Country Guides - Libya
Contacts | Basics | Visa | Money | Health | Overview | Airports | Photos Click images to enlargeElectricity: Electrical current is 127/230 volts, 50Hz. Round 3-pin plugs are used.
Language: The official language of Libya is Arabic (used for all official business), though some English is spoken, especially in the cities and tourist-orientated establishments.
Health: A yellow fever injection certificate is necessary for those travelling from infected areas. Malaria is present in the southwest, though is very limited. Cholera is a very minor risk, with no reports in recent years. Hepatitis A and typhoid immunisation are recommended, though risk is only higher in those staying for extended periods, with high contact with locals. Traveller's diarrhoea is fairly common and although tap water is chlorinated, it is advised to boil or filter it first. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled, and any diary product made from milk should be avoided. Some types of fish can remain toxic even after cooking (especially barracuda). Full health insurance is recommended, and it is advised to carry a doctor's letter if one has any major disease or special needs. If on medication, bring enough for the trip, and include a letter explaining its use. A supply of basic medication is also useful (for headaches, diarrhoea etc). Bilharzia can occur, and it is best to avoid swimming in fresh water.
Tipping: Hotels and restaurants usually add a service charge of 10 to 20%. Tipping guides and drivers is expected.
Safety: Generally Libya is a safe country to travel in, but it is advisable to avoid the areas bordering Chad, Sudan and Niger due to an increase in military activity caused by illegal immigration, as well as the presence of armed tribal groups. Travelling in a group or with an organised tour is recommended in remote regions and travellers should be advised of a threat of terrorism that can occur randomly. Prior permission from the Libyan authorities is required for travel to the desert regions and is in the form of a desert pass; however the oil mining areas of the desert should be avoided. It is highly recommended that one monitor the media and seek advice from the relevant authorities before travelling. Violent crime is generally not a problem, although visitors should avoid carrying valuables in public.
Customs: Libya is an Islamic country (97-98% of Libyans are Sunni Muslim) and therefore visitors should be respectful in terms of following Arabic customs, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public is forbidden. Swimwear should be restricted to beaches, and women should dress modestly, and avoid Arab gatherings where women are not permitted. Homosexuality is illegal and extramarital sexual relationships are forbidden. Criticism of the Libyan Government, Islam and the country itself is not tolerated. Permission must always be sought prior to photographing people, and it is not recommended that a camera be used or carried near any official or military buildings. Libya is one of the strictest countries in terms of a ban on alcohol and drugs, and neither should be brought into the country, though smoking is very common.
Communications: The international dialling code for Libya is +218.
The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g.
(0)21 for Tripoli and (0)22 for Tripoli International Airport.
There are several Internet Service Providers and Internet cafes are
available in Tripoli and other major centres, as well as some
towns. Mobile phones operate on GSM 900 and 1800 networks and
general telecommunications are being modernised.
Duty Free: Travellers may enter the country with 200 cigarettes or 250g cigars or 250g tobacco, and 250ml perfume. All alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, as well as all foodstuffs (including canned goods). There is also an extensive list of banned items, including any articles manufactured or produced in Israel or countries that trade with Israel, and it is best to consult a Libyan Embassy for more information.
Climate: The Libyan Desert is one of the harshest and most arid in the world, and decades can go by without rain in certain areas, but this harsh interior is tempered by the Mediterranean climate in the north. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cooler with lower temperatures in the evening, and rainfall is minimal. The desert is more extreme; hot in the day and cold at night. Spring and autumn experience the ghibli, a hot, dry and dusty desert wind that can last from a day to four days, bringing temperatures in the coastal areas up to 122°F (50°C). June to October is the best time to travel to Libya, particularly to the coastal areas, as temperatures are in the more manageable region of 80°F (27°C).
Duty Free: Travellers may enter the country with 200 cigarettes or 250g cigars or 250g tobacco, and 250ml perfume. All alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, as well as all foodstuffs (including canned goods). There is also an extensive list of banned items, including any articles manufactured or produced in Israel or countries that trade with Israel, and it is best to consult a Libyan Embassy for more information.
Climate: The Libyan Desert is one of the harshest and most arid in the world, and decades can go by without rain in certain areas, but this harsh interior is tempered by the Mediterranean climate in the north. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cooler with lower temperatures in the evening, and rainfall is minimal. The desert is more extreme; hot in the day and cold at night. Spring and autumn experience the ghibli, a hot, dry and dusty desert wind that can last from a day to four days, bringing temperatures in the coastal areas up to 122°F (50°C). June to October is the best time to travel to Libya, particularly to the coastal areas, as temperatures are in the more manageable region of 80°F (27°C).
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