for less than one week will be exempted from PCR testing upon their return. Those traveling to the United States through Europe are advised that entry into the United States continues to be largely restricted to U.S. citizens and LPRs with very few exceptions. Please review this guidance.
Actions to Take:
- Monitor local media and our Embassy website for updates.
- Check with your airlines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Review CDC recommended protective measures for travelers, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html.
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