Libya

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Internet Access/Cafes | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

The climate has marked seasonal variations influenced by both the Mediterranean Sea and the desert. Along the Tripolitanian coast, summer temperatures range between 40.6°C and 46°C (105°F and 115°F); further south, temperatures are even higher. Summers in the north of Cyrenaica range from 26.7°C - 32°C (80°F-90°F). In Tobruk, the average January temperature is 13.4°C (56°F); July 26°C (79°F). The ghibli, a hot, dry desert wind, can change temperatures by 17° - 22°C (30° -40°F) in both summer and winter. Rainfall varies from region to region. The Jabal areas of the north receive a yearly average of 15 to 20 inches. Other regions have less than 8 inches. Rain falls generally in a short winter period and frequently causes floods. Evaporation is high and severe droughts are common

For today's weather forecast see    CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all except nationals for Arab countries and Malta. Holders of Israeli passports or passports containing Israeli stamps will not be admitted.

To obtain a visa you must have your passport details translated into Arabic. It is difficult for women travelling alone to get visas. The Libyan government's aim is to develop tourism thereby ensuring the the processing of visa application is made simpler. It is best to check for the latest requirements with your country's representative.

Foreigners need to register at the police station within 48 hours of arrival. More often than not your hotel will do this for you.

All pork and alcohol products are banned are are products of Israeli origin.
Visa requirements can change at any time, so we recommend you contact your local representative to find out the latest

Listing of Tourist offices and/or embassies, representing Libya, located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    Libyan Dinar=1000 dirhams.
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted. Cash in US Dollars is the best, and mostly the only option. A minimum of US$500 (or the equivalent) is required to be exchanged into local currency upon arrival.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Generally Saturday to Thursday: 0800-1200 - different hours are operated during summer and winter months
Government Offices:    Saturday to Thursday: 0800-1400


LOCAL TIME

Libya is 1 hour ahead of GMT

Air:	The following International Airlines fly into Libya Emirates Airlines | Royal Air Maroc | Royal Jordanian Airlines | Tunisian AirLines | Aeroflot | Lufthansa Air Malta | Alitalia | Austrian Airlines The domestic Airline offers a service between Tripoli, Benghazi, Sebha, Ghadhames, Ghat, Tobruk and Kufra. Prices are reasonable but flights usually need to be booked in advance.
Train:	There is no rail system within the country
Bus:	Most the major towns are serviced by air conditioned buses and on the whole road conditions are good.
Road:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Libya Folded Map   (Maps Worldwide) Subtitle With city maps of Tarabulus and Binghazi Series Arab World Maps Format Folded Map, Scale 1:3 500 000 Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	Car hire is available in Tripoli and Benghazi. Traffic drives on the right hand side and a National driving licence valid for three months is required. Petrol is cheap but spare parts are difficult to obtain.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Libya, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

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	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.