Travel insurance is always a good idea when traveling in case of unforeseen circumstances, especially in Libya. We do not provide travel insurance, but recommend www.travelexinsurance.com.
Should I bring any medication?
It is advisable to bring a small medical kit with you while traveling including things such as Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Imodium, and hand sanitizer, but there are also pharmacies in Libya where you can purchases medicines that you may need. Any prescription medication should be brought with you for the entire trip.
Do I need any vaccinations?
No vaccinations are required for travel to Libya, but there are several recommended ones such as yellow fever, tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, and typhoid. If you have any questions, please check with your doctor.
Can I drink the water?
We recommend that you drink bottled water while traveling in Libya. Although you may be fine drinking the tap water, it is just a precaution to guard against microbes such as amoeba. We would hate for you to miss a day or two of travel due to a stomach “bug” caused from the water. Be aware that you might find glasses in the hotel rooms, but please refrain from drinking the water.
What is the best way to get money?
The best way to make sure that you have appropriate funds while traveling in Libya is to bring US Dollars OR Euros with you. It is very easy to exchange foreign currency at banks, hotels, or exchange bureaus.
ATM machines are becoming more available and have been more reliable over the past few years. They usually give one of the best exchange rates. Be sure you notify your bank ahead of time that you will be using your ATM card overseas to ensure that they do not put a block on your card. There may be a small fee when using your ATM card internationally.
What is the local currency used in Libya?
The currency used in Libya is the Libyan Dinar. To calculate the most current exchange rate, you may use the following website: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Can I use my credit cards there?
At this point in time, Libya Travel & Tours recommends that you plan to use cash as your main payment method. That said, credit card use in Libya is becoming more accepted as Libya takes strides to accommodate the foreign traveler. From our experience, we would recommend traveling with a VISA or MASTERCARD; AMEX is not widely accepted. Oftentimes there is also a charge for using credit cards internationally. You may need to notify your credit card company that you will be using your card overseas, so that they don’t see the charges as a fraud.
Obtaining a Libya Visa
Over the past few years, traveling to Libya has not been the easiest thing, especially trying to obtain the appropriate visa. In addition, from November 2007 to November 2010, all travelers to Libya were required to have an Arabic translation of personal biographic data along with their passports. This is not currently a requirement, but could become one again, and is an important addition to include along with a traveler’s passport and Libya visa.
There are really only two types of visas into Libya; tourist and business. We want to make all the information as clear as possible to help you in your process of obtaining the correct visa to be able to travel to and enjoy all that Libya has to offer. Please contact us if you have additional questions about the visa process or if you need more specific information pertaining to your country and the visa process.
Tourist Libya Visa
When looking to travel to Libya on a tourist visa, the easiest way is to work through a local travel agent or tour operator. European and United States tourists alike apply to obtain a Libya visa through tour operators licensed in Libya, and the tour operators, in turn, file the paperwork with the Libyan government. Normally, you are required to give the tour operator a scanned copy of your passport and the dates of travel; they in turn submit your application for a visa. From our experience, the local agent can only apply for the visa 2 weeks before travel and the visa approval letter is send only 3-7 days before arrival in country. By presenting this letter upon arrival in country, the visa is stamped into your passport. For those wishing to try to obtain the visa through the Libya Embassy (People’s Bureau), you will need a letter of invitation by your sponsoring travel agent.
It is important to not use a tourist Libya visa to conduct business in Libya because this violates Libyan law. Rather, you’ll need to use a business Libya visa. Please see below for more information on how to obtain a Business Libya visa.
Business Libya Visa
The business visa seems to be a little vague. What is very clear, though, is that you will need a sponsoring business to apply for your business Libya visa. What is unclear is the cost! From our experience, we have been quoted business visas ranging in price from 150 euros to 1500 euros. The process for the business visa is similar to the tourist visa, but be sure to not use a business visa and a tourist visa interchangeably. You will need to provide your host business with a copy of your passport and dates of travel and they in turn need to make the application for you to the government. Approval is sent to the traveler a few days before departure.
General Entry and Exit Information
Travelers to Libya will need both a visa and a passport. The Libyan government requires all visa applicants appear in person at a Libyan embassy when applying for a visa. Currently this requirement is only enforced in Paris and London, but it will change and is an important requirement to be aware of.
It is important to be aware an Arabic translation of the traveler’s passport may be required and has been in the past. It is also necessary to register with the local police station in Libya, or the traveler could have problems during the time in country or when trying to exit.
Additionally, it is important to note that Libya operates as a cash society, with a limited number of businesses accepting Visa and Mastercard credit cards. There are also some ATMs in Tripoli and money transfer services at both Tripoli International Airport and in the city itself. Lastly, travelers can transfer money through some banks.
It is recommended a traveler’s passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the trip and there are blank pages for the Libya visa. There also cannot be an Israeli stamp in the traveler’s passport.
Embassy Information for United States Citizens
United States citizens can find out more information from the Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. at address 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20037. The Libyan Embassy can be reached by phone at 202-944-9601 or fax at 202-944-9606. United States citizens can also visit the Department of State website with information on Libya at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_951.html.
Adapters / Plugs / Hair Dryers
It would be best to travel with a travel adapter while in Libya. Most outlets have 2 round pins, but there are also some with 3 round pins in the shape of a triangle. Although most computers, iPods, etc. will be dual voltage, it might be best to bring a small converter for other appliances such as blowdryers. Libya does run on 230 volts so you will need to use a transformer for any 110 volt appliances.
Is there laundry service available?
Some hotels may provide laundry services, but your driver and/or guide can also help you locate local Laundromats to use, which may be cheaper. Make sure that you agree on the price before you agree for the service. For any clothing that requires specific care, plan not to wash it while in Libya.
