GoLebanon Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Chinese citizens holding diplomatic, official, official ordinary, or regular passports who travel or transit to Lebanon can apply for free landing visas at various entry ports in Lebanon. Upon entry, they must present round-trip airfare and accommodation information during their stay in Lebanon. The visa on arrival for holders of diplomatic passports is valid for 6 months; The validity period of a visa on arrival for holders of other types of passports is marked as 1 month, but it can be automatically extended by 2 months upon entry, so the actual stay period is 3 months. Chinese citizens who come to Lebanon for other purposes must apply for a visa to Lebanon in advance at the Lebanese Embassy in China. Workers traveling to Lebanon can apply for a work visa certificate from their employer in Lebanon to the Lebanese Ministry of Labor and Public Security Bureau in advance. Chinese citizens holding a work visa certificate (original Arabic and English translation) can directly enter Lebanon without applying for a visa at the Lebanese Embassy in China. Within 3 months after arriving in Lebanon, they must apply for a work permit and residence permit from the Lebanese Ministry of Labor and Public Security Bureau.

Special Reminder:

1. Please ensure that your travel documents are complete, visa pages, and all previous visa stickers are complete. If you have an Israeli visa or entry/exit record on your passport, you will be refused entry by the Lebanese side.

2. The Lebanese immigration agency conducts a preliminary screening of individuals wanted by Interpol based on their names. If your name has a high rate of Chinese Pinyin duplication, it is recommended to apply for a certificate of no criminal record and proof of family relationship in China in advance, and complete the necessary translation and public authentication procedures to avoid obstruction during entry.

For more information, please consult the Embassy of Lebanon in China at 010-65321560, 65322197, 65323281

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Entry

The tax-free items that passengers can bring upon arrival in Lebanon are limited to the following:

800 cigarettes or 1 kilogram of tobacco or 50 cigars;

2 liters of whiskey or champagne or brandy, or 4 liters of other alcoholic beverages;

100g perfume;

Moderate personal medication.

The value of personal belongings for non-commercial purposes shall not exceed 1333 dollars (the maximum value of personal belongings carried by passengers from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, foreigners residing in Lebanon and Syria, and passengers from Syria and Syria to Lebanon is 333 dollars);

Passengers traveling to Lebanon can only enjoy the above benefits once every 6 months.

Passengers under the age of 18 are only allowed to carry half of the above standards, and are not allowed to bring tobacco and alcohol into the country.

It is strictly prohibited to bring weapons, ammunition, drugs, obscene publications, and audiovisual products into the country.

Bringing foreign currency cash such as US dollars into the country from overseas, with a value of less than 15000 US dollars (or other foreign currencies of the same value), does not require declaration; For amounts above $15000 (or other foreign currencies of the same value), it is necessary to actively fill out a form and declare the true source. Those who fail to truthfully declare as required will face high fines or even imprisonment.

2、 Exit the country

Passengers must declare the following items to Lebanese customs when leaving the country:

Fur products and high priced clothing;

Jewellery;

Watches, cameras, and similar items worth over $1600.

The above-mentioned types of items that exceed the quantity for personal use must be declared.

It is strictly prohibited to carry weapons, ammunition, drugs, cultural relics, and ancient coins out of the country.

Please refer to the Lebanese Customs website for details（ http://www.customs.gov.lb ）

Residency and Naturalization

1、 Nationality Policy

Foreigners who acquire Lebanese nationality must submit an application and be examined. Generally, foreign women can apply for Lebanese citizenship after marrying Lebanese men for at least one year. Children born to Lebanese men and foreign women after marriage have Lebanese nationality at birth. Lebanon recognizes multiple nationalities.

2、 Residence Policy

The Ministry of Labor and the General Public Security Bureau of Lebanon are responsible for handling work permits and residence permits for foreigners in Lebanon (referred to as "two permits"). Chinese citizens are classified as Class I laborers, with a total cost of approximately $2400 for the "two certificates". They require a medical examination report from a designated hospital in Lebanon and must apply for an annual extension. When issuing a new certificate, the Lebanese Public Security Bureau will confirm whether foreign citizens have returned to China or traveled to countries with high incidence of infectious diseases during their stay in Lebanon. If so, they will need to go to the designated hospital in Lebanon again for a physical examination.

The procedures for obtaining the "two certificates" in Lebanon are complicated and time-consuming, and there are often cases where the "two certificates" have not been obtained after the visa expires. Please closely monitor the processing of the "two certificates" and apply for an extension in a timely manner before the end of the visa stay period.

For details, please refer to the website of the Lebanese Public Security Bureau（ http://www.general-security.gov.lb ）.

The risk level for Lebanon is red (extremely high risk).                          

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens not to travel to Lebanon in the near future. Personnel and institutions in the area should evacuate or transfer to safe areas as soon as possible. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.                            

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

Since October 2023, there have been conflicts and casualties in the border areas between Lebanon and Israel. Demonstrations have taken place in multiple cities within Lebanon, and coupled with the impact of the economic crisis and increased social instability, the security situation has deteriorated.

It is recommended that Chinese citizens planning to come to Lebanon fully understand the local situation and arrange their itinerary reasonably before departure. During the stay in Lebanon, closely monitor the development of the situation and enhance awareness of security precautions. Pay attention to safety during daily travel, choose reasonable routes, minimize unnecessary outings, and avoid going out alone at night. In case of emergency, the primary goal should be to ensure one's own safety, remain calm, avoid direct conflict, promptly report to the police, and contact the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon for assistance.

natural disaster

The main natural disasters in Lebanon include rain, snow, storms, earthquakes, floods, forest fires, mudslides, etc.

FDA

The overall food hygiene situation in Lebanon is good.

Lebanon's water sources have been contaminated due to war, improper garbage disposal, and other reasons, making tap water unsuitable for direct consumption.

Urgent Help

Medical: 140

Bandit police: 112

Fire alarm: 175

Consumer Rights Protection: 1739

Consular Protection of the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon: 00961-3866468

air traffic

Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport (airport code BEY) is the largest airport in Lebanon. The airport receives approximately 8 million passengers annually and can accommodate 30 large aircraft at the same time. The airport has established business contacts with more than 30 airlines in the world, and international direct flights can reach the following regions: Europe (Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Armenia, Hungary, Serbia), Africa (Egypt, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Ghana, Algeria, Nigeria), Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran), neighboring countries (Cyprus, Greece, Türkiye, Jordan, Iraq), etc. Lebanon has no domestic routes and its domestic airline is Middle East Airlines (MEA). There is no direct flight between China and Lebanon, which can be transferred via the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, France and other countries.

The main mode of transportation to and from the airport is Rafik Hariri International Airport, which is about a 20 minute drive from Beirut city center. Some hotels and airlines can provide airport shuttle services, and passengers can also take taxis.

Rafik Hariri International Airport contact phone number: 150 (direct dialing for domestic numbers in Lebanon), 00961-1628000 (dialing from outside Lebanon).

land transport

The total length of roads at all levels in Lebanon is about 7300 kilometers, including about 530 kilometers of highways or expressways. Driving is the main mode of transportation in Lebanon.

The original railway length in Lebanon was 402 kilometers, but it was abandoned due to war.

Special reminder: The supporting facilities of roads in Lebanon are incomplete, and some roads lack street lights and signs. In addition, there are many mountain roads with fast speeds. When driving, attention should be paid to safety and efforts should be made to avoid driving on mountain roads at night.

water communication

Lebanon has a total of 12 ports, with Beirut Port, Tripoli Port, and Saida Port being the main ports. The above ports are mainly freight ports, and only a few countries such as Türkiye and Cyprus have opened passenger routes.

Urban transportation

There is no subway or unified bus operation in Lebanon, and private vans are responsible for public transportation functions. However, there are no fixed stations or route signs for boarding and alighting, and the condition of the buses is generally poor. Most taxis do not have fare meters or unified charging standards, and there are significant differences in vehicle grades and charging standards, which need to be discussed with the driver in person.

major city

The capital of Lebanon is Beirut, with major cities including Tripoli, Saida/Sidon, and Tyre/Sour.

Commodity prices

Main products: Grain crops include barley, wheat, corn, potatoes, etc. Fruits include bananas, citrus, cherries, grapes, apples, pomegranates, lemons, apricots, etc. Economic crops include tobacco, sugar beets, olives, etc.

Prices: Beef costs about 900000 Lebanese pounds per kilogram, lamb costs about 1400000 Lebanese pounds per kilogram, eggs cost about 450000 Lebanese pounds per 30 pieces, and rice costs about 500000 Lebanese pounds per 5 kilograms (as of November 2023).

Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP), also known as Lira (LL), is freely convertible into major international currencies. Lebanon implements a dual currency system, with the circulation of US dollars in addition to the Lebanese pound. The official exchange rate of the Lebanese pound to the US dollar is currently fixed at 1 US dollar, which is approximately 15000 Lebanese pounds. However, due to the ongoing instability in the local situation, as well as the impact of the epidemic and economic crisis, there is a shortage of US dollars in the market, and 1 US dollar is currently approximately 90000 Lebanese pounds at regular currency exchange stations. Lebanese banks have imposed varying degrees of restrictions on withdrawals in US dollars to strengthen foreign exchange controls. The Chinese yuan and the Lebanese pound cannot be directly exchanged.

Taxation: The main taxes in Lebanon are income tax, value-added tax, stamp duty, consumption tax, municipal tax, inheritance tax, etc. Please refer to the website of the Lebanese Ministry of Finance for details（ http://www.finance.gov.lb ）.

Banking and financial services: Lebanon is a financial center in the Middle East with a developed banking industry. The Central Bank of Lebanon is the Banque du Liban (BDL), responsible for regulating financial institutions and currency exchange agencies in Lebanon. It is the only national currency issuing institution under Lebanese law and has administrative independence. In addition, Lebanon has a considerable number of commercial banks and foreign banks. Lebanese commercial banks have international trade settlement and other business dealings with domestic banks in China. There are currently no Chinese banks establishing branches in Lebanon.

Major commercial banks in Lebanon include BLOM Bank, Fransabank, Bank Audi, Byblos Bank, BankMed, Banque Libano Fran ç aise, and others.

Special reminder: Credit cards are widely used in Lebanon, and both VISA and Mastercard issued in China can be used locally.

Insurance Medical

Lebanon has approximately 161 private hospitals and 25 public hospitals. Li implements a medical separation system, where doctors prescribe medication and then go to pharmacies to buy medicine. Medicines are generally imported.  

The main hospitals are: AUB Medical Center in Beirut and Rafik Hariri University Hospital.  

There are nearly 850 pharmacies in Lebanon, of which about 296 have business licenses. For details, please refer to the website of the Lebanese Pharmacy Union（ http://www.opl.org.lb ）.  

medical insurance:

1、 Social insurance. Social insurance covers medical insurance, which is purchased by employers for their employees. The insured is an employee, and the beneficiaries are the insured themselves, their spouse, children, and family members who are responsible for supporting them. The cost ranges from $300 to $3000 per year.

2、 Medical insurance. Usually it is voluntary insurance. The insurance premium varies depending on the age and physical condition of the insured. It is usually stipulated that the insurance premium for individuals under the age of 60 who are in good health is $300 per year, and for those over the age of 60 it is $600 per year.

Customs taboos

There are many religious sects in Lebanon, with Sunni Islam, Shia Islam, and Maronite Christianity as the three main sects. In addition, there are Druze, Greek Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, and other sects. There are many churches and mosques in Lebanon, so please do not make loud noises when visiting. It is best for women to wear a burqa and headscarf when entering the mosque. Muslims fast pork and do not drink alcohol.

The overall cultural quality of Lebanese society is relatively high, emphasizing etiquette and civilization. Lebanon is an Arab country, but due to the long-term coexistence of various religions and ethnic groups within the country, it is not only similar to other Arab countries in terms of customs and habits, but also has its own ethnic and religious characteristics.

Communications Power

Power interface type: European standard (two round heads).

Standard voltage: 110V or 220V.

The country code for Lebanon is 00961, and both landline and mobile phone numbers are 8-digit, allowing for direct dialing between each other. After activating international roaming services, international phone calls can be made. Dialing domestic landline from Lebanon: 0086 (China International Area Code)+domestic long-distance area code (such as Beijing 10)+phone number; Dial domestic mobile phone: 0086+domestic mobile phone number.

The main communication operators in Lebanon include MTC, ALFA, TOUCH, etc. There are two payment methods: prepaid and postpaid. The average cost per minute for domestic calls is about 0.12 US dollars, and international calls are charged an additional international roaming fee on this basis. The telephone communication signal in Lebanon is unstable, and sometimes there may be situations such as string connection and disconnection.

The Internet speed in Lebanon is slow and the charges are high, and the optical fiber network has not been popularized.

contact information

Lebanese Presidential Palace: http://www.presidency.gov.lb

The Lebanese Parliament: http://www.lp.gov.lb

Lebanese Prime Minister's Office: http://www.pcm.gov.lb