Lebanon Travel Health Guide for US Travelers
A physician-reviewed health and safety guide for Americans traveling to the Lebanese Republic
The U.S. Department of State advises Americans Do Not Travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping, and unexploded landmines. Lebanon has experienced devastating military conflict, economic collapse, and ongoing Hezbollah-Israel tensions. The US Embassy has limited ability to assist US citizens in an emergency. If you are currently in Lebanon, the State Department strongly urges you to depart. Always check the latest advisory at travel.state.gov.
Before You Travel to Lebanon
The US State Department urges Americans not to travel to Lebanon. Lebanon has faced overlapping crises: the catastrophic 2020 Beirut port explosion, an ongoing severe economic collapse, political deadlock, Hezbollah-Israel military conflict resulting in widespread damage in 2024, and persistent kidnapping and terrorism risks. The US Embassy in Beirut has significantly reduced its operations. If travel is nonetheless unavoidable — for family reunification, journalism, or humanitarian work — comprehensive advance health and security preparation is essential.
Visit a Travel Clinic
See a travel medicine physician before departure. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Lebanon's healthcare system has been severely degraded by economic crisis and conflict damage — bring all needed medications with you.
Get Travel Insurance
Most standard travel insurers will not cover Level 4 countries. If travel is essential, seek a specialist war/conflict insurer. Verify explicitly what your policy covers. Medical evacuation to Cyprus or Europe may be needed — and can be extremely costly without coverage.
Documents & Registration
Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov. US citizens can enter Lebanon without a visa for short visits. Keep your passport and essential documents accessible at all times. Have a documented exit plan before entering the country.
Pack a Comprehensive Medical Kit
Bring all prescription medications in significant supply — medication shortages are severe throughout Lebanon due to economic collapse. Include oral rehydration salts, a broad-spectrum antibiotic (per doctor), water purification tablets, DEET repellent, and a basic wound care kit.
Water & Food Safety
Tap water in Lebanon is not reliably safe to drink — the infrastructure has deteriorated significantly. Use sealed bottled water for all drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice. Food safety standards at established restaurants in Beirut are generally acceptable; exercise greater caution elsewhere.
Cash & Payments
Lebanon has suffered a catastrophic currency crisis. The Lebanese Pound (LBP) has lost over 95% of its value. Most transactions now take place in US dollars. ATMs often dispense LBP at poor rates. Bring sufficient US dollar cash. Credit card acceptance has collapsed at many establishments due to banking system failures.
Yellow Fever in Lebanon
Malaria in Lebanon
Recommended Vaccines for Lebanon
No vaccinations are required for entry. The following are recommended given Lebanon's deteriorating sanitation infrastructure.
Lebanon's water and sewage infrastructure has deteriorated significantly due to economic collapse. Hepatitis A risk has increased. Strongly recommended for all travelers.
Typhoid risk has increased with Lebanon's water system degradation. Strongly recommended for all travelers, particularly those staying beyond Beirut's main districts.
Recommended given the likelihood of needing medical care in facilities with potentially limited sterile equipment. Lebanon's hospital system has been severely strained. Three-dose series.
MMR, Tdap, Polio Booster, Influenza, COVID-19
All routine vaccinations must be fully current. Lebanon's healthcare collapse means disease surveillance is degraded — maintaining full immunization is especially important.
Healthcare System in Lebanon
Beirut
Some private hospitals in Beirut (American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hotel-Dieu de France) attempt to maintain international standards but face severe resource shortages — medication stockouts, generator dependency, and staff depletion. Even these facilities are a shadow of their former capacity. English and French are spoken by medical staff at private facilities.
Outside Beirut
Healthcare outside Beirut is critically limited. The south (Hezbollah-controlled areas, areas damaged in recent conflict) has extremely poor medical infrastructure. Rural and southern areas should be avoided entirely. Any serious medical condition outside Beirut requires immediate evacuation to the capital or abroad.
Evacuation to Cyprus
Medical and emergency evacuation from Lebanon most commonly goes to Cyprus (Nicosia or Larnaca — approximately 45 minutes by air) or directly to Europe. Commercial flights from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport operate when conditions allow, but can be suspended during active conflict. Ensure your evacuation provider has confirmed regional capability before travel.
Emergency Numbers in Lebanon
The US Embassy in Beirut operates at reduced capacity and has severely limited ability to assist US citizens in an emergency, particularly in southern Lebanon and areas outside Beirut. Emergency services throughout Lebanon are unreliable due to fuel shortages and infrastructure damage. In any emergency, contact the US Embassy immediately and simultaneously activate your medical evacuation insurance provider.
US Embassy Beirut
Awkar, Highway 2, Beirut
Phone: +961 4-542-600
After-hours emergencies: +961 4-542-600
Note: Operating at reduced capacity.
lb.usembassy.gov
US State Dept 24/7 Hotline
From US/Canada: +1-888-407-4747
From abroad: +1-202-501-4444
Primary resource given Embassy's reduced capacity. Available 24/7.
STEP Enrollment
Register at step.state.gov before departure. Critical in Lebanon — STEP is your primary mechanism for Embassy contact in emergencies given reduced local capacity.
Nature & Weather Risks
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)
Cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance from multiple conflicts — including the 2006 war and 2024 conflict — remain a serious hazard in southern Lebanon. Do not travel to southern Lebanon. Never pick up or approach any unfamiliar object on the ground. Stick to established roads and urban areas only. UXO can be found in fields, roadsides, and former combat zones.
Summer Heat
Lebanese summers are hot and humid on the coast (Beirut reaches 35°C / 95°F in July–August) and hot and dry in the Bekaa Valley. Lebanon's power crisis means reliable air conditioning is unavailable in most non-hotel settings. Stay hydrated, use bottled water, and limit outdoor exertion during peak heat hours.
Road Safety
Road conditions in Lebanon are poor — traffic laws are poorly enforced, roads are poorly lit (due to power cuts), and driving standards are dangerous. Road accidents are a leading cause of injury. Avoid driving after dark. Do not use roads in southern Lebanon or areas affected by recent conflict. Use reputable private drivers where possible.
Seismic Risk
Lebanon lies on the Levant Fault and experiences seismic activity. Given the structural damage to many Beirut buildings from the 2020 port explosion and subsequent neglect, earthquake risk to damaged structures is elevated. Be aware of the structural integrity of any building you occupy.
Crime, Violence & Safety Risks
Armed Conflict & Terrorism
Lebanon has experienced active military conflict with Israel (2024) and retains multiple armed non-state actors. Rocket attacks, drone strikes, and military operations have affected civilian areas. The situation along the southern border remains extremely dangerous. Avoid all of southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley border areas, and Palestinian refugee camp peripheries.
Kidnapping
US citizens have been kidnapped in Lebanon. Kidnapping for political reasons and for ransom both occur. Maintain a very low profile, do not publicize your movements or American identity widely, vary routines, and avoid isolated areas. Establish daily check-ins with contacts outside Lebanon.
Civil Unrest
Demonstrations related to Lebanon's political and economic crisis occur regularly. Protests can turn violent. Security forces have used force on demonstrators. Avoid all demonstrations. During periods of civil unrest, roads including to the airport can be blocked — maintain an awareness of alternative exit routes at all times.
Exit Planning
Always know your exit options. Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport can close rapidly during military incidents. Know the route to the port and the possibility of sea evacuation. Monitor commercial flight schedules daily. Register with STEP and keep the US Embassy informed of your location and travel plans.
Other Health Risks in Lebanon
Traveler's Diarrhea & Waterborne Disease
Risk has significantly increased with Lebanon's water infrastructure collapse. Use only bottled water for all consumption. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera are all concerns. Carry oral rehydration salts and a standby antibiotic (per doctor).
Leishmaniasis
Present in Lebanon, spread by sand fly bites mainly in rural areas. Use DEET insect repellent and wear protective clothing at dusk and dawn. Fine-mesh nets or permethrin-treated nets provide protection in rural accommodation. Risk has increased in displacement camp settings.
Mental Health & Trauma
The psychological impact of being in Lebanon's current environment — economic despair, conflict, grief over the 2020 Beirut explosion — should not be underestimated. Journalistic and humanitarian workers are particularly at risk of vicarious trauma and PTSD. Ensure adequate mental health support is available before, during, and after any Lebanon deployment.
Medication Shortages
Lebanon faces a catastrophic shortage of medications across virtually all categories — including insulin, chemotherapy, cardiac drugs, and basic antibiotics. Do not plan to obtain any medications in Lebanon. Bring generous supplies of everything you need and carry a physician's letter explaining your medical needs.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Lebanon
- Reassess whether travel is essential — State Department Level 4: Do Not Travel
- Get Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines (strongly recommended)
- Update all routine vaccines: MMR, Tdap, Hepatitis B, Polio, Flu, COVID-19
- Verify travel insurance covers Level 4 countries — most standard policies do not
- Purchase conflict/war evacuation insurance and confirm Cyprus or European coverage
- Bring generous supply of ALL prescription medications — nothing is reliably available in Lebanon
- Bring water purification tablets and bottled water supply
- Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov
- Save emergency numbers: Ambulance 140 | Emergency 112 | Fire 175 | US Embassy Beirut +961 4-542-600 | State Dept +1-888-407-4747
- Do not travel to southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley border areas, or Palestinian camp peripheries
- Establish daily check-ins with contacts outside Lebanon
- Have documented exit plan — know airport, port, and road exit routes
- Monitor Beirut-Rafic Hariri Airport operational status daily during your stay
- Never pick up or approach any unfamiliar object on the ground — UXO risk in south
