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Libya Travel Warnings

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary. The overall level of this advice has not changed.
We advise against all but essential travel to all areas bordering Chad and Sudan, because of instability in the region. With the exception of the official land border crossings to Tunisia and Egypt, visitors and residents are not permitted to travel in the interior or to border areas without an officially sanctioned guide or specific permission from the Libyan authorities.

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

British nationals visiting Libya for short periods may wish to register with the British Embassy so that contact details are available in case of emergency. British nationals remaining for longer periods should register as soon as possible. The email address for registration is: Consular.Registration.Tripoli@fco.gov.uk.

You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in Libya and the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances.

You require prior permission (a desert pass) from the Libyan authorities if you intend to travel to the desert regions. Your tour operator will usually be able to do this for you. If you obtain a desert pass you should avoid those desert areas where oil extraction is in operation. Oil companies will provide passes for their employees.

Libya is a cash society. You must be in possession of a minimum of foreign currency equivalent to 500 Libyan Dinars on arrival. Hard currency should be declared to the immigration officer on arrival at the airport. Credit cards are not widely used and there are few reliable ATMs in Tripoli. See the Entry Requirements (Foreign Currency on Arrival) and General (Money) sections of this advice for more details.

Over 16,000 UK citizens had visited Libya in 2006 (Source: Libyan Tourist Board). Most visits are trouble-free. The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Libya in 2006 have been replacing lost or stolen passports or assisting those involved in road accidents.

We strongly recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.