Lebanon
Last update 23 March 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Increased level of risk (recommendation not to travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Republic of Lebanon
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Lebanon
Ambassade de la Republique de Bulgarie
Address: BP 11 65 44 Beyrout, Hazmieh, Mar Takla, secteur 6, rue 44
Telephone: +961 5 452 883; +961 5 453 658
Fax: +961 5 452 892; +961 5 452 949
Office hours: Mon - Fri, 08.30 - 15.30 h
Office hours of the Consular section: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 09.00 - 12.00 h.
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/lebanon
Embassy of the Republic of Lebanon in Sofia
Address: Frederic Juliot Curie, Bl. 155, apt. 13, 1113 Sofia
Telephone: +359 2 971 27 34; +359 2 971 27 23; +359 2 971 13 14;
Fax: +359 2 971 34 97
Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 15:30 p.m.
E-mail: [email protected]
General information
general information
Security
Lebanoncontinues to be politically instable. Aggravations are possible with some sporadic internal clashes. The risk of terrorist acts and attacks is high.
Local currency
Lebanese pound (lira) is the local currency.
Hotels and shops accept also US dollars.
Customs
Travellers may bring in/out of the county not more than 2 litres of liquors for personal use. There are no restrictions regarding tobacco products.
Foreign currency is not to be declared on entering/exiting the country.
Legislation specifics
It is necessary to strictly adhere to the time allowed to stay in the country. In case of delay, there is a fine for each day of exceeded stay and people can be detained by the Lebanese border and migration authorities to clarify the causes of the violation.
Car travels
If you travel by car, you should know that:
- diesel engine automobiles are prohibited in Lebanon;
- a customs fee of USD 10 together with a mandatory MTPL of USD 50 is to be paid at the point of entry;
- an international driving license issued by UBA is recognised as valid.
Healthcare
Currently there are no outbreaks and infection hazards in Lebanon
Tourism
Lebanonhas a well-developed tourist network with a number of sites to attract tourists.
Entrance fees to historic sites, museums and natural landmarks are from USD 5 to USD 20.
Travel papers and visas
Any traveller must hold a valid international passport.
A Lebanese visa is required for Bulgarian citizens holding a regular passport. Diplomatic passport holders may obtain multiple entry visas for up to 6 months, subject to extension.
The Bulgarian citizens may be granted a visa at the Lebanese Embassy in Sofia as well as in any Lebanese Embassy in any other country, in which they have a permanent residence.
The Bulgarian citizens can obtain a free one month visa renewable for 3 months at the airpot in Beirut or the Lebanese border centres, providet they have an invitation and a round ticket.
A formal invitation by a Lebanese resident is required for a visiting guest.
Visa validity may be extended for up to three months by submitting a motivated application to the Lebanese Migration Authorities (Security General, Ministry of Interior and Municipalities).
Work visa
Work visa may only be acquired through Lebanese Embassies abroad. Applicants must have a work contract signed with a Lebanese employer.
More information about the terms and conditions of entry and residence in Lebanon is available HERE
No mandatory vaccinations are required for Lebanon.
Attention! Passport holders carrying an Israeli visa will not be granted access to the country regardless of the traveller’s status.
Practical advice
Before heading to Lebanon, it is advisable to have the address and telephone numbers of the Bulgarian Embassy in Beirut.
It is advisable to leave your contact details with the Bulgarian Embassy in Beirut for the duration of your stay in Lebanon.
It is advisable to avoid proximity to public places during demonstrations and other forms of protest. Also avoid deviation from the main roads.
Avoid visits to the following regions:
- Palestinian camps where Lebanese authorities have limited control; areas south of Litani River where land mines and cassette bombs from Hezbollah and Israel conflict in the summer of 2006 still remain active; Bekaa Valley area and Syrian border regions.
- It is recommended travellers to acquire an international medical insurance for the period of their stay in Lebanon since medical services in Lebanon are relatively expensive.
- Regardless of the secular nature of Lebanese way of life, it is strongly recommended to show consideration and respect to local religious customs and traditions especially in areas with a predominating Muslim population.
Competitive service
Issue of Bulgarian personal documents
The Embassy in Beirut has technical equipment for the collection of biometric data - fingerprints and photograph for issuing new passports, identity cards and driving license.
Legalisations
The Republic of Bulgaria has concluded with the Lebanese Republic a bilateral legal agreement, according to which documents issued by the competent authorities specified therein in each of the two countries do not need additional legalisation by the other country. The documents obligatorily have to bear an original seal, and then have to be translated in English - for Bulgaria and in Arabic, English or French – for Lebanon, and the translation certified by the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Civil status
Birth of a child of a Bulgarian citizen
Upon birth of a child in Lebanonwhose one or both parents are Bulgarian citizens, they must inform the consular section of the Embassy of Bulgaria in Beirut.
Within six months the parents of a newborn child shall be issued a birth certificate which shall be certified first with the signature and seal of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Interior of Lebanon, and then by the Consular Section of the Bulgarian Embassy in Beirut. Translation into Bulgarian shall be made and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria and then sent to the municipality of domicile of the mother or of the parent who is a Bulgarian citizen.
Marriage
Marriage can be concluded in the Bulgarian Embassy in Beirut.
Marriage to a foreign national may be concluded before the consular officer if the native law of the foreign citizen so permits, and this is attested by an official document.
Before planning a marriage at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Beirut, every Bulgarian citizen must contact the consulate to set the date and time of the ceremony and submit the following documents: medical certificates, birth certificates, identification documents of the future spouses and witnesses, marital status certificate issued by the municipality of residence in the Republic of Bulgaria; statements to be completed by both spouses before the ceremony.
Marriages concluded at the accredited embassies or local churches registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lebdnon shall be recognized only if they are between individuals whose citizenship and religion are other than Lebanese, upon presentation of a duly certified and legalized certificate. The certificate shall be registered with the municipality of domicile of the husband, and if he is not a Bulgarian citizen - with the municipality of domicile of the wife.
Death of a Bulgarian citizen
In case of death of a Bulgarian citizen on the territory of Lebanon, the Consular Office must be promptly notified.
The Death Certificate should be duly certified and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon, the Embassy of Bulgaria in Beirut, and accompanied by an official certified translation into Bulgarian language made by translation companies authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria. The document shall be sent or submitted to the municipality of domicile of the person in Bulgaria. The Consular Office with the Embassy is prepared to provide assistance with any matters concerning the death of Bulgarian citizens.