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Libya
Country Specific Information
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August 13, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
icially known as the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Libya has a developing economy. Islamic ideals and
beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws, and practices. Tourist facilities are not widely
available. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Libya for more information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Passports and visas are required. The restrictions on the use of U.S. passports for travel to, in, or through Libya were
lifted in February 2004. Please see the section below on Special Circumstances.
Without prior notice, the Libyan government on November 11, 2007 “reinstated” a requirement that all foreign travelers must
have an Arabic translation of their personal biographic data added to their passport in order to apply for a Libyan visa,
or to enter Libya. This requirement includes foreigners who already received visas before the requirement was put into place,
including those foreigners currently resident in Libya. Since that date, foreign travelers whose passports do not have Arabic
translations have been denied entry into Libya or refused boarding by airlines on flights into Libya.
The U.S. passport is a U.S. travel document that meets all generally recognized international standards. While the Libyan
government has the right to impose its own requirements for travelers in connection with obtaining a Libyan visa, it also
has the responsibility to give travelers information on where and how to meet these requirements. Travelers should be aware
that in some cases, Libyan officials may ask that U.S. citizens obtain translations from U.S. Government-approved translation
services. However, U.S. consular officers have no authority to designate or certify private translations; nor do they have
authority to place a consular authentication stamp over a privately-obtained translation.
American citizens who hold Libyan visas or who intend to apply for a visa are advised to contact the nearest Libyan embassy
or consulate for information on how to obtain an acceptable translation. Information from Libyan embassies and consulates
may differ from country to country. American citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. embassy or consulate
for additional information.
The Government of Libya does not allow persons with passports bearing an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamps to enter the country.
At this time, neither Libya nor the U.S. provides visa services to the general public in each other’s countries; U.S. visitors
to Libya should therefore plan to obtain a visa via a third country. Libyan visas require an invitation or sponsor, can take
up to several months to process, and should be obtained prior to travel. All visas are vetted and approved by immigration
departments in Tripoli and only issued by the appropriate Libyan Embassy upon receipt of that approval. There may be another
wait for actual visa issuance once approval has been received. For tourists, the visa application procedure in most cases
requires a letter of invitation from an accredited tour company in Libya; for business travelers, a letter of invitation is
needed from the Libyan business entity. Americans who apply for Libyan visas are experiencing significant delays, often waiting
several weeks or months if their applications are approved at all. Inconsistent Libyan visa practice is subject to change
without notice and visa service to American citizens is often blocked without warning. With few exceptions, Libya has stopped
issuing tourist visas to Americans. It is recommended that Americans always obtain individual Libyan visas prior to travel,
rather than group visas. Americans who expected to enter on group tour visas or individual airport visas arranged by Libyan
sponsors have routinely been denied entry at the air and sea ports and have been forced to turn back at the airport or remain
onboard ship at the port while other nationals disembark. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli cannot provide assistance to American
citizens seeking Libyan visas.
Inquiries about obtaining a Libyan visa may be made through the Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. The Embassy is located
at 2600 Virginia Avenue NW – Suite 705, Washington, DC 20037, phone number 202-944-9601, fax number 202-944-9606, website
www.libyanbureau-dc.org. Neither the Libyan Mission to the UN in New York nor the Libyan Embassy in Washington, DC accepts visa applications from
the general public. The closest Libyan visa-issuing office to the continental United States is the Libyan People’s Bureau
in Ottawa, Canada; however, that office frequently declines to accept visa applications from American citizens. The land borders
with Egypt and Tunisia are subject to periodic closures even to travelers with valid Libyan visas. Short-term closures of
other land borders may occur with little notice. Within three days of arrival, visitors must register at the police station
closest to where they are residing or they may encounter problems during their stay or upon departure.
Women and children in Libya are often subject to strict family controls. This can be a particular problem for young single
women of marriageable age. Although a woman does not need her father’s or husband's explicit consent every time she wishes
to leave Libya, a Libyan husband may take legal action to prevent his wife from leaving the country, regardless of her nationality.
While not illegal, it is unusual for women and children to travel alone. Children under 18 whose fathers are Libyan must have
the father's permission to depart Libya, even if the mother has been granted full custody by a Libyan court.
The Libyan Government requires all its citizens, including dual nationals of Libyan descent, to enter and depart Libya on
Libyan documents. In some cases American citizens of Libyan descent have entered Libya on old or expired Libyan identity document
and then discovered that they cannot depart Libya without obtaining a valid Libyan passport, which can be a cumbersome process.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: As Libya has taken steps to cooperate in the global war on terrorism, the Libyan Government’s designation as a state sponsor
of terrorism was rescinded on June 30, 2006. Recent worldwide terrorist alerts have stated that extremist groups continue
to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the region. Therefore, any American citizen who decides to travel to Libya
should maintain a strong security posture by being aware of surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low
profile, and varying times and routes for all required travel.
Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under observation. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be
monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be inspected. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived
as being of military or security interest may result in problems with the authorities.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crime against foreigners is a growing problem in Libya. The most common types of crime are property crimes of opportunity, to include vehicle burglaries. Pick-pocketing and residential burglaries are also on the increase. Women routinely face verbal harassment. While physical violence is not common, there have been instances of assault against women. These assaults can range from sexual groping or assault/battery, to attempted rape.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Libya is: 193. This number is generally monitored only in Arabic.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: While some health care providers have been trained in the United States or Europe, basic modern medical care and/or medicines may not be available in Libya. Many Libyan citizens prefer to be treated outside of Libya for ailments such as heart disease and diabetes. A representative list of healthcare providers is available at the U.S. Embassy Tripoli’s web site at http://libya.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Libya. All positive HIV/AIDS tests made in
country must be reported to the government.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Libya is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Paved roads in rural areas are satisfactory; however, many rural roads are unpaved (i.e. dirt roads). Also, major highways along the seacoast and leading south merge into single-lane highways once they are outside the cities. These roads are heavily trafficked and precarious to navigate, especially at night and during the winter rainy season. The presence of sand deposits, and domestic and wild animals that frequently cross these highways and rural roads, makes them even more hazardous.
Availability of roadside assistance is extremely limited and offered only in Arabic. In urban areas and near the outskirts of major cities there is a greater possibility of assistance by police and emergency ambulance services, although they are usually ill equipped to deal with serious injuries or accidents.
Driving in Libya may be hazardous, and there is a high accident rate. Police enforcement of traffic signs and laws is rare. As a result, it is often difficult to anticipate the actions of other drivers on Libyan streets and highways. Wind-blown sand can reduce visibility without warning. Road conditions are poor, and public transportation, which is limited to occasional bus service, is poor. Taxis are available, but many taxi drivers are reckless and untrained, and English-speaking drivers are extremely rare. The sidewalks in urban areas are often in bad condition and cluttered, but pedestrians are able to use them.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Libya, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Libya’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s internet website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Libya's economy operates on a “cash-only" basis for most transactions, even though U.S. law now permits the use in Libya
of credit cards and checks drawn on U.S. banks. Some hotels, restaurants, and major airlines are the only businesses known
to accept credit cards (Visa more often than MasterCard). It is recommended that travelers consult their credit card entity
prior to travel to ensure that transactions from Libya can be accepted by that entity. A very limited number of ATM machines
are being put into service at a few large hotels, major office complexes, the airport, and one or two markets. Service is
sporadic and sometimes unreliable. Foreign visitors should be aware that the penalties for use of unauthorized currency dealers
are severe. Foreign visitors should also be aware that their passports might be confiscated in business disputes and/or they
may not be permitted to depart Libya until the dispute has been settled. The workweek is Sunday-Thursday. Most U.S. economic
sanctions against Libya were terminated effective September 21, 2004. For further information, please contact the Office of
Foreign Assets Control at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/.
On June 30, 2006, the U.S. Department of State officially rescinded Libya’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. On
August 31, 2006, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published an amendment to the Export
Administration Regulations (EAR) in the Federal Register. This amendment updated BIS’ license requirements for Libya under
the EAR due to its removal from the State Sponsors’ List. For further information specific to Libya, contact BIS’ Office of
Nonproliferation and Treaty Compliance/Foreign Policy Controls Division at (202) 482-4252. Libya-related information is also
found on the BIS web site: http://www.bis.doc.gov/PoliciesAndRegulations/regionalconsiderations.htm.
Libyan customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the introduction into Libya or removal from Libya of firearms,
religious materials, antiquities, medications, and currency. Importation of pornographic materials is illegal. The importation
and consumption of alcohol and pork products are illegal in Libya. At times, passengers arriving in Libya have been required
to bring varying amounts of convertible currency into Libya. This requirement is subject to a border check, and the passenger
faces possible deportation if this requirement is not met. It is advisable to contact any Libyan Embassy abroad for specific
information regarding customs requirements.
Please see our Customs Information.
In addition to being subject to all Libyan laws, U.S. citizens of Libyan origin may also be subject to other laws that impose
special obligations on Libyan citizens. The Government of Libya considers all children born to Libyan fathers to be Libyan
citizens even if they were not issued a Libyan birth certificate or a passport. Dual Libyan-American nationals may not enter
and leave Libya on their U.S. passports, and must obtain a Libyan travel document before traveling to Libya. Persons with
dual nationality who travel to Libya on their Libyan passports are normally treated as Libyan citizens by the local government. The ability
to provide U.S. consular assistance to those traveling on Libyan passports is extremely limited. For additional information,
please see our dual nationality flyer.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Libyan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Libya are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Libya are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Libya. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The Consular Section of U.S. Embassy is located in the Seraj District of Tripoli. Their phone number is (+218) 91-220-0125. This number may also be used for emergencies after-hours by American citizens. General information, including forms, is available on the U.S. Embassy’s web site at http://libya.usembassy.gov/.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Libya dated January 16, 2008, to update the sections on Entry/Exit Requirements,
Crime, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Special Circumstances.
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