Less than a month after the fall of the Syrian regime and the new administration’s assumption of power, restrictions have emerged on the entry of Lebanese nationals into Syria, raising concerns about a potential diplomatic standoff.

Since December 8—the date marking the regime's collapse—hundreds of Lebanese citizens, including media and political delegations as well as civilians, had been traveling to Syria without any hindrance. However, in the past 24 hours, Syrian authorities have begun denying Lebanese nationals entry into the country.

According to preliminary reports, Lebanese General Security started preventing Lebanese citizens from crossing the Masnaa border point into Syria late Thursday night. The move followed directives from Syrian authorities to deny entry to Lebanese citizens unless they possess valid Syrian residency permits.

This new restriction has been enforced at multiple border crossings, including those in Lebanon’s Bekaa region and northern areas such as Arida, Aboudiyeh, and Jisr al-Qamar.

Sources suggest that Syria's decision was in response to similar Lebanese restrictions on Syrians entering Lebanon. Lebanese authorities currently require Syrians to meet strict entry conditions, including holding valid Lebanese residency permits.

Under the new Syrian regulations, Lebanese nationals seeking entry must present a valid Syrian residency permit, proof of a hotel reservation along with $2,000 in cash, or evidence of a medical appointment with a Syrian guarantor. Overstaying in Syria by even one day can result in financial penalties and a one-year ban from re-entry.

Despite these stipulations, eyewitnesses told Annahar that Lebanese General Security has been denying entry to all Lebanese nationals, regardless of whether they meet the stated conditions.

Observers monitoring activity at the Masnaa border crossing believe the Syrian decision may be linked to a recent incident involving the Lebanese Army. Two armed members of “Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham” were reportedly detained after crossing into Lebanese territory. The pair were later released, but the incident is suspected to have triggered Syria’s retaliatory measures.

Later, a military official and two security sources from Lebanon told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the restrictions on Lebanese citizens entering Syria were imposed following skirmishes between the Lebanese Army and armed Syrians.

"We have not been informed of any new measures from the Syrian side and were by the decision to close the border to Lebanese nationals,” a Lebanese General Security official told AFP.