Before you travel you should Travellers from all but Arab and certain countries need a VISA to travel into Libya,These are normally issued by libyan travel agency send invitation to the Libyan people?s bureau,embassy or consulate in the relevant overseas country, only Arabs and certain some of African country nationals are exempt from this requirement. VISA?s can be issued for several reasons, Tourist and Business are the main reasons. Due to the growth of the Libyan tourism industry, VISA rules have been relaxed and are easier to obtain. To obtain a VISA, you need to apply to the nearest Libyan embassy "People's Libyan Bureau" (see Libyan Embassies). The cost of VISA's differed according to the country you apply from. VISA?s are usually valid for 3 months from the issue date and are valid for a month's duration in Libya.

You can always extend your stay in Libya by applying to the nearest immigration office there. Usually, you need an invitation to visit Libya, but you can obtain one from a Libyan travel agency, or an agency that deals with Libya. If you have a Libyan contact (Friend, Relative or Business contact) they can issue you an invitation. Your government or the Libyan Embassy you apply to might provide this service. All visitors to Libya must have the essentail data on their passport into Arabic.

  

If you are travelling as a part of a tour group then your travel company will almost certainly deal with this to translate your passport information into Arabic. If you are travelling alone or with a friend to get VISA and you don?t know anyone in libya you can contact a locale travel agent in Libya, they will send you an invitation What to bring along Take out Medical Insurance, also take a letter from your doctor if you have any major disease or special care you need. If you take medications, it is advised that you bring a good supply and a letter explaining the use of them.

Bring a spare of Glasses, if you use them. If you find a good Arabic phrases book. Libyans like when tourists try to speak their language. It is advised to bring the basic medications (i.e. Diarrhea, Headache,) Bring your sunglasses and a good hat. A camera. Please check with your escort when you are in the cities and remember people DO not like to be photographed without their permission. Good sneakers.Swimming Suit. Lots of Sun Lotion ... When you arrive There is a no compulsory currency purchase order for tourists traveling to Libya to change amount of money. you can change as much as you want when you pass the Immigration(always ask your locale tour guide for the amount of change during you stay in Libya), you need to make the change at the Tripoli International Airport or at any bank in Tripoli, or your entry point. It is always advised to travel through the Tripoli International Airport as the main operators deal with it. Libya has one of strongest bans on Alcohol and drug imports.

Before you plan to bring any please think twice and it is highly advised not to do so. You need to fill Immigration and Currency forms on entries by the Tunisia or by Egyptians border. The forms can be obtained in both Arabic and English, if you are with a tour, they usually assist in filling them. If you are alone, do not hesitate to ask any one, People in Libya are friendly and will go over board to assist in any way possible. You need also don?t forget to register with the authorities in Libya during your first week of entry.

In Tripoli it is the immigration office, you can always ask at your entry point or ask the hotel that you are staying in Libya the also could do it for you, or even at the Libyan Embassy where you have obtained your visa. For your comfort, But if you have organized your visit to Libya with a travel agent they will take care of the registration for you. We have compiled a list of Hotels, Restaurants, City information, Hospital Guides and Places of Interest.We always welcome new information and/or comments, and are updating these lists constantly. If you are traveling with your own vehicle, the rules are slightly different. We advise that you contact a Libyan travel agency to organize a guide for you, the guide can do a lot of help during your visit in Libya. When leaving Libya, note that you are only allowed to export a limited amount of Libyan money and there are currency controls.

There is no a departure taxes that you need to pay when leaving. (Just to be on the safe side). Libyan Currency The Libyan Dinar is the standard currency which is divided into 1,000 dirhams witch called Dinar. Notes are issued in 20 - 10 - 5 - 1 - .5 and .25. Coins are 25 - 10 and 05 dirhams, but are rarely used these days. The currency exchange rates are changing.Please check with you tour operator, host or Libyan Embassy. There are also many banks (see banks) in all the major cities, and you can always make any exchanges at any of them. Credit Cards are not used in Libya (Rumors has it that they will be introduced to the major Hotels and banks very soon). Getting there Libya's main entry points are Tripoli and Benghazi or by Libyan Tunisian or Libyan Egyptian Border.

You can travel by air, or ports. You can also enter from Egypt, Tunisia or from the south of Libya by land. Please make sure to have preparations and that your Libyan contacts know about your plans. When in Libya, the roads are in good conditions, currently there are some Car Rental agencies (Prices are not expensive). You can also relay on Taxi and local transportation. Between the cities, you can take the Bus or rent your own Taxis, shared Taxis are also available. You can also travel by air between the major cities including the south part of Libya.

You can ship your vehicle to Libya if you are traveling alone (on a tour) and gas prices are very cheap. For this please contact a travel agency, Libyan Embassy for regulations. Please note that Libya has a high rate of car accidents, so if you plan to drive Do it carefully or hire a drive(see Distance chart). General Information Libyan Electricity service uses standard 240V power system. But please note that adapter plug sizes might vary, it is advised that you bring an international adapter with you. Libyan hours of business are from 7:00 am to 2:00 p.m. (summer) and 8:00 am to 4:00 p.m. (winter).

Private business and shops operate differently and are usually open late. If traveling in Ramadan (the Islamic Holy month), the working habits are changed, businesses are usually opened after sunset. Libya's official time is GMT - 1 and the time does not change between summer and winter. When traveling be advised to respect Libya's religion (Islam). Dress reasonably and remember that the Libyan people are very hospitable. But, please do not be used and then blame the people or culture. It is not an excuse to be ignorant of the Libyan or Islamic customs. Also if you intend to travel around Libya, either make arrangements with a travel agency, or have a Libyan national escort you. Libyan officials are very reasonable.