Middle East and North Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

• We advise against all but essential travel to Zuwara, Az Zawiya, Tripoli, al Khums, Zlitan and Misrata, and the coastal towns from Ras Lanuf to the Egyptian Border, including Benghazi. We advise against all travel to all other areas of Libya.
  
  
• Violent clashes between armed groups are possible across the country, particularly at night, and even in those places that have previously avoided conflict. These often include the use of heavy weapons. There were recent clashes in Gharyan on 14 January, Tripoli on 22 January and Bani Walid on 23 January.  
  
  
• You should monitor the local security situation carefully, avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, which are becoming more frequent, and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities. A violent protest occurred in 21 January in Benghazi and further violent demonstrations cannot be ruled out. Demonstrations may also become more frequent and widespread as the 17 February anniversary of the start of the revolution approaches.  
  
  
• In general, British nationals (including dual nationals) in Libya should keep a low profile and avoid all but essential travel in their local area and to other parts of the country, particularly at night. Law and order in the country is still being re-established and the threat from crime remains high. There is also limited police capacity to prevent or deal with the street crimes, including muggings.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• The airports in Tripoli and Benghazi are open and there are numerous commercial flights including to and from Europe.
  
  
• Land border crossing points may close with little or no notice. The road to the Egyptian land border is open but is controlled by numerous checkpoints. We have had reports of violent incidents along this road. Access to the Tunisian land border may be temporarily restricted without notice. Tunisian security in the border area has been increased. There have also been reports of large queues at the border.
  
  
• If you are planning on travelling to Libya in the near future, you should either register with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office via our LOCATE system or by email on consularenquiries.tripoli@fco.gov.uk.
  
  
• We have opened a UK Embassy in Tripoli, and there is a British Office currently operating in Benghazi.
  
  
• The UK Embassy in Tripoli and Office in Benghazi are only able to provide very limited consular assistance at present. They cannot issue passports or visas to members of the public, although in a genuine emergency, a single page/single journey travel document can be provided. In an emergency, British nationals in Libya requiring consular assistance should call +44 (0)20 7008 1500 or email consularenquiries.tripoli@fco.gov.uk  (but please be aware that this mailbox is only monitored during office hours).
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
  
  
• 20 British nationals required consular assistance in Libya in the period 01 April 2010 – 31 March 2011. See: General - Consular Assistance Statistics.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

We advise against all but essential travel to Zuwara, Az Zawiya, Tripoli, al Khums, Zlitan and Misrata, and the coastal towns from Ras Lanuf to the Egyptian Border, including Benghazi. We advise against all travel to all other areas of Libya.

We recommend those British nationals (and especially dual nationals) remaining in Libya, keep a low profile.

The National Transitional Council formally declared the liberation of Libya on 23 October 2011. On 22 November, the Libyan Transitional Government was formed. However the situation across Libya remains unpredictable. Violent clashes between armed groups are possible across the country, particularly at night, and even in those places that have previously avoided conflict. 

There were clashes involving pro-Qadhafi forces around the Rixos Hotel/Abu Salim quarter of Tripoli on 14 October. Also on 14 November there were clashes in Zawiyah between rival factions, including the use of heavy weapons, this made the main road to Tunis untenable for a period of time. There were further clashes in Gharyan on 14 January, Tripoli on 22 January and Bani Walid on 23 January.

You should monitor the local security situation carefully, avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, which are becoming more frequent, and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities. A violent protest occurred on 21 January in Benghazi and further violent demonstrations cannot be ruled out. Demonstrations may also become more frequent and widespread as the anniversary of the start of the revolution approaches.

There are reports of large amounts of unexploded ordinance and landmines in and around the conflict zones.  When driving, you should keep to the main roads.

There has been celebratory gunfire since the revolution and a number of fatalities as a result of rounds falling from the sky. This has reduced but, in the event of celebratory gunfire we advise you to stay indoors wherever possible.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See terrorism abroad.

On 1 June 2011 a car bomb exploded outside the Tibesti Hotel in Benghazi. Following this explosion, other devices were discovered and made safe by the local authorities. There continues to be a threat of further attacks, particularly against symbolic targets in Benghazi. These could include international hotels and buildings used by the National Transitional Council and Transitional Government.

There is a threat of kidnapping from terrorists operating in North Africa. See our Sahel page for information on the regional threat.

A British national was kidnapped in the Libya/Tunisia/Algeria border area on 10 September 2011 and was subsequently released on 12 September 2011.

Safety and Security - Crime

There are reports of increased crime levels in Libya. British nationals in Libya should ensure that their homes and possessions are secured. They should avoid non-essential travel, especially after dark. There is limited police capacity to deal with street crime, including muggings.

See victims of crime abroad.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

Tripoli International airport is open and, since 1 December 2011, commercial carriers have resumed flights to and from Europe. Benghazi airport is also open and there are commercial international flights as well as flights to Tripoli. The UN Security Council lifted the No Fly Zone over Libya on 31 October 2011.

There is a higher threat from terrorism and other criminal activity in areas bordering Sudan, Chad, Niger and Algeria. 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.

The Libyan authorities may restrict access to the more remote parts of the country (e.g. desert areas and remote towns) at short notice.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

The standard of driving in Libya is very poor, but the roads are generally in a reasonable condition. Take care when driving anywhere in Libya, particularly at night. Always wear a seatbelt and drive defensively.

The road to the Egyptian border is open but is controlled by numerous checkpoints.  They appear to increase in number at night and are unpredictable in terms of their frequency, location and temperament. You should exercise caution and compliance at these checkpoints and avoid all but essential travel at night.  We have had reports of violent incidents along this road.  

Due to the risk of unexploded ordinance, the FCO advises against all off-road driving.  Also we have had reports of violent incidents on some desert routes, so travel to remote places should be undertaken with extreme caution. In general, all travel in the desert should be undertaken in groups and you should ensure that you are well prepared with enough fuel, water and food etc.

See driving abroad.

Libya country profile

Local laws reflect the fact that Libya is an Islamic 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. 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.

See travelling during Ramadan.

The sale and consumption of alcohol are against the law throughout Libya. Stern penalties are imposed for the possession or use of alcohol. On no account should you attempt to bring alcohol into the country. Those found in possession of any illegal drug may receive a prison sentence.

Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Libya, for which the minimum prison sentence is three years. The authorities are known to charge and convict homosexuals under this law. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.

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

Do not to use cameras close to military or official sites.

See your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

British nationals must obtain a visa before travelling to Libya. You should contact the Libyan Embassy on 020 72018280; their Consular offices are at: 61-62 Ennismore Gardens, London, SW7 1NH, for the latest updates on how to make your application.

Prior to application, applicants need to obtain a letter of invitation to visit Libya from their Libyan sponsor (e.g. a Libyan government department or registered company) and to ensure that their sponsor has submitted this to the Libyan immigration authorities in Tripoli.

An Arabic translation of your passport’s bio data page is no longer required. Passports showing previous travel to Israel are not accepted for travel to Libya.

There is a requirement for all travellers to Libya to carry with them $1,000 (or equivalent in another currency) on entry to the country. While the law is seldom enforced, individuals have occasionally been turned back on arrival for failing to carry this sum.

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Libya. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. For passport applications in the UK, you should apply to the Identity and Passport Service.

Entry Requirements - 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 the 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.

Although not common in Libya, there were confirmed cases of malaria in the south-eastern city of al-Kufra in October 2010. If you are travelling to al-Kufra, consider taking protections against malaria and using insect repellent. See our Travel Health page.

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, which have now reopened. 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.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 10,000 adults aged 15 or over in Libya were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around less than 0.1% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Libya and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health, disease outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.  

See our travel health page.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, including the costs of medical evacuation. See our travel insurance page.

Should you plan to travel to remote or desert areas against our travel advice, be aware that it may prove impossible for you to receive 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.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Our Offices

We have opened a UK Embassy in Tripoli, and there is a British Office currently operating in Benghazi.  However, these offices can only provide very limited services at present. They cannot issue passports or visas, although in a genuine emergency, a single page/single journey travel document can be provided (see Emergency Passports). If such an emergency document is required or if a British national requires consular assistance, please call +44 (0)20 7008 1500 or email consularenquiries.tripoli@fco.gov.uk  (but please be aware this mailbox is only monitored during office hours).
 
For general information about UK policies and activities in Libya visit www.ukinlibya.fco.gov.uk.      

General - Registration

We advise British nationals in Libya to register via our LOCATE system or by email on consularenquiries.tripoli@fco.gov.uk.

General - If You Need Your Passport Replacing

We are currently unable to issue standard passports in Libya. Replacement passports can be issued by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), in person, in the UK. IPS can provide a fast track service by appointment.

General - Emergency Passports

If your passport is lost or stolen and you urgently need to travel, get in touch with the Foreign Office on +44 (0)20 7008 1500 who can facilitate the issuing of an Emergency Passport in exceptional circumstances where they are satisfied of your identity and that you are a British national. Please give as much detail as possible such as your passport number and other evidence of identity. 

General - Money

Libya is a cash society.

Credit cards are not widely used although VISA and MASTERCARD are starting to be accepted in some outlets. There are a few reliable ATMs in Tripoli. There are commercial money transfer services available at Tripoli International Airport and in Tripoli. Money transfers can also be arranged through some banks.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics

20 British nationals required consular assistance in Libya in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: two deaths; three hospitalisations; and nine arrests for a variety of offences.