Libya — Visas and Healthcare
Passports and Visas
Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Libya. Tourist visas must be organized in advance, but can be issued on arrival; provided that travelers are holding a copy of a letter issued by the Libyan immigration authorities, confirming that a visa will be granted to them upon their arrival at the airport. This copy must be sent to the office of the transporting carrier in Libya at least 24 hours in advance. Visitors traveling to Libya for tourist purposes are also required to convert USD 1,000 (or equivalent) in freely convertible cash, or to debit the amount from a valid credit card upon their arrival at the airport. Failure to do so will result in the traveler being refused entry to Libya. Note that admission and transit will be refused to holders of (i) documents containing a valid or expired visa for Israel, or (ii) tickets showing an Israeli destination. All visitors must also hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in Libya, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving within six days or leaving or transiting through an infected area). Please note that the volatile political situation in Libya means that visa/entry requirements often change abruptly, and as such, travelers should make sure they are in possession of up-to-date information BEFORE leaving home. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Americans
US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. As of March 2011, a visa is NOT required for nationals of the USA, including their family members (even if of another nationality), provided (i) they are traveling together, and (ii) that they are holding a letter from an established company in Libya sponsoring their visit. If family members travel individually, the letter should also confirm that prior arrangements were made with the Libyan Immigration Department to secure entry into Libya.
UK Nationals
British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
Canadians
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
Australians
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
South Africans
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
Irish Nationals
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
New Zealanders
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
Healthcare
There are no major health risks associated with travel to Libya. Visitors traveling from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Travelers are encouraged to get vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Healthcare facilities in Libya are basic and travelers are advised to have full health insurance. In remote areas there may be no health facilities at all, therefore travelers are advised to carry their own basic medications. Tap water in Libya is chlorinated, but it is advised to drink bottled or boiled water.
Safety
*Libya is currently in a state of unrest as many citizens protest the authoritarian Gaddafi regime. The government has taken a hardline stance and is essentially at war with its own people, not hesitating to use violence to stop the rebellion. Many governments are evacuating their nationals or providing services for those who wish to leave. Sections of the country are for all intents and purposes without government at the moment. While there is no evidence of violence directed specifically at foreign visitors, safety in Libya is far from certain and all but essential travel to Libya at this time is not advised.
Generally Libya is a safe country to travel in but travelers are advised against all but essential travel to all areas bordering Chad and Sudan, due to instability in the region. With exception to official land border crossings to Tunisia and Egypt, visitors are not permitted to travel in the interior or to border areas without an officially sanctioned guide, or specific permission from the Libyan authorities. Traveling in a group or with an organized tour is recommended in remote regions and travelers should be advised of a threat of terrorism that can occur randomly. Prior permission from the Libyan authorities is required for travel to the desert regions and is in the form of a desert pass; however the oil mining areas of the desert should be avoided. It is highly recommended that one monitor the media and seek advice from the relevant authorities before traveling. Violent crime is generally not a problem, although visitors should avoid carrying valuables in public.
