Lebanon

Possessing, using and trafficking illegal drugs — including small quantities — are all serious offences in Lebanon, punishable with prison.

Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and large fines.

Cannabis is illegal in Lebanon, including small amounts for personal use. Lebanon's 2020 law is widely misreported as legalising cannabis: it only allows licensed cultivation for medical and industrial use, and it expressly keeps the drug law's penalties in force. Possessing, holding or buying even a personal-sized amount is a criminal offence under article 127 of the 1998 narcotics law, punishable by three months to three years in prison plus a fine, and no quantity is published as safe.

Possessing, holding or buying even a small amount judged to be for personal use carries three months to three years in prison plus a fine (Law 673/1998, art. 127). The fine is stated in the 1998 text in Lebanese pounds; given the currency's collapse, ask the authorities for the current figure rather than relying on the amount in the statute. A court may suspend or waive the sentence for a minor or a non-repeat offender who submits to court-ordered treatment, but that is discretionary and only after conviction. Anything treated as going beyond personal use, including supplying, selling or trafficking, falls under articles 125 and 126, which carry up to life imprisonment with hard labour. The UK Foreign Office states that possessing, using and trafficking illegal drugs, including small quantities, are all serious offences punishable with prison sentences.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging with your prescription and confirm legality with Lebanon's Ministry of Health; Lebanon has significant medication shortages, so bring enough for the whole trip.

Lebanese customs may strictly regulate import/export of firearms, military paraphernalia, professional camera equipment, other communications equipment, and antiquities.

Contact the Embassy of Lebanon for requirements; violations can bring detention and confiscation.

An International Driving Permit is required to drive in Lebanon and you must carry your licence, vehicle registration and proof of insurance; vehicles with diesel engines are banned.

Diesel-engine vehicles are banned; expect to stop at army checkpoints and show your papers.

Take photographs only at tourist sites in Lebanon: you could be arrested for photographing military sites, may be detained for taking photos in Hizballah areas, and flying a camera drone without permission is illegal.

Detention or arrest; flying a drone camera without permission is illegal.

Same-sex relationships are criminalised in Lebanon and punishable by up to one year in prison.

Up to 1 year in prison; arrests have followed unrelated minor offences.

During Ramadan in Lebanon do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during daylight hours — including in your car — and avoid playing loud music, dancing or swearing in public.