Go-and-See Visits

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1. Is it possible to go on a short ‘go-and-see’ visit to Syria and then return to Lebanon?⬇️

UNHCR believes it is important for refugees to be able to assess conditions firsthand in their area of intended return, such as through short ‘go-and-see’ visits. We are in discussion with the government of Lebanon to explore possibilities for a one-time temporary visit for one adult member of your family through official crossing points. A temporary visit to Syria will not affect your file status with UNHCR or any assistance you currently receive.

However, frequent back-and-forth travel between Lebanon and Syria is not consistent with maintaining a refugee status. Only persons who are unable to return to their home country for fear of persecution can continue to benefit from protection as a refugee in Lebanon. Regularly traveling back-and-forth may impact your file status with UNHCR and your access to assistance.

If you are planning a temporary visit to Syria to decide whether to return more permanently, inform UNHCR before you go by:

We can help clarify how such visits may impact your refugee status.

2. Is UNHCR collaborating with the GSO in Lebanon on facilitation of returns to Syria?⬇️

UNHCR is in ongoing dialogue with the government of Lebanon regarding processes around return to Syria for refugees in Lebanon, including GSO facilitated returns. Further updates will be shared as they become available.

3. Is UNHCR providing any assistance in support of go-and-see visits to Syria?⬇️

The go-and-see visits will be self-organized, and refugees will have to pay for their own transportation and other related costs. However, UNHCR is working with the government to ensure that those who participate in a go-and-see visit will not face any administrative barriers when exiting and re-entering Lebanon.

Further information on the terms and conditions of go-and-see visits will soon become available. Stay informed by monitoring this page for updates.

4. Can a minor travel alone to Syria without their parents or legal guardians?⬇️

While it is legally possible for a minor above 15 years of age to travel alone to Syria, it is not advisable for them to travel without their parents or legal guardians.

For temporary ‘go-and-see’ visits supported by the government of Lebanon, only adults will be allowed to participate.

5. Apart from refugees participating in go-and-see visits, who can legally re-enter Lebanon?⬇️

Currently, entry to Lebanon is allowed for:

  • Syrian nationals transiting through Lebanon to a third country,
  • Syrian nationals who have long-term residence permits in Lebanon, such as courtesy or work permits,
  • Children (under 18 years of age) and spouses of Lebanese citizens,
  • Syrian nationals with scheduled appointments at any Arab or Foreign Embassy in Lebanon. Note: You must ask the relevant embassy to send proof of your appointment to the General Security Office in Lebanon before your travel date.

As the situation is changing rapidly, please stay informed of the latest updates by:

6. If I entered Lebanon illegally or overstayed my visa, can I regularize my status at official border crossing points? Will I be asked to pay overstay fees?⬇️

Yes. It is possible to regularize your legal residency status at the border by paying overstay fees. The GSO has committed to not issuing re-entry bans for those who pay their overstay fees.

If you exit Lebanon without regularizing your status and paying overstay fees, you should expect to receive a re-entry ban.

7. I was issued a re-entry ban in Lebanon, how long will it last? Can I appeal the decision?⬇️

Depending on the case, a re-entry ban can last from 1 to 15 years. To have a re-entry ban lifted, a special request must be submitted for consideration by the Director General of the GSO in Lebanon.

8. I have a valid residence permit in Lebanon, but the rest of my family does not, can we all re-enter Lebanon?⬇️

Only spouses and children (under 18 years of age) of Syrian nationals who hold (i.) work permits or (ii.) courtesy permits are allowed to re-enter Lebanon.

As the situation is changing rapidly, please stay informed of the latest updates by:

🟥 UNHCR strongly advises against using unofficial crossing points at the border as they expose individuals to significant risks including explosive objects, exploitation and abuse.

🟥 UNHCR cannot guarantee the practices at official border crossing points.

🟥 Until UNHCR concludes discussions with the government of Lebanon concerning go-and-see visits, we cannot guarantee that anyone departing Lebanon to conduct a short visit to Syria will be able re-enter Lebanon unless they meet the entry criteria mentioned above.