Visitors to Libya must obtain a visa from one of the Libyan diplomatic missions or online unless they are from a visa-exempt country. Some visitors are eligible for an eVisa, while others may have specific entry restrictions. All travelers are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of the following countries can enter Libya visa-free for a maximum stay of 3 months (except Malaysia, which has a 14-day limit):
- Algeria
- Benin
- Malaysia (14 days)
- Mauritania
- Tunisia
Conditional Visa-Free Access
Certain nationals may also enter Libya visa-free, depending on their age and gender:
- Egypt: Male nationals aged under 18 or over 45, and all females.
- Turkey: Nationals aged under 16 or over 55.
Both Egypt and Turkey also have the option of an eVisa.
Diplomatic and Special Passport Holders
Holders of diplomatic, official, service, or special passports from the following countries may enter Libya without a visa:
- Algeria (3 months)
- Benin (3 months)
- Chad (diplomatic passports only)
- Egypt (diplomatic passports only)
- Italy (diplomatic passports only)
- Malaysia (14 days)
- Tunisia (3 months)
- Turkey (90 days)
- Venezuela (90 days)
Note: Azerbaijan’s visa exemption for diplomatic passports is temporarily suspended.
Electronic Visa (eVisa)
Libya introduced an eVisa system on March 21, 2024. The tourist eVisa is valid for 90 days for a single entry, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. The eVisa fee is 63 USD. Applicants must complete the process before arriving at the port of entry.
Compulsory Currency Exchange
Visitors entering Libya for tourism must convert 1,000 USD (or equivalent) into local currency upon arrival. This can be done in cash or using a valid credit card. Failure to do so will result in refusal of entry.
Exemptions apply to:
- Those visiting a resident with a proof of sponsorship.
- Tourists traveling as part of a paid tour package.
Entry Restrictions
- Closed Borders: Libya’s borders with Chad, Niger, Sudan, and Algeria are closed. However, control over these borders is often managed by local Tuareg and Toubou communities rather than the Libyan government.
- Qatar Nationals: Qatari citizens can only enter or transit Libya through designated airports, including Tripoli International Airport, Benghazi, and Misrata, among others. Entry through other ports is not allowed.
- Entry Ban: Citizens of the following countries are banned from entering Libya but may transit through the country:
- Bangladesh
- Iran
- Pakistan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
- Israel: Entry and transit are refused to Israeli nationals, as well as travelers holding documents with an Israeli visa or evidence of a visit to Israel.
Travel Advisories
Many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and several EU nations, have advised their citizens against all travel to Libya due to the security situation.
FAQs on Libya’s Visa Policy
1. Do I need a visa to visit Libya?
Yes, unless you are from a visa-exempt country like Tunisia or Algeria, or you qualify for conditional visa-free access, you will need to obtain a visa.
2. What is the eVisa system in Libya?
Libya offers an eVisa for tourists, valid for 90 days and allowing a 30-day stay. It costs 63 USD and can be obtained online before traveling.
3. Are there specific entry restrictions for certain nationalities?
Yes, citizens of countries such as Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen are banned from entering Libya, although they can transit.
4. What is the currency exchange requirement for tourists?
Tourists must exchange 1,000 USD or its equivalent upon arrival in Libya unless they are visiting a resident with sponsorship or part of a paid tour package.
5. Can Israeli citizens enter Libya?
No, citizens of Israel are banned from entering or transiting Libya, and any traveler with evidence of travel to Israel in their passport will also be refused entry.
6. What are the rules for diplomatic passport holders?
Diplomatic, official, and service passport holders from countries like Turkey, Italy, and Algeria can enter Libya without a visa for up to 90 days.