What actually happens to travelers here.
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, bring your prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, and verify your travel insurance covers international medical care + evacuation.
The system.
System: Private healthcare dominant. Public system severely strained due to economic crisis. Many well-trained physicians but hospital resources limited by ongoing crisis.
Quality: โ โ โ โโ Good
Lebanese doctors and nurses are well-trained (many educated in France, US, UK). Private hospitals in Beirut offer good care. However, the ongoing economic crisis has caused severe shortages of medications, medical supplies, and staff emigration. Conditions are worse outside Beirut.
Lebanon was historically a regional medical tourism hub, especially for cosmetic surgery. The economic crisis has significantly impacted this sector, though some clinics still operate at high standards.
Where to actually go.
Lebanon's premier hospital. Internationally accredited. English, French, Arabic spoken.
Major hospital near Gemmayzeh nightlife area. French and English spoken.
Affiliated with Johns Hopkins. Modern private hospital.
Finding what you need.
Access: Moderate
Hours: Most pharmacies open 8am-8pm. Some 24/7 pharmacies in Beirut. Availability has been affected by the economic crisis.
Prescription rules: Prescription enforcement varies. Due to the economic crisis, some medications are rationed. Bring all medications you need from home.
IMPORTANT: Lebanon has experienced severe medication shortages since 2020 due to the economic crisis. Many medications may be unavailable or in short supply. Bring ALL medications you may need for your entire trip. Pharmacists speak Arabic, French, and often English.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol (when available)
- ibuprofen
- antihistamines
- antacids
- oral rehydration salts
- basic first aid supplies
Useful pharmacy phrases
- ุจุฏู ุฏูุง ููุตุฏุงุน
- ุจุฏู ุฏูุชูุฑ
- ููู ุฃูุฑุจ ุตูุฏููุฉุ
- ุนูุฏู ูุงูุฏูุงุ
- ู ุง ุนู ุญุณ ุจุฎูุฑ
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen โ Panadol
Panadol is the dominant brand throughout the Arab world. - ibuprofen โ Brufen or Advil
Both available; Brufen is more common locally. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) โ Imodium
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original packaging. Given the medication shortage crisis, bring sufficient supply for your entire trip plus extra. A letter in English or French is acceptable.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall ยท CBD ยท Xanax ยท Opioids
Illegal despite some legislative reform discussions. Penalties include imprisonment.
Controlled substance. Carry doctor's letter and original prescription.
Controlled. Carry documentation.
Controlled but widely prescribed in Lebanon. Carry documentation.
If something breaks.
Availability: Good dental care in Beirut. Lebanese dentists are well-trained. Costs are lower than Western countries.
Cost range: $30-80 for consultation; $50-200 for fillings (prices in USD widely accepted)
Dental tourism was popular pre-crisis. Many dentists still offer excellent care at competitive prices.
What you actually need.
๐ก๏ธ Recommended
Average cost: $30-60/week
Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential. In the event of a serious medical emergency, evacuation to Turkey, Jordan, or Cyprus may be necessary. Hospitals often require cash payment upfront (USD preferred). The Lebanese pound has lost significant value.
Filing a claim
Hospitals often require cash payment upfront (US dollars preferred). Keep all receipts. AUBMC and other major hospitals can provide English-language medical documentation. Insurance companies may have difficulty verifying local charges.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $10-30 |
| ER visit | $40-150 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $60-250 |
| Ambulance | $20-80 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Dubai
Secondary destination: Istanbul or Athens
Typical cost band: $30,000-90,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. Dubai is the primary medical hub for the broader Middle East and North Africa.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies (if visiting rural areas)
- Routine vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations. Check current CDC travel advisories before travel given the evolving situation.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Bottled-Only โ Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Lebanon. Water infrastructure has deteriorated. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Bottled water is affordable and widely available.
Food safety
Lebanese cuisine is excellent but be cautious with street food and raw vegetables. Eat at established restaurants in Beirut. Food safety in tourist areas (Gemmayzeh, Hamra, Jounieh) is generally good. Power outages can affect food refrigeration.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Embrace: +961-1-341-941
English-speaking therapists: Available in Beirut. Many therapists speak English and French. The Lebanese psychological community is well-established.
Mental health awareness has grown significantly since the 2020 Beirut explosion. Embrace Lifeline (1564) provides 24/7 emotional support.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com โ crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility is very limited in Lebanon. Sidewalks are uneven, many buildings lack elevators, and infrastructure has deteriorated.
Hospital accessibility: Major hospitals like AUBMC have accessibility features. Smaller clinics may not.
Accessible transport: No accessible public transport. Private drivers and taxis are the best option.
Beirut's hilly terrain and damaged infrastructure make wheelchair navigation challenging. Newer hotels are more accessible. Contact hotels directly about accessibility.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements.
Mask policy: No mask mandates.
Testing availability: Available at hospitals and labs.
The broader healthcare crisis and medication shortages are more significant health concerns than COVID for travelers.
Lebanon travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State โ travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Beirut
- WHO Lebanon
- Lebanese Red Cross