Foreign travel advice

Lebanon

Warning FCDO advises against all travel to Lebanon.

Health

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

There have been reported cases of cholera in Lebanon. More guidance is available in TravelHealthPro’s cholera factsheet.

Medication

Medical supplies are increasingly hard to find in country. You should take any medicines you need with you to Lebanon. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription medication you should carry a medical certificate confirming that the medication has been prescribed for a medical condition.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in Lebanon

The availability and quality of medical treatment available in Lebanon is being affected by the economic crisis and fuel shortages. For example:

  • air conditioning and lighting may be turned off
  • non-essential medical treatment may be cancelled
  • hospitals may refuse to take patients if they are unable to treat them
  • emergency and life-saving care, including life support care, could be severely impacted

Medical care in Lebanon can be expensive. Most medical providers and hospitals are insisting on significant cash deposits before admitting patients, including in emergency situations. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Doctors are generally well qualified, though nursing standards vary. The economic crisis has caused a number of health care professionals to leave the country. This may affect staffing levels. The majority of medical staff speak French and English.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Lebanon.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Lebanon.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.