Libya

Violent fighting

In recent years, there have been violent clashes between armed groups across the country, including in Tripoli.

Fighting can break out anywhere without warning.

If you're in Libya, your life and safety could be at risk. Some foreigners have been killed.

Militias have targeted ports, airports, and oil and gas installations.

If you travel to Libya despite our advice:

• seek professional security advice
• monitor local and international media for possible risks
• arrange personal security measures
• leave Libya as soon as it's safe to do so

Lack of consular services

We don't have an Australian diplomatic mission in Libya. Only a few diplomatic missions and international bodies are in Libya.

Our ability to provide consular services in Libya is severely limited.

Ongoing unrest restricts our capacity to give consular help to Australians who are in Libya.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Terrorism remains a serious threat in Libya, particularly in Fezzan and south of Sirte. Terrorist groups engage in ongoing clashes.

Terrorists often use small arms, rocket-propelled grenades or improvised bombs. They target Libyan authorities and security interests.

Attacks on foreign interests have also occurred, including:

• hotels and restaurants
• locations visited by foreigners, including shopping markets
• public transportation systems
• remaining diplomatic interests
• international non-government organisations

To stay safe:

• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk.

Kidnapping occurs in all regions of Libya, and foreign nationals are frequently targeted.  A variety of criminal groups use kidnapping for financial or political gain, particularly in urban areas along Libya’s coastline. Militia checkpoints throughout the country’s interior also act as prime locations for potential kidnappings and victim identifying. 

If despite our advice you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance will be severely limited. 

You are responsible for your own safety. To reduce your risk of being kidnapped:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings - avoid distractions. Be prepared to stop or take evasive action if you sense danger
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk. It is essential to have a contingency plan
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
• keep a low profile – including online. Drawing attention to yourself in high-risk areas may signal to criminals that you have something worth taking
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone. There is safety in numbers, and you should try to travel with someone else, especially at night
• notify family or friends of planned travel; share your location and emergency contacts that they can rely on if something happens
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone. Criminals have been known to search social media for victims
• If you are confronted by armed criminals, it is best to surrender and cooperate – resistance tends to make the situation worse

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information:

• Kidnapping
• Scams that affect travellers

Libya's political situation remains volatile. Outbreaks of violence can occur with little warning, including in Tripoli. Demonstrators have previously set fire to government buildings.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

If you travel to Libya despite our advice:

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• remain vigilant
• monitor the media and other sources for possible unrest or strikes

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Crime levels in Libya are high. Law and order has broken down in most of the country.

Violent crime is widespread. Foreigners are at high risk of violent crime. Crimes include carjackings targeting foreign-owned vehicles, extortion and robbery by armed groups.

Border-area violence

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.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

It's illegal to drink or import alcohol in Libya. 

If, despite our advice, you decide to consume alcoholic drinks in Libya, be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning from consuming alcoholic drinks. 

Cyber security 

Severe weather

Libya experiences severe weather.

Libya's rainy season is from November to March.

Temperatures can reach 40°C between June and September.

If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to or stay in Libya, follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

As Libya is a ‘do not travel’ location, standard travel insurance is unlikely to provide coverage. You should ensure your travel insurance specifically covers high-risk destinations including Libya. 

Infectious diseases

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• Leishmaniasis
• West Nile virus
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• plague
• measles

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• don't swim in fresh water
• take precautions against flea bites
• don't handle dead animals

If you suspect food poisoning, seek urgent medical attention. Also seek medical attention if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

You'll need to be evacuated if you get seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation may not be possible and can be very expensive. Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Libya.

Medical facilities in Libya are limited. Some medications are in short supply.

Medical facilities in remote areas can be basic or non-existent. Carry some medical supplies for personal use.

Women travellers

Women can be subject to unwanted attention and harassment in Libya. They may also be restricted in their movements, when travelling without a mahram (male guardian). While male guardianship is not mandatory under Libyan law, Libyan authorities frequently enforce it.

Sexual assaults on women and gender-based violence are common in Libya. Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence have little recourse in Libya, and women who report sexual crimes may be accused of adultery. 

Women and girls in Libya, both dual nationals and foreigners, are at increased risk of forced marriage, abduction, and kidnapping in Libya.

More information: 

• Advice for women travellers

LGBTQIA+ travellers

Libyan law prohibits same-sex relationships. Same-sex marriage is also illegal. Convicted offenders face prison sentences. 

More information: 

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty or life in jail.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Business disputes

If you're involved in a business dispute, officials may:

• confiscate your passport
• not let you leave Libya until the dispute is settled

Other laws

Serious crimes may attract the death penalty.

Other penalties may appear harsh by Australian standards.

In Libya, it's illegal to:

• have sex outside of marriage
• drink alcohol
• import or export alcohol, antiquities, pork and pork products and pornographic content
• take photos of military installations, personnel, and government buildings

Libya may not recognise dual nationality.

Islamic law decides child custody.

Children born to Libyan fathers are Libyan citizens. They need their father's permission to leave Libya.

More information:

• Dual nationals

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Libya. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Visa conditions

If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to Libya, you need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Border measures

Officials may detain you if you can't prove you entered at an official border crossing.

We cannot offer advice on the safety of individual departure options, including any flights that become available, or on travel to a departure point. You should make your own judgement about the safest route out of the country, taking account of the advice of local authorities.

Passport registration

If you travel to Libya despite our advice, you must register your passport with a police station on arrival.

If it's safe to do so, go to the police station closest to the place you're staying. Failure to do so may result in fines and problems during your stay or on departure.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Libya if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 252KB)

Australians in Libya should leave as soon as it's possible and safe to do so.

Air

Air travel and airport operations are subject to disruption. Check with your travel provider about route options and airport operations at your planned point of arrival or departure.

Road

Don't attempt to leave Libya via borders with Algeria, Chad, Sudan, or Niger. There's a very high threat of kidnapping.

All border crossings can close without warning. Plan for delays and temporary road closures.

The road between Tripoli and Zawiya is vulnerable to attack. Convoys, including diplomatic convoys, have been attacked.

If you plan to cross the border to Tunisia at the Ras Jedir checkpoint, plan your journey carefully. Check the border crossing is open before you leave. Be prepared for armed clashes at or on the way to the border.

Validity

Travel via Israel

If your passport shows entry to Israel, you won't be able to enter Libya.

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The local currency is the Libyan Dinar (LYD). Libya law prohibits importing or exporting the Libyan Dinar. 

Libya is a cash-based economy. Debit cards, credit cards and traveller’s cheques are not often accepted, and ATMs are rare. Official exchange offices will not accept Australian dollars. 

Withdrawing money from banks may be difficult due to severe shortages of cash. The security situation sometimes disrupts banking services.

Proof of identity

You must always carry identification documents.

Landmines

Unexploded remnants of war, including landmines, are a hazard throughout Libya.

Road travel

Borders can close at short notice.

Road travel within Libya is dangerous. There's a risk of carjacking and robbery as well as being caught up in outbreaks of localised violence.

Road traffic accidents are common and the emergency response to a road traffic accident may be limited.

Road conditions vary across the country. Driving standards are poor and traffic is heavy.

In the desert, roads are unpaved and wind-blown sand can reduce visibility quickly.

There may be fuel shortages and long queues at fuel stations.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

Check Libya's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Emergency services exist in Libya, but you shouldn't expect them to help you. 

For ambulance, fire or police phone: 1415

The rule of law has not been re-established in Libya. Police services may not be operating in all parts of the country.

There are limits to what consular assistance we can provide in high-risk locations. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Ongoing unrest limits our consular help to Australians who are in Libya.

We don't have an Australian diplomatic mission in Libya. For consular advice, contact the Australian Embassy in Rome, Italy.

Australian Embassy, Rome

Via Antonio Bosio 5
00161 Rome, Italy 

Phone: +39 06 85 2721
Email: consular-rome@dfat.gov.au
Website: Australia in Italy
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Italy
X: @AusAmbItaly

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia