General information and considerations for status and re-entry to Lebanon

While rapidly changing events in Syria present a remarkable opportunity for Syria to move toward peace and for millions to begin returning home, it is too early for UNHCR to advise refugees about the situation in areas of intended returns, as it is expected to continue to change.

UNHCR maintains its position that all refugees have the fundamental right to return to their home country freely and voluntarily, at a time of their choosing. It is not up to UNHCR or anyone else to make the decision on return on behalf of refugees. Refugees are best placed to make that decision, based on their individual situation, that of their family, and their homes in Syria.

UNHCR continues to call on States not to forcibly return Syrian nationals and others that used to live in Syria, including Palestinians, to any part of Syria.

If you are considering returning to Syria:

• UNHCR is working with authorities in Lebanon and Syria to ensure that refugees who voluntarily choose to return to Syria can do so in a safe and dignified manner.
• You can return to Syria at your own initiative, with the support of your community, or through a UNHCR voluntary return programme.
• UNHCR will assist with practical support including a one-time return cash grant, guidance on exit procedures, advice on essential documents to carry, and recommendations on how to prepare.
• Inside Syria, the security situation continues to change. While we cannot provide confirmed information, UNHCR is present through community centers across the country and providing awareness sessions and psychosocial and legal assistance for Syrians returning home (Contact For Syrians)

If you have not taken a decision to return to Syria:

UNHCR continues to work with Lebanese authorities and partners to ensure you can continue to stay in Lebanon until you are able to return home in safety and dignity.

Over the past years, UNHCR has collected information on refugee intentions and views about their future, including intentions to return to Syria, to stay in Lebanon, or to travel to a third country. This information helps ensure UNHCR plan in line with refugee priorities and intentions.

Information collected during these activities is presented anonymously.

Participation is voluntary, is not linked to humanitarian assistance in Lebanon, and does not affect eligibility to receive assistance and services.

Yes. UNHCR continues to schedule and uphold appointments for all refugees in Lebanon.

As of 1 September 2025, UNHCR Reception Centers in North and Bekaa are permanently closed. The Reception Center in Tyre remains closed. If you are a refugee residing anywhere in Lebanon, all future in-person appointments scheduled with UNHCR will take place at the UNHCR Beirut Case Processing Center. Remember: access to the Beirut Case Processing Center is only granted to those with pre-scheduled appointments. Do not approach any case processing center without an appointment—UNHCR will not be able to assist you.

If you have a UNHCR appointment but are concerned about travelling: express your concern to the UNHCR specialist who is scheduling your appointment or contact UNHCR for support.

If you or your family members return or have already returned to Syria at your own initiative, with support of your community, or through a UNHCR programme: UNHCR may be informed of your return by Government authorities, partners, or through its verification activities like the Presence Verification exercise. At that point, your UNHCR file in Lebanon will be closed and you will no longer be eligible for assistance in Lebanon.

Members of your family who remain in Lebanon will maintain active UNHCR files. They may continue to receive assistance in accordance with the size of the remaining family in Lebanon if they continue to regularly complete card validation, redeem their assistance, and attend verification activities with UNHCR.

Once you return to Syria and your UNHCR case is closed, your legal status in Lebanon may change depending on your previous residency status. Re-entry bans are no longer applied to those returning under this programme from 1 July to 31 March 2026.

• If you had valid residency (e.g., sponsor, work permit, student visa, or courtesy residency): Your residency typically remains valid after departure and you may be able to return to Lebanon within the validity period.
• If your residency was based on a UNHCR certificate or temporary permit: Your residency will be cancelled on departure and your UNHCR file will be closed. If you choose to return to Lebanon in the future, you will need to meet regular entry requirements.
• If you did not have valid residency: Your file will be closed but you will not be subject to a re-entry ban.

UNHCR shares basic information (not your full file) with GSO for coordination only. You are encouraged to discuss any questions during your counselling session or call UNHCR at 04726111 for clarification.

If you have a resettlement case and voluntarily return to Syria, the resettlement country will be informed and your resettlement file will be closed. It is resettlement countries who decide.

UNHCR is aware that some countries have suspended processing of Syrian asylum claims but does not yet know if this suspension will extend to resettlement cases.

UNHCR continues to advocate with States that the situation in Syria remains uncertain and that individuals continue to need international protection and resettlement.

If you are planning to return to Syria at your own initiative or with support of your community:

• Contact UNHCR’s National Call Center at 04726111 to close your file with UNHCR in Lebanon.
• UNHCR will conduct a short interview and update contact details.
• Your UNHCR file in Lebanon will be closed at your request and you will no longer receive assistance in Lebanon.
• Your personal information will be shared with UNHCR in Syria to facilitate other services and to assess whether you are eligible for the one-time reintegration cash grant by UNHCR in Syria

?NOTE: if you return though a community-organized initiative but did not contact UNHCR, UNHCR may be informed by authorities of your return and your file with UNHCR in Lebanon will be closed.

If you are planning to return to Syria through UNHCR supported voluntary return Programme:

• Contact UNHCR’s National Call Center at 04726111 to register your interest in a Programme.
• A UNHCR staff member will call you back to answer questions and discuss needs.
• If you decide to participate, you will receive a return cash grant of USD 100 per returning family member from UNHCR in Lebanon.
• With your consent, your information will be shared with UNHCR in Syria to assess whether you may also be eligible for a one-time reintegration cash grant from UNHCR in Syria of USD 600 per family.

?NOTE: Once you sign the Repatriation Form, your individual UNHCR file in Lebanon will be closed.

If you hold a valid student residence permit at the time of your re-entry to Lebanon, you may be allowed to enter the country if there is no re-entry ban issued against you.

If you are employed in Lebanon, you will need a valid residence permit based on a work permit issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Labor or a sponsorship issued by the GSO.

Yes, Syrian nationals arriving in Lebanon via the airport may transit to Syria, even if they are subject to an entry ban. The entry is only allowed for those who wish to transit to Syria (not to stay in Lebanon) or those who hold valid residence permits in Lebanon.