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Language: The official language of Libya is Arabic (used for all official business), though some English is spoken, especially in the cities and tourist-orientated establishments. Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a visa unless travelling together as a family, and holding a letter with proof of sponsorship from an established Libyan company. A passport is required. Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require passport and a visa. Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians nationals require a passport and visa. Entry requirements for Australians: Australians nationals require a passport and visa. Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans nationals require a passport and visa. Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport and visa. Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport and visa. Passport/Visa Note: All travellers entering and exiting the country are required to have an Arabic transcript of their passport. Travellers without this transcript may not be able to enter the country. Entry will also be refused to those carrying a passport with a valid or expired visa for Israel. Visitors travelling on a visa must register with immigration officials within seven days of arrival (unless on a re-entry visa). Hotel reception offices register their guests automatically. Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay are necessary, as well as proof of return or onward tickets. Getting around: Bus services operate between Tripoli and Benghazi, as well as other major urban centres and taxis are available. Petrol in Libya is cheap and car rental agencies are available, but there is a high incidence of traffic accidents and driving can be highly erratic; road quality can vary. Permission from Libyan authorities, in the form of a desert pass, is needed for those intending to drive into desert areas. The major urban centres are connected by aeroplane. Health: There are no major health risks associated with travel to Libya. Visitors travelling from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Health Care 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 recommended to carry their own basic medications. Tap water in Libya is chlorinated, but it is advised to drink bottled or boiled water. Tipping: Hotels and restaurants usually add a service charge of 10 to 20%. Tipping guides and drivers is expected. Safety: Generally Libya is a safe country to travel in, but it is advisable to avoid the areas bordering Chad, Sudan and Niger due to an increase in military activity caused by illegal immigration, as well as the presence of armed tribal groups. Travelling in a group or with an organised tour is recommended in remote regions and travellers should be advised of a threat of terrorism that can occur randomly. Prior permission from the Libyan authorities is required for travel to the desert regions and is in the form of a desert pass; however the oil mining areas of the desert should be avoided. It is highly recommended that one monitor the media and seek advice from the relevant authorities before travelling. Violent crime is generally not a problem, although visitors should avoid carrying valuables in public. Customs: Libya is an Islamic country (97-98% of Libyans are Sunni Muslim) and therefore visitors should be respectful in terms of following Arabic customs, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public is forbidden. Swimwear should be restricted to beaches, and women should dress modestly, and avoid Arab gatherings where women are not permitted. Homosexuality is illegal and extramarital sexual relationships are forbidden. Criticism of the Libyan Government, Islam and the country itself is not tolerated. Permission must always be sought prior to photographing people, and it is not recommended that a camera be used or carried near any official or military buildings. Libya is one of the strictest countries in terms of a ban on alcohol and drugs, and neither should be brought into the country, though smoking is very common. Business: Although most business in Libya has traditionally been conducted with state organisations, there has been some movement towards privatisation. All official documents are in Arabic (it is useful to have a translator for this) due to government policy, and although English is often understood official business will usually be conducted in Arabic. Bureaucracy can slow down any business process and one should be prepared for this. Business cards are useful but are not widely exchanged. Suits and ties are the norm, although due to the heat particularly in summer, more casual business wear is accepted. The vast majority of Libyans are Muslim and therefore one should be mindful of Islamic custom, particularly during Ramadan. Women should ensure that they dress modestly. Communications: The international dialling code for Libya is +218. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)21 for Tripoli and (0)22 for Tripoli International Airport. There are several Internet Service Providers and Internet cafes are available in Tripoli and other major centres, as well as some towns. Mobile phones operate on GSM 900 and 1800 networks and general telecommunications are being modernised. Duty Free: Travellers may enter the country with 200 cigarettes or 250g cigars or 250g tobacco, and 250ml perfume. All alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, as well as all foodstuffs (including canned goods). There is also an extensive list of banned items, including any articles manufactured or produced in Israel or countries that trade with Israel, and it is best to consult a Libyan Embassy for more information. |
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Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2008 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media nor Educational Directories Unlimited can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. |
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