Libya Travel Guide

Entry requirements

Libya is a very difficult country to access, mainly because its immigration requirements are notoriously perplexing. The Libyan government has a history of changing its immigration rules frequently and without warning.

The Libyan currency is the Libyan dinar, denoted by the symbol "ل.د" or "LD" (ISO code: LYD). The dinar is subdivided into 1000 dirhams. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 dinars. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 dirhams, ¼, and ½ dinar.

Due to the immense size of the country, the terrible state of the roads, and the poor security situation, the only way to get around the country quickly is by plane. This is not to say that it's entirely safe, but it's still a better alternative to travelling overland.

The official language of Libya is Arabic. The local vernacular is Libyan Arabic. It has extensive borrowings from languages such as Italian, Turkish, and Amazigh/Tamazight ("Berber"). For instance, the word for traffic light is "semaforo" and the word for petrol is "benzina". Modern Standard Arabic is rarely spoken in everyday conversations. However, most Libyans are knowledgeable in MSA, so if you wish to improve your Arabic skills, you shouldn't have any problems. You're not expected to know t…

The security situation in Libya is fragile and unpredictable. Although some have been brave enough to enter and leave the country without any difficulties, anything can happen in this politically unstable nation.

Prior to the fall of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Libya had an excellent health care system. However, the civil wars that soon followed badly damaged and devastated that system. Many hospitals are in a state of disrepair and there's a shortage of medical supplies and staff.

Consular services

Due to various factors − the effects of the civil war, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the volatile security situation, political instability, and so on − many embassies and consulates offer limited services. Some governments have closed down their diplomatic missions completely.

Much of what is considered good manners in the Arab world is applicable to Libya. Libyans are indirect communicators. They are tempered by the need to save face and protect their honour and they will avoid saying anything that could be construed as judgemental or negative. One's point is expressed in a roundabout way.