Libya Travel Guide

WARNING: The domestic situation in Libya remains unstable subsequent to the formal announcement of liberation by the Libyan National Transitional Council on 23 October 2011. Travel within the nations borders remains dangerous and therefore strongly discouraged for independent travellers.

The country remains unstable following a civil war between the armed forces of the previous Libyan government and anti-government rebels supported by a NATO led coalition of Western and Arab nations. Libya continues to suffer from factional disputes between competing political and militia groups. This may involve armed conflict and violent engagements between groups, disaffected individuals, foreign military elements and competing militias both within and also outside the scope of the National Transitional Council (NTC). These activities may be sustained for a prolonged period and possibly involve the use of deadly force. Large parts of the nation are currently under the control of the National Transitional Council who have formed a temporary administration based in Tripoli. The nation is lacking a formally constituted or interim government at this time and normal civil services are not yet available. The nation's infrastructure has suffered very serious damage from a sustained aerial bombing campaign and the use of heavy armaments by combative ground forces during the period of recent intensive civil and military conflict.

If you are already in Libya, stay away from large public gatherings, public demonstrations, sites of civil or militia conflict and major infrastructure sites. Try to gain independent and reliable information concerning the current political and civil situation and any engagements between military forces, militias or similar activities in your area. If uncomfortable with the situation in the area you are visiting then organise an immediate and secure exit from Libya by contacting your country's embassy or their representatives either in Libya, your home country or neighbouring nations.

If requiring assistance EU citizens should contact the embassy of another EU state if they cannot make contact with their home country's representatives. The governments of many nations have issued formal travel warnings. Research these warnings in depth before travelling to or moving about within Libya. Many nations have also recommended their citizens in Libya should leave the country without delay.

Limited flights to Cairo, Egypt are operating from the Tripoli International Airport, and Turkish Airlines have resumed limited services from Tripoli's second airport, Mitiga International Airport, to Istanbul-(Ataturk). Four airlines have re-commenced services from Benina International Airport, Benghazi to several international destinations however limited capacity on the services may require the seeking out of other means of travel. The situation remains volatile, so care and elevated situational awareness must be exercised at all times if attempting to move about or transit through affected areas of Libya. If you must travel to Libya, see War zone safety safety for important precautionary information