Lebanon’s General Security announced on Wednesday new conditions for the entry of Syrians into Lebanon through the al-Masnaa land border crossing.
In a statement on its website, the directorate listed six categories under which Syrians are eligible entry into or residency in the country.
The first category covers tourist, business and real estate-related visits. Syrians must have an amount equal to $1,000, a hotel reservation, a passport and valid identification if they seek entry into Lebanon as tourists. They must also have family documentation if they are traveling with their relatives.
Business visits are permitted to Syrian businessmen, investors, diplomats, military personnel, clergy and public sector employees.
Real estate-related permits are granted for six months and require valid legal papers, including valid property ownership documents.
The second category covers students seeking a university education in Lebanon. They are required to have valid identification and passport, as well as the necessary documents proving their enrollment in university.
The third category covers transit travelers, who are allowed to stay in Lebanon for 48 hours before departing via the Lebanese airport or marine ports. They are required to have their passport and travel ticket to their end destination.
The fourth category covers Syrian medical treatment in Lebanon. They are granted a 72-hour stay in the country, which can be extended depending on the patient’s condition.
The fifth category covers Syrians seeking a visit to a foreign diplomatic mission. Their stay in Lebanon is limited to 48 hours.
The final category covers Syrians, who do not fall in the above-mentioned categories and are staying in Lebanon at the invitation of a Lebanese national.
These are considered the strictest restrictions imposed on Syrians seeking entry into Lebanon. Authorities in the past had taken other measures in order to limit the flow of refugees into the country.
