Lebanon customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Lebanon's customs are shaped by a severe economic crisis: the official exchange rate (1,507.5 LBP/USD) used for duty calculations is vastly different from the parallel market rate (~90,000 LBP/USD in 2026). This means your duty-free allowance in local purchasing power is far lower than the USD figure suggests. Always declare cash over $10,000 or equivalent — failure risks confiscation and fines. These rules apply to non-resident adult travellers arriving from abroad.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free up to 1,507,500 LBP ($1,000) total goods value.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare cash or equivalent instruments over 15,075,000 LBP ($10,000) using the Customs Declaration Form (Déclaration de Devises) at the red channel. No limit on amount if declared.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for gifts/personal goods up to 1,206,000 LBP ($800) total value. Above that, duty is 5-30% depending on item category.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a license from the Ministry of Interior
  • Pornographic materials (including digital content on devices)
  • Goods originating from Israel or bearing Israeli labels
  • Counterfeit currency, goods, and pirated media
  • Endangered species products (ivory, tortoiseshell, etc.) without CITES permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol) — require prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health
  • Drones and radio equipment — require a permit from the Ministry of Telecommunications
  • Satellite phones — require a license from the Ministry of Telecommunications
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products — require a phytosanitary certificate
  • Precious metals and stones over $10,000 value — must be declared

Arriving: red vs green channel

After baggage claim, proceed to Customs: Green Channel (nothing to declare) or Red Channel (goods to declare, cash over threshold, restricted items). No arrival card needed; a verbal declaration suffices. Random inspections occur.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Lebanon does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme for non-residents.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months' supply allowed with a doctor's prescription (in English or Arabic). Narcotics, psychotropics, and some common Western meds (e.g., codeine, tramadol) are strictly banned without prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Meat, dairy, and fresh produce are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a health certificate. Honey and processed foods in sealed commercial packaging are usually allowed in small quantities.

Rules worth knowing

Dual exchange rate trap

Lebanon's official customs valuation uses the pegged rate of 1,507.5 LBP/USD, but the parallel market rate in 2026 is ~90,000 LBP/USD. This means your duty-free allowance of $800 is calculated at the official rate, not the market rate — you effectively get far less purchasing power in local terms.

Cash declaration is mandatory

Any amount over $10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in seizure of the entire amount and a fine of up to 20% of the undeclared sum.

No duty-free shops on arrival

Lebanon has no duty-free shops after passport control at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. All duty-free purchases must be made at departure or transit points abroad.

Gifts and personal effects

Used personal effects (clothing, electronics, etc.) are generally duty-free if they are for personal use and not for resale. New items in original packaging may be treated as commercial goods and subject to duty.

Frequently asked questions

No, if they are used and for personal use. Customs officers may ask you to turn them on to prove they are not new for resale. New items in sealed boxes could be taxed.
Yes, but it counts toward your 1-liter spirits or 2-liter wine/beer allowance. If you exceed it, duty applies at 5-30% of the value.
No. Tramadol is classified as a controlled substance in Lebanon and is banned without prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health. Even with a prescription, it may be confiscated and you could face legal issues.
If discovered, the entire amount can be seized and you may be fined up to 20% of the undeclared sum. In serious cases, criminal charges for money laundering could apply.
Yes, but you need a permit from the Ministry of Telecommunications. Without it, the drone will be confiscated. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Personal gold jewelry up to $10,000 value is generally allowed duty-free. Above that, it must be declared and duty may apply. Commercial quantities require a license.
Yes, if commercially packaged and sealed. Homemade or fresh food items (cheese, meat, produce) are prohibited without a health certificate. Honey in sealed jars is usually fine.

Official source

Lebanon Customs Administration (Direction des Douanes)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Lebanon Customs Administration (Direction des Douanes) before travelling.