Metal Detecting in Lebanon

Lebanon’s antiquities legislation places archaeological excavation within an official authorisation system. The published rules provide for scientific excavation applications made on behalf of scientific organisations, rather than a general permit for private treasure hunting. The Directorate General of Antiquities within the Ministry of Culture is the responsible official contact. I could not confirm a current national rule that clearly settles every recreational search for recently lost objects. Before bringing a detector, ask the directorate and the relevant local authority about your proposed place and activity. Permission from a landowner does not replace archaeological authorisation, even when the search takes place on private property.