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Libya Foreign travel advice
Summary Still current at: 15 April 2024 Updated: 14 April 2024 Latest update: 13 April 2024 – drones and missiles fired from Iran into Israel (‘Summary’ page)
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO) advise against all travel to Libya. This advice has been in place consistently since 2014. If you’re in Libya against this advice, you should seek to leave immediately by any practical means.
Iranian military activity against Israel
On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel.
Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.
All travel to, from and within Libya is at the traveller’s risk. Local security situations are fragile and can quickly deteriorate into intense fighting and clashes without warning.
On 10 September Storm Daniel struck Eastern Libya resulting in severe flooding and causing significant damage to critical infrastructure, including hospitals and telecommunications networks. You should follow the advice of local authorities and keep up to date with media coverage.
On 14 August, clashes between armed groups in central Tripoli broke out, resulting in temporary roadblocks and Mitiga airport closure. Tensions have calmed, with roads now open and no further disruption to air travel from Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport.
Consular support is severely limited in Libya and the British Embassy in Tripoli does not provide consular services. If you are in Libya and need urgent help from the UK government (e.g. if you have been detained) you can contact the British Embassy in Tunis on +216 71 108 700 or contact us online. If you are in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Libya, you can call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
If you plan to travel against FCDO advice, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Libya’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover.
Localised violence between armed groups in the capital and surrounding region can break out at short notice with little to no warning. Foreign forces and mercenaries retain a presence across the country.
Protests and civil unrest can also occur at short notice, including demonstrations against deteriorating living conditions, corruption, and ongoing political instability. Local security forces’ response can be unpredictable and there is a high risk of civilians being detained or wounded if caught up in local demonstrations.
Fighting between armed groups poses significant risks to air travel in Libya. It has periodically caused the temporary suspension or closure of airports. All airports are vulnerable to closure due to armed clashes.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Libya. There remains a high threat throughout the country of terrorist attacks and kidnap against foreigners, including from Daesh-affiliated extremists (formerly referred to as ISIL) and Al Qaida, as well as armed militias.
If you choose to travel to Libya against FCDO advice, you should get the right visa, or risk deportation.
If you’re entering Libya as a media representative, you should get press accreditation from the relevant Libyan authorities.