This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Entry Requirements section (foreign currency on arrival).  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For more information read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas"

 

Crime

 

Violent crime is not a major problem in Libya.  There are increasingly frequent incidents of petty crime, such as pick pocketing in the busy market areas.  You should avoid carrying valuables in public and be vigilant at all times.

 

For more general advice see Victims of Crime Abroad

Political Situation

 

Libya Country Profile.

 

Safety and security in Libya is generally good.  However, you should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as violence between the Israelis and Palestinians, has had across the Arab world and the risk of public disturbance in response.  You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances.  You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

LOCAL TRAVEL

 

We advise against all but essential travel to all areas bordering Chad and Sudan, because of instability in the region.  There are on going problems with illegal immigration in these regions and increased military activity.  With the exception of the official land border crossings to Tunisia and Egypt, visitors and residents are not permitted to travel in the interior or to border areas without an officially sanctioned guide or specific permission from the Libyan authorities.

 

Travel to areas around Ghat and Marzuq Sand Sea should only be undertaken in organised groups.

 

You require prior permission (a desert pass) from the Libyan authorities if you intend to travel to the desert regions.  Your tour operator will usually be able to do this for you.  If you obtain a desert pass you should avoid those desert areas where oil extraction is in operation.  Oil companies will provide passes for their employees.

 

Road Travel

 

The standard of driving in Libya is poor, but the roads are generally in a reasonable condition.  You should take care when driving anywhere in Libya - always wear a seatbelt and drive defensively.  All off-road driving to the desert is best done in groups.  You should ensure that you are well prepared with enough fuel, water and food etc.

 

For more general information see:  driving abroad

 

Air Travel

 

UN Security Council sanctions, including a ban on the supply of aircraft components, engineering and maintenance services for Libyan aircraft and other related services by foreign companies were lifted in April 1999.

 

There are a number of domestic airlines.  Where possible British Government staff based in Libya use Libyan Arab Airlines (which is accredited to IATA) and Buraq Air.  Other domestic airlines are used as and when necessary.

Local laws reflect the fact that Libya is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.  You should dress accordingly at all times, covering arms, shoulders and legs.  Avoid shorts, tight fitting or revealing clothes in public. As a courtesy during Ramadan, non-Muslims should be careful not to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.  Greater emphasis is placed on the need to dress and behave modestly.

 

For more general information see:  Travelling during Ramadan

 

  It is advisable to take extra caution whilst driving at all times.

 

You should respect Libyan laws and regulations. Severe penalties are imposed for criticising the country, its leadership or religion.  Sale and consumption of alcohol is against the law.  Stern penalties are imposed for the possession or use of alcohol.  You should on no account attempt to bring alcohol into the country.

 

Drugs laws are severe.  Those found in the possession of any illegal drug may receive a prison sentence.

 

You are advised to carry some form of identification with you at all times

 

Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Libya.  Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.

 

You are advised not to use cameras close to military or official sites.

 

For more general advice for different types of travellers see:  Travel Checklists

Visas

 

British nationals should obtain a visa before travelling to Libya.  Passports showing previous travel to Israel are not accepted for travel to Libya.  For further information on entry requirements, you are advised to check with the Libyan People's Bureau in London

 

On 11 November 2007, the Libyan authorities reimposed a requirement for all travellers entering (and including those re-entering) the country to have an Arabic transcript of their passport’s details page.  You can obtain a stamp in your passport, which provides the format for this transcript, from the Identity and Passport Service at http://www.ips.gov.uk.  UK travel authorities cannot provide the Arabic transcript itself.  You should obtain this from a reputable translator, who will provide an accurate and legible transcript.  The translator must stamp their translation.  You should then submit your passport, containing the stamps and the transcript, to the Libyan People's Bureau in London, in order to obtain a visa.  Transcripts on a separate piece of paper are not acceptable to the Libyan authorities.  If you travel without the correct transcript in your passport, you may not be able to enter the country.

 

Passport validity

 

Passports should have at least six months remaining validity.

 

Registering with the Libya authorities

 

All tourists and short stay visitors must register their passports with the police within one week of arrival.  This is usually arranged by the company you are visiting or your local travel agency you are travelling with.  A fee of LD 10-15 is usually charged for this.  Failure to comply with this requirement may lead to you being fined when you come to leave the country.

 

Foreign currency on arrival

 

The Libyan authorities require that all tourist visitors (regardless of age) should be in possession of a minimum amount of foreign currency, equivalent to 1000 US Dollars, on entry to the country.  Failure to comply with this regulation may result in instant deportation and a fine to the airline.  Passengers may be required to prove that they meet this requirement to an Immigration Officer on arrival in Libya.

There are a number of exceptions to this requirement.  They are for visitors:

- who are in possession of a business visa;

- who obtained a visa for an official mission;
- who obtained a visa for study on a government course;
- who are in possession of an official government invitation;

Health care in Libya is on the whole, below the standard available in the UK.  There are, however, a couple of private clinics in Tripoli.  If you require treatment local hospitals and private clinics should be able to stabilise you, but you would normally be medically evacuated to Malta or mainland Europe for further treatment.  You should ensure that your insurance covers you for such an event.

 

If your itinerary includes travel to remote or desert areas you should be aware that it might prove impossible for you to receive timely assistance in the case of serious injury or illness.  Even if your travel agent or insurance company has arrangements with an international air ambulance provider, they may not be allowed to carry out a rescue operation within Libya.  The current status of Libyan rescue services is undetermined.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Libya.

For further information on endemic diseases, like malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Libya you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel

 

For more general health information see:  Travel Health

Insurance

 

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, including the costs of medical evacuation.  Please see the “Travel Insurance” page of the FCO website.

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is “What We Can Do To Help”.

 

Registering with the British Embassy

 

British nationals visiting Libya for short periods may wish to register with the British Embassy so that contact details are available in case of emergency.  British nationals remaining for longer periods should register as soon as possible.

 

If you need your Passport replaced

 

The Consular Section at the British Embassy in Libya offers a full passport issuing service.  If you lose your passport while on holiday, you should immediately report the loss first to the nearest Police Station, and then to the Consular Section, who will advise on the arrangements for a replacement passport to be issued.

 

Money

 

Libya is a cash society.  You should be in possession of foreign currency equivalent to 500 Libyan Dinars (see the paragraph on Entry Requirements). 

Credit cards are not widely used although VISA and MASTERCARD are starting to be accepted in some outlets.  There are few reliable ATMs in Tripoli.  There are branches of Western Union and Moneygram situated at Tripoli International Airport in within Tripoli.  Money transfers can also be arranged through some banks.

 

Consular Assistance

 

In recent years Libya has received more visitors and tourists to the region; as many as 16,000 in 2006 according to Libyan figures.  All British Citizens require a visa, which must be supported by an invitation, either from a company or local tour operator.  Borders are still not open to independent travellers wishing to travel across country without a local guide.