Libyen

Översikt

Capital: Tripoli (pop. 1.183 million)
Population: 7,458,555 (2025 est.)
Other Urban Areas: Misratah (pop. 984,000); Benghazi (pop. 859,000)
Religions: Muslim (virtually all Sunni) 96.6%, Christian 2.7%, Buddhist 0.3%
Languages: Arabic, Italian, English, Berber
Time Zone: UTC+2
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +218
Electrical plug(s): Type C and Type L

Pengar

The local currency in Libya is Libyan dinars (LYD). As of 6 October 2026 100 LYD is equal to 15.56 USD. In addition to the local currency, USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at banks and exchange offices. Reconversion of local currency restricted

Travellers should be prepared to use cash to make payments. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are rarely accepted. ATMs are not widely available.

declaration forms must be kept until final departure, currency exchanges of small amounts may be rejected by staff

A service charge of 10-20% is customary on restaurant and hotel bills.

El

The power supply in Libya is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 230V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C and L.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Libya. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay and have one blank page.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to Libya: Select foreign nationals may enter Libya without a visa. Information on the visa-free travel scheme's stay validity was not available.

e-Visas

E-Visa: Foreign nationals may apply for an e-visa to enter Libya for tourism, business and other government-approved visits. Authorities do not clarify how many e-visa types are available. Further information, such as the E-visa's stay validity, was not available.

Lokal resor

Overview

Road conditions have deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance since 2011. Driving habits remain extremely poor, and major highways merge into a single lane outside cities, making them fairly dangerous. Sand deposits and frequent animal crossings exacerbate overland travel difficulties. Public transport infrastructure is poor. The safety and efficiency standards of maritime and air travel are severely compromised by the fighting and political instability.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Inbound flight availability is very limited due to ongoing political instability. Mitiga International Airport (MJI/HLLM) is located about eight kilometres (five miles) east of Tripoli city centre and remains the only functioning airport in the capital. Taxis can be found outside the airport. The airport offers domestic and regional routes that previously served Tripoli International Airport (TIP/HLLT), which has been closed since July 2014 due to the Libyan Civil War.

Benina International Airport (BEN/HLLB), located 19km (12 miles) east of the city of Benghazi, is Libya's second-largest airport but has not been operating since 2015. Limited flights may be operating at Sabha (SEB/HLLS) and Sirte (SRX/HLGD) airports.

All carriers certified by the regulatory oversight authorities of Libya are banned from operating flights to Europe due to a lack of conformity with the necessary technical elements and requirements prescribed by the applicable international safety standards. The airlines include Afriqiyah Airways, Air Libya, Al Maha Aviation, Berniq Airways, Buraq Air, Global Air Transport, Hala Airlines, Libyan Airlines, Libyan Wings Airlines and Petro Air.

From 19 January, Kufra Airport (AKF/HLKF) in Kufra district, will remain closed for a month, due to maintenance works.

Airspace

The Libyan airspace is open, but there is a high risk to civil aircraft. Libyan airspace should be avoided entirely.

Borders and Entry

Border closures: Authorities closed all land borders with Sudan due to the ongoing clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces in Sudan. Border crossings with Algeria have periodically been closed. Officials from Libya and Chad have agreed to reopen their shared border. This border has faced multiple closures and interruptions over the years, mainly due to political and security concerns. However, it was not immediately clear when the reopening would occur. The land crossing between Libya and Egypt is restricted exclusively to Libyan and Egyptian nationals, as of 26 May.

Entry bans: Israeli passport holders are banned from entry. From 23 June, the Government of National Stability, which controls large swathes of the eastern part of the country, announced that citizens from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan are prohibited from entering the country, unless they hold valid work permits within the education and health sectors. Diplomatic personnel are also exempt.

Security issues: Travel via land borders with Algeria, Chad, Sudan and Niger is not recommended due to safety reasons, such as high threat of kidnappings.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Libya. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Libya might face legal and social difficulties.

Passports showing previous travel to Israel are not accepted for travel to Libya. Travellers are advised to have an Arabic transcript of their passport's details page to ensure smoother entry and exit processes.

Road Travel

Libya was named as the country with the highest rate of road traffic deaths in 2015 by the World Health Organisation, with some 73.4 deaths per 100,000 people every year. Road conditions, local driving habits and enforcement of traffic law are poor. It is not recommended to drive at night as many roads are unlit.

Public Transport

Ferries and Boats: International services between Libya and Europe are inconsistent and unreliable, and not recommended.

Vehicle Hire: Rental cars are available, but not recommended. They are often old, poorly maintained and known to be particularly expensive. Dangerous driving conditions throughout Libya, due to busy, narrow highways and a poorly regulated system, make self-drive inadvisable. If a hired car is necessary, the best offices are located at the airport and upmarket hotels.

Taxis: Metered taxis are available in urban areas, and are reliable modes of transport for intracity or short-distance travel. Ride-hail apps, namely ADEX Taxi Libya and Eilda Taxi for women, are convenient options since they have a fixed fare.

Minibuses: Minibus is a ride-share transport widely used by locals in urban areas. However, this mode of transport is not ideal as the vehicle is often overcrowded and without air conditioning. Petty crime is also a major risk on board minibuses.