Lebanon
Key advice
Official thresholds in LBP have become symbolic in USD due to the Lebanese economic crisis. Declare all expensive camera gear upon arrival with invoices; the ATA Carnet is accepted for professional equipment. Warning: a passport bearing Israeli stamps will automatically result in refusal of entry to Lebanon.
- Customs authority
- Lebanese Customs Administration - Direction Générale des Douanes
- Personal duty-free allowance
- LBP 2 000 000 (environ 22 USD au taux marché 2024 ou ~1 327 USD au taux officiel historique)
- ATA Carnet
- Accepted
- Official website
- customs.gov.lb ↗
Practical scenarios
You're traveling to Lebanon with a GoPro Hero 12 and its underwater housing, valued at approximately €600. Upon arrival at Beirut Airport, you pass through customs without a specific declaration. This equipment is considered low-value personal effects. The risk is minimal, as its value is well below the thresholds, even with the devaluation of the Lebanese pound. Still, keep your purchase invoices handy.
You arrive in Lebanon with a Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless camera, an Isotta housing, and a macro lens, totaling approximately €3,500. Although this is for personal use, the value significantly exceeds the symbolic USD thresholds. It is highly recommended to declare this equipment upon arrival. Present your invoices and be prepared to explain its use. Without an ATA Carnet, you might be subject to customs duties, but prior declaration can simplify the re-export process.
You're heading to Lebanon with a complete setup: a full-frame Sony Alpha 1, a Nauticam housing, and two lenses (macro and fish-eye), valued at €15,000. To avoid any issues, using an ATA Carnet is imperative. It allows for temporary importation without duties or taxes. At Lebanese customs, present your duly completed ATA Carnet for each item. Without an ATA Carnet, the risk of high taxation or confiscation of equipment is very significant, given the value and the country's economic situation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to declare my high-value underwater camera equipment in Lebanon?
Yes, it is highly recommended to declare any significant value underwater camera equipment upon arrival in Lebanon, even for personal use. The duty-free thresholds in LBP have become very low in USD, making most expensive equipment potentially taxable. Keep your purchase invoices.
Is the ATA Carnet accepted in Lebanon for underwater camera equipment?
Yes, the ATA Carnet is accepted in Lebanon for the temporary importation of professional equipment, including underwater camera gear. It is the safest solution for high-value equipment, as it helps avoid customs duties and taxes upon import and re-export.
Where can I find official information on Lebanese customs regulations?
For more information, consult the official website of the Lebanese General Directorate of Customs directly: https://www.customs.gov.lb/. It is advisable to check for the latest updates before your trip, as regulations can change.