Libya Travel Guidelines 2025

RJ Travel offers immersive, culturally rich tours in Libya — a land of ancient empires, Roman cities, and vast Saharan landscapes. Our operations are conducted in full coordination with the Libyan Tourist Police and approved local partners, ensuring that every trip is safe, legal, and unforgettable.

We work exclusively with licensed providers and expert guides across the country to guarantee top service, smooth logistics, and cultural authenticity. From Leptis Magna to Ghadames, our tours bring you into the heart of Libya’s heritage.

This guide covers everything you need to know before your trip: visa process, arrival steps, cultural etiquette, what’s included, and safety info — all part of RJ Travel’s commitment to informed and respectful travel.

Destinations Open To Tourism In Libya

Our Libya itineraries explore some of the country’s most spectacular archaeological ruins, ancient cities, and cultural heritage sites. From Roman landmarks along the coast to desert oases and Berber architecture, each region offers a unique chapter in your Libya travel itinerary. Click below to discover the best places to visit in Libya included in your journey.

Important: All itineraries are subject to change due to real-time conditions such as security updates, weather events, or travel restrictions from Libyan authorities. RJ Travel operates only government-approved Libya excursions and will adjust your program as needed to ensure safety and legal compliance. All travelers must follow the guidance of their assigned Libya tour guide and the accompanying official police escort.

Step-by-step Booking Process

All Libya tours must be booked in advance due to required permits, visa processing, and security coordination. To ensure availability and smooth planning, we recommend beginning your Libya travel booking process at least 1.5 to 2 months before your intended travel date.

1. Choose your itinerary and check flight availability (do not purchase flights yet).
2. RJ Travel checks service availability and whether a military escort is required for any price update.
3. Client fills up the Visa Invitation Letter form.
4. Client pays a deposit to confirm the reservation.
5. Client signs the trip agreement and booking conditions.
6. RJ Travel and local partners provide the Letter of Invitation (LOI) after 1 to 4 days.
7. Client applies for the Libyan e-visa online.
   • Cost: $63 USD
   • Processing time: approximately 10 days
   • Visa fees are non-refundable as they are processed by the government
8. After visa approval:
   • Client sends travel insurance and flight ticket
   • If visiting East Libya, client transfers the $500 USD military fee to our designated local provider.
9. RJ Travel arranges final logistics, including permits, domestic flights, and escort coordination.
10. The remaining balance is paid on arrival in Libya, or by bank transfer to our designated local provider bank account.

Arrival at Tripoli Airport

When arriving at Tripoli International Airport, foreign tourists must follow the non-Libyan passport control line, which can take up to 2 hours depending on the day. After passing immigration and customs check, you’ll meet your RJ Travel guide and Tourist Police escort at the arrival gate.

Upon arrival in Tripoli:

1. You will board a shuttle bus from the plane to the terminal.
2. At immigration, follow the “Non-Libyans” passport control line (left side).
3. Waiting times can range from 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
4. Remain calm and respectful throughout the process, even in case of delays.
5. Presenting a color printout of your visa and passport often helps accelerate immigration.
6. Our guide and assigned police escort will be waiting for you after the visa window.

Entering Libya: Visa, LOI & Permits

All travelers need a valid Libya eVisa, obtained through the official eVisa portal, and a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from an authorized operator. Those visiting East Libya must also secure military clearance, which involves a separate $500 fee sent to local authorities.

East Libya: Military Fee & Logistics

To enter East Libya, travelers must pay a $500 USD Military Entry Fee imposed by the Military Investment Authority of the Libyan National Army, which is required for issuing internal travel permits and clearances. This fee must be paid after visa approval via bank transfer to our approved local partner and is non-refundable, as it is sent directly to the authorities.

Libya is safe for travel only with approved permits and an official Tourist Police escort, as required by national regulations. For trips to cities like Benghazi and Cyrene, travelers may need to be accompanied by armed escorts in coordination with the Military Investment Authority.

Please note that this mandatory fee is subject to change, increase, reduction, or annulment at any time — including last-minute — without prior notice or consultation with RJ Travel or the client, as it is determined solely by the Libyan military.

Safety, Tourist Police & Military Zones

Libya remains a post-conflict country. Even with approved permits, local authorities may restrict access to areas without prior notice. We must follow security and military instructions at all times. Flexibility and understanding are essential while traveling in Libya. All travel in Libya is supervised by the Tourist Police. Permits are issued by local authorities, and RJ Travel and its partners are legally responsible for all travelers under their care.

Some nationalities require an additional armed police escort in addition to the standard Tourist Police. This may increase the overall tour cost, and a separate quotation will be provided, typically within 1 to 3 business days.

This applies to citizens of: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Russia, and China.

If any of these nationalities are present in the group, RJ Travel must provide a government-assigned armed escort and cover their accommodation, meals, and transportation. This requirement will influence the final price of the tour, which can only be confirmed upon official request to local authorities. The cost will depend on availability, the number of travelers, and other logistics. These escorts operate discreetly in separate vehicles and are trained to maintain a low profile throughout the trip.

Packing, Money Tips & Connectivity

Tourists should pack conservatively and bring clean USD banknotes for expenses, as currency exchange is limited and Libya ATMs may not work. For connectivity, a Libyana SIM card can be bought at Tripoli Airport, but Wi-Fi in Libya hotels is often slow or unstable.

To ensure a smooth and respectful travel experience, it’s essential to pack with intention when visiting Libya — especially if your tour includes the desert regions such as Ghadames, the Ubari Lakes, or the Acacus Mountains. Below are our recommendations for what to bring, how to manage money, and how to stay connected during your Libya travel adventure.

🧳 Clothing & Personal Items

• Modest clothing: Lightweight, breathable, and conservative. Long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants are ideal. For women, a scarf is useful in rural or religious areas.
• Desert protection: A wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or shemagh to cover your face during windy or sandy conditions.
• Footwear: Durable walking shoes or hiking sandals for archaeological sites and desert terrain. Avoid open-toe sandals during treks.
• Daypack: Bring a lightweight backpack to carry essentials on day trips: water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, lip balm, tissues, and a flashlight.
• Health & hygiene: Personal medicine, mosquito repellent, wet wipes, and a small towel. In the desert, showers are limited, so quick-wash solutions are helpful.

💵 Currency & Money Handling

• Bring USD cash: Clean, crisp $50 or $100 bills printed after 2009. These are easiest to exchange in Libya.
• Exchange carefully: Currency exchange is possible in Tripoli or with your guide’s assistance. Libya ATMs rarely work for foreign cards, and credit cards are not accepted.
• Keep a hidden pouch: Store your money in multiple spots (e.g., a money belt and small day bag) for safety.

📶 Connectivity & Power

• SIM card: Buy a local Libyana or Almadar SIM card at the Tripoli Airport. Most plans are affordable and include 4G coverage in cities.
• Wi-Fi: Available in many hotels but often slow or unreliable. Don’t rely on Wi-Fi for uploads, especially in Ghadames or desert regions.
• Power: Libya uses 220V European plugs (type C and F). Bring a universal adapter and a power bank — especially useful during long drives or overnight desert stays.

We also recommend downloading offline maps, translating essential phrases into Arabic, and bringing a small journal if you want to record your experience. A full Libya packing checklist is available upon request after booking — just ask your RJ Travel representative.

Cultural Etiquette & What Not to Do

Libya is a conservative Islamic country where public photography, especially of women or checkpoints, is restricted. Visitors should avoid discussing politics or religion, dress modestly, and respect Libyan customs such as refusing to shake hands with the opposite gender.

What’s Included & Not Included

Your Libya tour includes all airport transfers, hotel accommodation, permits, and a Tuareg cultural experience in Ghadames. Meals, Libya travel insurance, and the East Libya military fee are not included and must be paid separately.

To help you prepare for your journey, here’s a clear overview of what is generally included — and what is not — in your RJ Travel Libya tour package. Please note that some services may vary depending on your chosen itinerary and region visited. Each tour proposal will clearly indicate what is specifically included in your package:

✅ INCLUDED

1. Airport meet & greet with assistance through formalities
2. Letter of Invitation (LOI) for Libya — valued at $200 USD
3. Travel permits and passport registration with authorities
4. All airport–hotel–airport transfers
5. 4★ hotels accommodation in major cities & 3★ hotel in Ghadames (single, twin, or double rooms with breakfast)
6. Basic desert camping setup in the Ubari region
7. Full-time services of a licensed English-speaking guide and Tourist Police
8. Private transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
9. Entrance fees to all archaeological sites and museums
10. Traditional Tuareg experience in Ghadames (sand dunes, tea by the fire, bread cooking)
11. All scheduled domestic flights within Libya

❌ NOT INCLUDED

• International flights to and from Libya
• Mandatory travel insurance (required for visa and participation)
• Libyan e-visa fee ($63 USD – paid online through government portal)
• If you go to East Libya, a Military Entry Fee ($500 USD – paid in advance to the Libyan National Army)
• Meals and drinks not specified (typical meals cost $10–17 USD in local restaurants)
• Tips for guides, drivers, and support staff (at your discretion)
• Souvenirs and personal expenses
• Any service not explicitly listed under the “Included” section

Accommodation & Meals

We provide 4-star hotels in Tripoli and other cities, offering private bathrooms and comfortable rooms. In Ghadames, we use Dar Ghadames Hotel, the best available option locally.

Only breakfasts are included in the tour. Due to varied preferences and habits, other meals are not included. Travelers can expect to spend $10–$20 USD per meal. Our guide will always assist with restaurant recommendations and help tailor options to individual tastes.

Travel Insurance Requirements

Travel insurance is mandatory. For destinations classified as Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) or Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) by the US State Department, your insurance must explicitly state that it covers travel to Libya.

Your policy must include:

• Medical expenses and hospitalization
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Baggage loss or delay
• Repatriation of remains

Buy IATI Travel Insurance (Libya-approved) with a 5% discount through this link.

Refunds, Insurance & Visa Denial Policy

At RJ Travel, we aim to provide fair and transparent terms for all Libya travel packages, while respecting legal requirements set by Libyan authorities. Below you’ll find our updated cancellation, refund, and insurance policy — applicable to both private and Libya group tours.

1. Visa Denial: If your Libya visa is denied, RJ Travel retains $200 USD to cover the Letter of Invitation (LOI) and administrative processing. The remaining deposit is refunded.
2. Letter of Invitation (LOI): The LOI is valued at $200 USD and is non-refundable once issued, even if your visa is denied.
3. East Libya Military Fee: This fee is paid directly to Libyan military authorities and is non-refundable under any circumstance.
4. Travel Insurance: All travelers are required to provide valid travel insurance covering Libya (a Level 3 or 4 advisory country). We recommend purchasing insurance that includes trip interruption, evacuation, and medical coverage.
5. General Cancellation: Unused tour balance not yet paid is subject to our cancellation terms.

⚠️ WARNING: Any unauthorized use of the LOI, including attempting to enter Libya without our coordination, will lead to service cancellation and reporting to local authorities. This could result in detention at immigration upon arrival.