Libya

Security Status

Do Not Travel

General Travel Advice

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly advises against travel to Libya at this time.

Due to the ongoing fighting and the risk of kidnapping or terrorist attacks throughout the country, the situation in Libya remains extremely dangerous. There are reports of increased military activity in the areas surrounding Tripoli and in the city itself and all Irish citizens are advised to avoid the region.

As Ireland has no resident Embassy in Libya, and in light of the deteriorating security situation, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to provide any consular assistance to Irish citizens who travel to or decide to remain in Libya at this time.

Irish citizens who decide to travel to or remain in Libya are doing so at their own risk and against the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. If citizens remain in Libya, exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and ensure that appropriate personal security measures are in place, including access to money and supplies of food, water, medicine, fuel and other essentials.

Should citizens chose to travel against the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, it is essential to ensure that your passport and those of your immediate family are valid and up to date. Citizens should also ensure that they have all relevant travel/exit documents that may be required for departure from Libya.

Contact details Embassy of Ireland to Italy

As there is no Irish Embassy in Libya, we are limited in the help we can offer citizens in an emergency. The Embassy of Ireland in Rome, Italy, is accredited to Libya. Contact details are here.

Visitors to Libya are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Embassy on the official X account @IrlEmbRome to ensure access to any relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if visitors have problems, try talking to local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

The Embassy of Ireland in Rome operates an out-of-hours service for Irish citizens requiring emergency assistance. If in need of emergency assistance, please ring the Embassy on (+39) 06 5852 381 and leave a message giving your name, mobile number, current location and the nature of the emergency. The answering machine is monitored regularly, and the Duty Officer will contact you. Contact details are here.

EU Directive on Consular Protection

Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation. We advise contacting the Embassy that you intend seeking assistance from in advance of going there in case it is no longer open. Please exercise extreme caution in your movements around any areas where there is military activity.

Our Tips for Safe Travels:

• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all planned activities.
• Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
• Follow us on X @dfatravelwise and Instagram @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
• Read our Consular Assistance Charter that clearly sets out the assistance that can be provided to citizens in difficulty overseas, and the limits of what the Department can do.

As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Libya, consular assistance is provided via the Embassy of Ireland in Rome, Italy.

Security

Due to the ongoing fighting and the risk of kidnapping or terrorist attacks throughout the country, the situation in Libya remains very volatile. The situation throughout the country remains dangerous and unpredictable. Fighting continues in many parts of Libya. It can be unclear in some areas which faction has control. This fighting includes extremist groups such as Ansar Al Sharia and affiliates of Da’esh and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M).

We advise Irish citizens in Libya to leave immediately by commercial means.

Military clashes and inter-militia fighting pose significant risks to air travel in Libya. It has periodically caused the temporary suspension or closure of airports. All airports are vulnerable to attack. Maitiga Airport, Tripoli’s only functioning civilian airport, has been regularly shelled by artillery.

A limited number of flights may be operating from Misrata and Maitega airports. As flight schedules may change without notice, you should contact your airline or travel company for the latest information before travelling. Land routes remain open but the security situation can change very quickly. There may be some delays and temporary closures at border crossings. We recommend checking the situation at the border immediately before intended travel.

Political Stability

The political situation in Libya remains fragile and the security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable. Uncertainty about when postponed Libyan elections will take place is likely to heighten tensions throughout the country, which may lead to security incidents such as inter-militia clashes and oil blockades.

Since April 2019 there has been a significant build-up of militarised forces across western and central Libya. Regular and heavy armed clashes also take place to the south and west of Tripoli.

Fighting can break out anywhere without warning, including between local militia groups, and many civilians have been killed in outbreaks of conflict in residential areas. There is a high risk of being caught in indiscriminate gunfire or shelling, including air strikes, in all areas where the fighting has spread.

Terrorism

There is a very high threat of terrorist attacks and of kidnap against foreigners in Libya.

Crime

There is a serious threat of crime targeted at foreigners in Libya including theft, kidnappings and carjacking. Irish citizens, who remain in Libya against our advice are advised to move around the country with extreme caution.

Some general precautions to protect yourself from crime while in Libya include:

• Do not carry your credit cards, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Do not carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and do not use ATMs after dark, especially if alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations.

Driving

Road travel within Libya remains highly dangerous. There continues to be a risk of being caught up in outbreaks of hostilities. There’s also a high risk of carjacking and robbery. The coastal road between Zawiyah and Tripoli presents an elevated risk. There is a risk of striking unexploded ordnance off-road. Road traffic accidents are frequent and often result in fatalities. All land borders into Libya are subject to closure at short notice.

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.

Due to the threat of violence, the Embassy advises against travel by car in Libya. However should visitors chose to drive in Libya, be extremely careful and follow these basic guidelines:

• Bring your full Irish driver’s licence and make sure to have adequate and appropriate insurance.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught.
• Keep vehicle doors locked and bags out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if stopped at traffic lights.

Vaccinations

Check with a doctor well in advance of travelling to see if any vaccinations for Libya are required.

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Muslim Culture

Local laws reflect the fact that Libya is a Muslim country. Visitors should respect local customs and sensitivities, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Visitors are advised to dress conservatively at all times, covering arms, shoulders and legs.

During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time.

The working week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Illegal Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Alcohol

The sale and consumption of alcohol is against the law and there are stern penalties imposed for the possession or use of alcohol. Visitors should on no account attempt to bring alcohol into the country.

Personal Identification

Visitors must carry identification documents at all times.

Law Enforcement

Severe penalties are imposed for criticising the country, its leadership or religion.

Sexual Behaviour

Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Libya. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law. Caution and discretion are advised at all times.

Photography

Photography close to military or official personnel or sites is illegal and may result in arrest or detention.

Money

Libya is a cash-based society. Credit cards are not widely used and there are few reliable ATMs. Travellers’ cheques are not accepted.

Foreign Currency

All tourists (regardless of age) must have a minimum amount of foreign currency, equivalent to 1,000 US Dollars, when they enter the country. If you do not have sufficient funds, you may be deported and the airline who carried you may be fined.

You may be required to prove that you meet this requirement to an Immigration Officer when you arrive in Libya. Some visitors who are travelling for purposes other than tourism are exempted from this requirement; contact the nearest Libyan Embassy for further details.

Visa

Irish citizens need a visa for travel to Libya. Contact the nearest Libyan Embassy for more information on visa requirements.

Passport

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure and should not bear an Israeli visa or border stamp.

Libya has introduced a requirement for all passports to contain an Arabic translation of the personal details page. The Passport Office and some Irish missions can provide a template in Arabic to which your personal details can be added by a translator.

The translator should place his/her seal on the translation. Translations must be afixed in the passport; a separate document will not be accepted. Please make contact with the Passport Office or your nearest Irish Embassy for further information.

Registration

All tourists and short stay visitors must register their passports with the police within one week of arrival. If travelling with a tour group or travel agent this is normally arranged for you. Failure to comply with this requirement may lead to being fined when you come to leave the country.

As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Libya, consular assistance is provided via the Embassy of Ireland in Italy.

If in need of emergency assistance, please ring the Embassy at (+39) 06 5852 381 and leave a message on the answering machine.

The answering machine is monitored regularly, and the Duty Officer will make contact as soon as possible

Monday – Friday 9:15am to 1:00pm & 2:15pm to 5:30pm