Libya

*Libya is currently in the aftermath of a civil war that toppled the Gaddafi regime. While fighting in most of the country has ended, safety in Libya is far from certain and all but essential travel to Libya at this time is not advised.

Oil-rich Libya has had a tumultuous history and many have wrestled for control of this fascinating and beautiful land. Tucked between Egypt and Tunisia, and bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, Libya has seen invasions by Turks, Vandals, Byzantines, Romans, Arabs and Italians; only gaining independence in 1951. These various civilisations have left their mark, particularly evident in the striking Roman and Greek ruins at Leptis Magna, Cyrene and Sabratha, though Libya remains quintessentially Arabic - evident in the Medina (old city) of the capital Tripoli, the nomadic lifestyle of desert-dwelling Bedouin and Berber tribes, and the language, culture and customs of the people.

Tripoli, in the northeast, is the country's main port, and is a bustling city dominated by the splendid Assaraya al-Hamra (Red Castle), a large palace complex, as well as the walls and gates of the Medina. Filled with orange groves, grapevines, palms and olive trees, the lush city is home to several interesting mosques, museums and historical sites, as well as modern amenities. Its ideal location on the Mediterranean makes it a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Benghazi is Libya's second largest city and is chiefly more modern in flavour, having been all but destroyed during World War II, though one can still enjoy the lively local souqs (markets), and it acts as a good base from which to explore the neighbouring Green Mountain area, as well as several Roman ruin sites along the coast.

Libya is largely an undiscovered tourist destination, due to sanctions imposed on the country through its rocky political history, including participation in several acts of terrorism (including the 1988 bombing of a PanAm flight near Lockerbie in Scotland) and the support by 'Guide of the Revolution' Colonel Mu'ammar al Qadhafi of various international terrorist and revolutionary organisations. Sanctions, however, were lifted in 2003, once the Lockerbie incident had finally been resolved, and the Libyan government ceased production of weapons of mass destruction. This has seen a rise in tourism and an increased interest in the country, with a number of resorts springing up along its Mediterranean coast. Although 90 percent of Libya is desert or semi-desert, there are breathtaking oases to be discovered, ruins to explore, cities to investigate, beaches to laze on and of course, the hospitality and friendliness of its people to enjoy.

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).

Money

The official currency is the Dinar (LYD), which is divided into 1,000 dirhams. Credit cards have very limited acceptance (usually only in five-star hotels) and travellers cheques are not accepted, therefore it is advised to carry cash. ATMs are unreliable, though available in Tripoli. Banks are usually closed on Thursdays and Fridays. Currency can be exchanged at the airport or any bank in Tripoli.

Passport Visa

Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Libya. Tourist visas must be organised in advance, but can be issued on arrival; provided that travellers are holding a copy of a letter issued by the Libyan immigration authorities, confirming that a visa will be granted to them upon their arrival at the airport. This copy must be sent to the office of the transporting carrier in Libya at least 24 hours in advance. Visitors travelling to Libya for touristic purposes are also required to convert USD 1,000 (or equivalent) in freely convertible cash, or to debit the amount from a valid credit card upon their arrival at the airport. Failure to do so will result in the traveller being refused entry to Libya. Note that admission and transit will be refused to holders of (i) documents containing a valid or expired visa for Israel, or (ii) tickets showing an Israeli destination. All visitors must also hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in Libya, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving within six days or leaving or transiting through an infected area). Please note that the volatile political situation in Libya means that visa/entry requirements often change abruptly, and as such, travellers should make sure they are in possession of up-to-date information BEFORE leaving home. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. As of March 2011, a visa is NOT required for nationals of the USA, including their family members (even if of another nationality), provided (i) they are travelling together, and (ii) that they are holding a letter from an established company in Libya sponsoring their visit. If family members travel individually, the letter should also confirm that prior arrangements were made with the Libyan Immigration Department to secure entry into Libya.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Libya. A visa is required (see note, below).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with travel to Libya. Visitors travelling from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Travellers are encouraged to get vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Healthcare facilities in Libya are basic and travellers are advised to have full health insurance. In remote areas there may be no health facilities at all, therefore travellers are advised to carry their own basic medications. Tap water in Libya is chlorinated, but it is advised to drink bottled or boiled water.

Embassy Consulates

• Libyan Representative Office, Washinton DC, United States: +1 202 944 9601.
• Libyan People's Bureau, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (020) 7201 8280 or (0)20 7589 6120.
• Libyan Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 (613) 321 2300 919.
• Libyan People's Bureau, ACT, Australia: +61 (2) 6290 7900.
• Libyan Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 3902.
• Libyan People's Bureau, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (020) 7201 8280 or (0)20 7589 6120.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Liaison Office, Tripoli: +218 (0)21 335 1846 or (0)21 335 1235.
• British Embassy, Tripoli: +218 (0)21 340 3644/5.
• Canadian Embassy, Tripoli: +218 (0)21 335 1633.
• Australian Consulate-General, Tripoli: +218 (0)21 335 1468/69.
• South African Embassy, Tripoli: +218 (0)21 333 7006 or (0)21 444 7225.
• Irish Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Libya): +39 06 697 9121.