International moves are incredibly exciting, but they also require tons of preparation, paperwork, and extensive research! If you are planning a move to the Middle Eastern nation of Lebanon, read on for detailed customs information and helpful tips on the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods to the country.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating abroad, there are many important documents required to enter the country and establish permanent residency. When planning your international move to Lebanon, it is a good idea to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to assist you in gathering the necessary paperwork to clear customs and successfully relocate.
When moving to Lebanon, you will need:
- Original passport (must not indicate any previous travel to Israel)
- Original Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Detailed packing list (notarized by Lebanese Embassy at origin)
- Sales contract / lease agreement (notarized by municipality)
- Employment contract with Lebanese company
- Work permit (issued by the Lebanese Labor Office)
- Residence permit (issued by the Lebanese General Security Office)
- Certificate of change of residence (notarized the Lebanese Embassy at origin)
- Proof of residency abroad for a minimum of three years (notarized by Lebanese Embassy at origin, returning citizens only)
- Moving certificate (stating customer is returning to live in Lebanon indefinitely, notarized by Lebanese Embassy, returning citizens only)
- Yellow fever vaccination required
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Lebanon permanently, you may import both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) under the following conditions:
- The shipment must arrive within three months of the customer's arrival
- Customer must be present at time of customs clearance
- Used personal effects and household goods may be imported duty free with required documents
- Returning citizens may import goods free once in a lifetime
- New items (personal and household gods) are dutiable
- The name of the shipper must match identically on the passport and bill of lading
- All shipments are subject to inspection
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Lebanon, the following items are prohibited for importation:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Pornography and obscene publications, videos or software
- Anti-religious materials and publications
- Ivory
- Swords and knives
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles require special authorization and/or the payments of duties and taxes to clear Lebanese customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol (more than a few bottles will incur duty)
- Satellite dishes, telephones and fax machines ( require approval from the Ministry of Defense)
- New items (dutiable 30 percent of customs' assessed value plus 10 percent VAT)
- Videotapes, DVDs, CDs, books and records (inspected by General Security office)
- Food (Inspected by Agricultural Research Institute and require Visa from Ministry of Agriculture, Health and Economy)
- All firearms, air guns, ammunition and decorative weapons (require prior licensing from the Ministry of Communications and Defense)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your vehicle with you to Lebanon, you'll require the assistance of international vehicle shippers with sufficient knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations. To import your vehicle into Lebanon, it must meet these conditions:
- Vehicles may not be over eight years old
- Diesel vehicles are prohibited
- All vehicles and boats are subject to duties
The following documents are required:
- Original title and registration
- Purchase invoice (notarized by Lebanese Embassy at origin)
- Bill of Lading (indicating make, model, engine and chassis numbers, weight and color)
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is your most precious cargo-- to ensure he or she gets through customs without trouble, the following is required to successfully cross Lebanese borders with your pet:
- Vaccination certificate (including rabies, less than one year before arrival)
- Health certificate (issued by licensed veterinarian)
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a complex venture, which is why it is imperative to hire trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any international moving company, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified for the job and can properly aid you in the complicated customs process. Being knowledgeable and conducting a thorough background check on any potential company will protect you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area to safely transport your belongings to Lebanon.
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