U.S. citizens traveling to Libya require visas, which are normally valid for three months and must be used within forty-five days of issuance. Visas are carefully controlled and usually confined to those working in Libya or those visiting as part of groups run by local tour operators. Applicants may apply at any of Libya’s diplomatic missions abroad and are subject to an extensive wait. Current U.S. and Libya visa policies are effected within a framework of ‘general reciprocity’: as the U.S. issues Libyan nationals single-entry visas only, the Libyans do the same for U.S. citizens.

Travel advisories are maintained by the Department of State. For the most recent notices regarding Libya, see the Libyan Consular Information

Some visa applicants choose to employ the services of a local (Libyan) visa expediter. Visa expediters can generally arrange tourist visas for pick-up or mail-back via certain Libyan embassies abroad. They will ask for payment (fees vary, but generally should not exceed USD 150) and a copy of your passport (fax or scan).