Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Libya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
Please direct inquiries regarding US citizens in Libya to LibyaEmergencyUSC@state.gov; US Embassy in Tripoli is closed, contact the Libya External Office at the US Embassy in Tunis; [216] 71 107-000; Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis; LibyaACS@state.gov; https://ly.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
218
Local Emergency Phone
193, 1515
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Libya: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19 and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior
Currency (Code)
Libyan dinars (LYD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, L
Major Languages
Arabic, Italian, English, Berber
Major Religions
Muslim (virtually all Sunni) 96.6%, Christian 2.7%, Buddhist 0.3%
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Tadrart Acacus; Cyrene; Leptis Magna; Old Town Ghadames; Sabratha; Tripoli (includes Arch of Marcus Aurelius, Red Castle Museum)
Major Sports
Soccer
Cultural Practices
Libyans value courtesy. It is considered rude to criticize another person directly or to discuss family matters in public.
Tipping Guidelines
A service charge of 10-20% is customary on restaurant and hotel bills.
Souvenirs
Ghadames slippers, blended oils/perfumes, stamps, gold jewelry inlaid with precious stones, leather goods, hand-loomed rugs, pottery, stringed musical instruments, copperware, palm leaf baskets
Traditional Cuisine
Cuscus Bil-Bosla — couscous cooked with lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, and tomatoes
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
