Traveling into Libya brings with it some strict rules. No one from Israel is allowed into Libya, for instance. Except for residents of a few Arab nations, everyone coming into Libya is required to have a passport and a visa. Before the visa is approved, the passport must be translated to Arabic. Also, visas are only distributed to those who are coming to Libya as part of an approved designated tour group.

The Best Time to Visit Libya

Winter months, November through March, are the best time to visit Libya. Because this is a desert country, daytime temperatures will always be warm, but in the spring and summer months, daily temperatures are regularly around 100 degrees (or the high 30s on the Celsius thermometer). Winter temperatures are milder. The desert areas are, not surprisingly, very dry, but near the costal waters, the air is more humid.

The months to avoid travel in Libya are May, June, and October. This is “sandstorm season,” when devastating sandstorms blow in from the south. The sandstorms are so bad that they curtail all outdoor activities.

General Information

Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, Libya is expensive for tourists. This is likely because travelers can only come to the country on organized tours, and those tours often use the most expensive facilities. Travelers must carry cash because no credit cards are accepted in Libya and checks are virtually impossible to cash. Also, unlike other Arab countries, bargaining at the open-air markets is not acceptable.

Alcohol is not served anywhere in Libya. Since this ban has been instituted, most of the restaurants have closed down. There are no night clubs in Libya.

Now that the United Nations has lifted sanctions against Libya, there is air travel into the country via European and African airline companies. Within Libya, there is air travel between all of the major cities. There is no railroad travel in Libya since the rails were dismantled in 1965.

Travelers should exercise caution when deciding to visit Libya. Security within Libya is generally good, but tensions are high overall in the Middle East. Travelers should avoid any political demonstrations and should avoid the borders of Chad and the Sudan.

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