Libya

Violent fighting

Violent clashes between armed groups happen across the country, including in Tripoli.

Fighting can break out anywhere without warning, and often happens at night.

If you're in Libya, your life and safety could be at risk. Some foreigners have been killed.

Militias have targeted ports, airports, and oil and gas installations.

Intense fighting and shelling between militias in recent years has centred on:

• Tripoli and surrounding areas

• the eastern cities of Benghazi and Sirte

If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to or stay in Libya:

• seek professional security advice

• monitor the media for possible risks

• arrange personal security measures

We don't have an Australian diplomatic mission in Libya. Almost all diplomatic missions and international bodies have left the country.

Ongoing unrest restricts our capacity to give consular help to Australians who are in Libya.

Terrorism remains a serious threat in Libya. Terrorist groups engage in ongoing clashes.

Terrorists often use small arms, rocket-propelled grenades or improvised bombs. They target Libyan Government and security interests.

Attacks on foreign interests have increased, including:

• hotels

• locations frequented by Westerners

• remaining diplomatic interests

• international non-government organisations

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping

There's an ongoing threat of kidnapping in Libya. The threat is worst in border areas with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan.

Foreigners, including Australians, have been victims.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Demonstrations and protests

Libya's political situation remains volatile. Intense fighting continues in some areas, including Tripoli.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to or stay in Libya:

• avoid protests and demonstrations

• monitor the media and other sources for possible unrest or strikes

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Crime levels in Libya are high. Law and order has broken down in most of the country.

Violent crime is widespread. Foreigners are at high risk of violent crime. Crimes include carjackings targeting foreign-owned vehicles and robbery by armed groups.

Border-area violence

Areas of Libya that border with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan are very dangerous. Avoid cross-border travel between Libya and these countries.

Bandits and armed tribal groups operate in these areas. There's also a very high threat of kidnapping.

Violence and armed robberies have been reported as vehicles leave Libya by road. This includes roads that cross into Tunisia.

Severe weather

Libya experiences severe weather.

Libya's rainy season is from November to March.

Temperatures can reach 40°C between June and September.

If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to or stay in Libya, follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are. 

You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Libya.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Libya. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medications are

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Infectious diseases

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• typhoid

• hepatitis

• tuberculosis

• plague

• measles

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

• don't swim in fresh water

• take precautions against flea bites

• don't handle dead animals

If you suspect food poisoning, seek urgent medical attention. Also seek medical attention if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Libya are limited. Some medications are in short supply.

Medical facilities in remote areas can be basic or non-existent. Carry some medical supplies for personal use.

Foreigners must pay an up-front deposit for medical services. If you are seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Ongoing unrest severely restricts how much consular help the Australian Government can give you.

The rule of law has not been re-established in Libya. Police services may not be operating in all parts of the country.

More information:

• Arrested or in prison

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty or life in jail.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Business disputes

If you're involved in a business dispute, officials may:

• confiscate your passport

• not let you leave Libya until the dispute is settled

Other laws

In Libya, it's illegal to:

• have sex outside of marriage

• perform same-sex sexual acts

• drink or import alcohol

• export antiquities without a permit

You could be jailed for sexual relations outside of marriage.

It's also illegal to take photos around:

• military zones, assets and personnel

• police assets and personnel

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Libya doesn't recognise dual citizenship.

Islamic law decides child custody.

Children born to Libyan fathers are Libyan citizens. They need their father's permission to leave Libya.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Serious crimes may attract the death penalty.

Other penalties may appear harsh by Australian standards.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and in the presence of people who are fasting.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa conditions

If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to Libya, you need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Australians in Libya should leave as soon as it's safe.

Air

Tripoli International Airport reopened in July 2017. However there have been several closures in 2018 and 2019 due to ongoing security issues in Tripoli. See 'Air travel' below.

Road

Don't attempt to leave Libya via borders with Algeria, Chad, Sudan, or Niger. There's a very high threat of kidnapping.

All border crossings can close without warning. Plan for delays and temporary road closures.

The road between Tripoli and Zawiya is vulnerable to attack. Convoys, including diplomatic convoys, have been attacked.

If you plan to cross the border to Tunisia at the Ras Jedir checkpoint, plan your journey carefully. Check the border crossing is open before you leave. Be prepared for armed clashes at, or on the way to, the border.

Border crossings

Officials may detain you if you can't prove you entered at an official border crossing.

Passport registration

When you arrive in Libya, you must register your passport with a police station.

Go to the police station closest to the place you're staying. Failure to do so may result in fines and problems during your stay or on departure.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Libya if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Travel via Israel

If your passport shows entry to Israel, you won't be able to enter Libya.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Libyan Dinar (LYD).

Libya is a cash economy.

Credit card use is limited.

It's illegal to import and export the local currency. You can import foreign currency if you declare, but you can't export more than what you declared on arrival.

Withdrawing money from banks may be difficult due to severe shortages of cash. The security situation sometimes disrupts banking services.

Traveller's cheques aren't accepted. There are few ATMs.

Proof of identity

You must always carry identification documents.

Landmines

Unexploded remnants of war, including landmines, are a hazard throughout Libya.

Road travel

Borders can close at short notice.

Road conditions are reasonable throughout Libya. However, driving standards are poor and traffic is heavy.

Wind-blown sand can reduce visibility quickly.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

Airports may close at short notice due to security risks.

Only limited commercial options are available at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli.

Benghazi airport closed between May 2014 and July 2017. It's slowly reopening to commercial flights.

Airlines have stopped flying over Western Libya following clashes between armed groups in the region.

Contact your airline for information on flight disruptions.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Libya's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Emergency services exist, but you shouldn't expect them to help you.

Australia doesn't have a diplomatic mission in Libya.

Because of ongoing volatility, Australia can't give consular help except in limited circumstances.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular advice, contact the Australian Embassy in Rome, Italy.

Australian Embassy, Rome

Via Antonio Bosio 5

00161 Rome, Italy 

Phone: +39 06 85 2721

Fax: +39 06 85 272 300

Email: consular-rome@dfat.gov.au

Website: Australia in Italy

Twitter: @AusAmbRome

Facebook: Australian Embassy, Italy

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia