More information on the situation in Beirut due to the explosion on 4 August 2020 can be found on the continuously updated news overview.
Embassy of Switzerland in Lebanon
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
updated on 22.02.2021
In order to contain the disease COVID-19, direct close contact between people should be restricted as far as possible.
To contain the spread of the virus, the Lebanese government has ordered various measures that can be adapted at short notice: Ban on large gatherings and crowds and wearing a hygiene mask in public places. It must be expected that the local authorities and security forces will impose fines in case of violation.
The international airport in Beirut resumed operations with reduced capacity for commercial flights on 1 July 2020.
Entry requirements Lebanon
When checking in at the airport in Switzerland, travellers aged 12 and over must present a negative PCR test, which must not be older than 96 hours at the time of entry into Lebanon. In addition, all travellers must complete a health declaration online before departure.
The Embassy urges its citizens planning to travel to Lebanon to inform themselves about the rules in place, keeping in mind that conditions might change on very short notice. Follow the instructions of the local authorities on site.
The Lebanese embassies, the Ministry of Health and airlines provide binding information on entry requirements.
Entry requirements Switzerland
Foreign nationals who wish to enter Switzerland from a high-risk country in accordance with the COVID- 19 Ordinance 3 (including Lebanon and Syria) for a stay of up to 90 days without gainful employment will be refused entry until further notice.
Before every trip, please consult the website of the State Secretariat for Migration SEM, where you will find detailed information and a list of the categories of persons entitled to enter Switzerland under "Questions and answers".
Persons who enter Switzerland and who have stayed in a country or area with an increased risk of infection within 10 days of entry, will be subject to a quarantine. The list of countries and areas with an increased risk of infection is regularly updated and published on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH.
Additionally, as of 8 February 2021:
Travelers from the age of 12 entering Switzerland must present a valid proof of nagative PCR test result that is less than 72 hours old.
Travelers must send their contact information electronically when entering Switzerland, using the form for incoming travelers: swissplf.admin.ch.
Personal visits to the Embassy
Personal visits to the Embassy have to be scheduled in advance by fixing an appointment. Please send your inquiries to beirut@eda.admin.ch or contact the Embassy by phone: +961 1 324 129. In case of a consular emergency outside opening hours, please contact the FDFA Helpline: +41 800 24 7 365 / +41 58 465 33 33.
In the counter area of the Embassy, masks are mandatory and no access is granted without a mask. If you feel ill or feel symptoms of illness, it is not possible to visit the Embassy.
The Embassy asks all Swiss nationals to observe the hygiene recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH and the World Health Organization WHO and to follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Visa
The Federal Council decided on 18 March 2020 that the entry to the Schengen external borders is prohibited with a few exceptions. Switzerland follows the practice of the other Schengen countries. Until further notice, no Schengen visa applications will be accepted, also not for planned trips in future.
The acceptance and issuance of urgent and justified exceptional visa (for example medical treatments or to attend a funeral) and national D visa (return visa, student visa, family reunion visa, marriage visa or humanitarian visa) is possible and an e-mail for fixing an appointment can be sent to beirut.visa@eda.admin.ch. For additional information, please consult the website of the State Secretariat for Migration SEM.
Important sources of information and links
Focus novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, Hotline 01 594 459
As the official representation of Switzerland, the Embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the two countries. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic, financial and legal affairs, as well as science, education and culture.
Detailed information can be found on the German and French page.
