Lebanon customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Lebanon's customs regime is defined by two things: a duty-free allowance that is strictly per adult and cannot be pooled, and a cash declaration threshold that is low by regional standards. Officers at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport are known for scrutinising electronics and asking for proof of funds, so keep receipts and declare anything that looks commercial.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer (combined total not exceeding 2 litres). Must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount of cash or negotiable instruments equal to or exceeding 15,000,000 LBP (approx. USD 10,000) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form upon arrival. There is no separate currency form; use the main customs card.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (approx. 12,000,000 LBP) are duty-free. Above that, customs duty is assessed at a flat rate of 10% on the excess, plus 11% VAT. Electronics and luxury items are often valued at local retail price, not purchase price.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
Pork and pork products (banned for religious reasons)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless prior military authorization)
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Israeli currency, goods, or products bearing Israeli origin
E-cigarettes and vaping devices (import banned since 2019)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medications (prescription required; controlled drugs need Ministry of Health approval)
Drones and satellite phones (require permit from Lebanese Army or Ministry of Telecommunications)
Live animals and plants (require veterinary or phytosanitary certificate)
Cultural artifacts and antiques (export/import permit needed)
Wireless communication devices (may require type approval)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After passport control, you collect your bags and proceed through customs. There are two channels: Green (nothing to declare) and Red (goods to declare). You must fill out a Customs Declaration Form (available on the plane or in the arrival hall) if you exceed any allowance or are carrying cash over the threshold. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the Green channel — but random inspections are common, so keep receipts for high-value items.

Bringing medication

You may bring personal medication for up to 3 months with a valid prescription and original packaging. Controlled substances (narcotics, psychotropics, strong painkillers like tramadol, codeine, or amphetamines) require prior approval from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Some common Western drugs, including certain antidepressants and ADHD medications, are banned or restricted; check with the Lebanese embassy before travel. Declare all medications in original containers.

Food, plants & animal products

All meat, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, and plants are prohibited or require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Processed and packaged foods (e.g., chocolates, biscuits, canned goods) are generally allowed for personal use but must be declared if over the duty-free allowance. Soil and live plants are strictly banned.

Rules worth knowing

Per-person allowance, no pooling

Duty-free allowances are strictly per adult traveller. A family of four cannot combine their allowances to import one item worth USD 3,200 duty-free; each person's allowance is separate, and any single item over USD 800 is taxed on the full value.

Electronics and luxury goods scrutiny

Customs officers often demand receipts for laptops, cameras, and smartphones. If you cannot prove the item was purchased abroad and is for personal use, they may assess duty based on local retail price. Keep receipts or register items before departure.

Currency declaration is mandatory

Declaring cash over 15,000,000 LBP (USD 10,000) is not optional. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation of the entire amount and possible prosecution under money-laundering laws.

Gifts and samples

Gifts and commercial samples are not covered by the personal allowance if they appear to be for resale. Customs may seize goods and impose fines if they suspect commercial importation without a license.

Frequently asked questions

No, drones require a permit from the Lebanese Army or the Ministry of Telecommunications. Without prior approval, drones will be confiscated at the airport. Apply well in advance through a local sponsor.

No. The import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned in Lebanon. Bringing them into the country can result in confiscation and a fine.

Up to 15,000,000 Lebanese pounds (approx. USD 10,000). Anything equal to or above that amount must be declared on the customs form. There is no limit on how much you can bring, but undeclared amounts are subject to seizure.

Yes, for any prescription medication. Keep it in original packaging with a copy of your prescription. For controlled drugs (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines), you need prior approval from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Some common drugs are banned; check ahead.

All fresh meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and plants are prohibited. Packaged and processed foods for personal use are allowed within the duty-free allowance (USD 800). Anything beyond that must be declared and may be taxed.

No, Lebanon does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme. VAT (11%) is included in the purchase price and cannot be reclaimed at the airport.

If caught, you will face a fine of at least double the duty owed, and goods may be confiscated. It is always better to use the Red channel and declare.

Official source

Lebanese Customs Administration