Travel Vaccines and Advice for Libya
Libya is a country with profound historical importance, boasting many impressive Roman and Greek ruins. It is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Leptis Magna and the Ghadamès.
Due to political unrest, spurred by Libya’s revolution in 2011 and 2012, travel to Libya is dangerous and often off-limits. Travellers should research this country carefully and exercise extreme caution.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Libya?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Libya?
What Is the Climate Like in Libya?
Is Libya Safe?
Libyan Rules, Customs and Laws
What Should I Take To Libya?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Libya
Do I Need Vaccines for Libya?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Libya. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Libya: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a polio-endemic country or if you have spent 4 weeks in Afghanistan or Pakistan in the last 12 months. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Libya |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a polio-endemic country or if you have spent 4 weeks in Afghanistan or Pakistan in the last 12 months. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit our vaccination or make an appointment with your local Travel Health Specialist. Ring or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Libya?
A visa is required for Libya. But, a visa may not be recognized in some conflict zones, travel with care. Passports showing previous travel to Israel may lead to denial of entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
All visitors must register with the local constable within one week of arrival.
Libya Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Libya? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Libya and GOV.UK
What Is the Climate Like in Libya?
Libya has mild winters and hot, dry summers. Libya’s coastal climate is Mediterranean. Desert climate dominates the rest of the country.
In Tripoli, temperatures in the winter range from 8 to 17 degrees. During the summer temperatures range from 22 to 32 degrees. The rainy season tends to last from October through March, though Libya does not get much rain.
Is Libya Safe?
The government of the UK recommends against all travel to Libya due to terrorism, civil unrest and extremist violence in the region.
The government of the UK’s capacity to assist citizens in Libya is severely limited. Extremist groups have targeted government officials and citizens. The most notable case is the 2012 Benghazi attack.
Crime levels and the threat of kidnapping are high. Militia presence is high, and militia members may detain travellers for any reason.
The government of the UK characterizes the security climate in Libya as unpredictable and unstable.
Libyan Rules, Customs and Laws
Libya’s rules and customs may be different from what travellers are used to. Be sure to take note before travelling:
- Travellers to Libya should dress conservatively and avoid public displays of affection.
- LGBT travellers may face considerable risk as sexual acts between same-sex individuals are illegal.
- Proselytizing is illegal in Libya.
- Importing or consuming alcohol and pork products are illegal in Libya.
- Taking pictures of some buildings, particularly military and government buildings is illegal.
- Most law enforcement carried out by militias.
Travellers to Libya should review the region’s laws before entering the country.
What Should I Take To Libya?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Libya:
- Insect repellent and sun cream
- Travellers may experience diarrhoea from water or food they are not used to. A traveller’s diarrhoea kit is recommended for all travellers.
- Light but modest clothing for hot temperatures
- travellers should carry their passports with them at all times. Individuals without passports may be detained for questioning.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Libya
British embassy and consular services have been temporarily suspended in Libya. Travel at your own risk.
If you have any questions about travelling to Libya or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
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