GETTING THERE
Arriving by plane
As a country located in Africa according to payhelpcenter, Libya’s national airlines are Libyan Airlines (LN) (Internet: www.ln.aero) and Afriqiyah Airways (8U). However, Libyan airlines are blacklisted and are not allowed to fly into the EU.
Also Austrian Airlines (OS) flies from Vienna to Tripoli.
Other airlines flying to Libya are British Airways (BA) and Royal Jordanian Airline (RJ).
Flight times
6 LD; Children under 2 years of age as well as transit travelers who continue traveling within 24 hours and do not leave the airport are exempt.
Air passes
With the Star Alliance Middle East Airpass, travelers can explore Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates on up to ten flights. More information is available on the Star Alliance website, www.staralliance.com.
Arrival by car
The main road links are between Libya and Tunisia, Algeria, Niger, Chad and Egypt.
Entry by land is only permitted via the all-day border crossings Ras Ajdir from Tunisia and Musa’ad from Egypt. The border crossings to Algeria, Niger, Sudan and Chad are in principle closed to Europeans. The borders with Niger, Chad, Sudan and Algeria are currently closed.
Arriving by train
There are currently no passenger trains, but the construction of a rail network is planned.
Arrival by ship
The main ports are As-Sider, Benghazi, Darna, Mersa Brega, Misurata, El Mi na and Tripoli. Several shipping companies call at Libyan ports. There are ferry connections to La Valletta (Malta), Piraeus (Greece), Casablanca and Tangier (Morocco) and Latakia (Syria).
ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
Libyan Airlines (LN) offers connections from Tripoli to Beida, Benghazi, Al Kufra, Sebha and Tobruk. There is an hourly shuttle service between Tripoli and Benghazi.
Buraq Air (UZ) (www.buraqair.com) flies regularly between Tripoli and Benghazi.
Airport charges
3 LD; Children under 2 years of age, as well as transit travelers who continue their journey within 24 hours and do not leave the airport, are exempt from this.
On the way by car / bus
The main thoroughfare from west to east runs along the coast. Some of the larger roads also lead inland, including Sebha, Ghadames and Kufra. Since 1969 only street signs with Arabic script can be used, they are rarely seen outside of larger towns. Petrol is available everywhere and is inexpensive; there are no reliable city maps. Spare parts are hard to find and repairs are not carried out reliably.
Bus: There is a regular bus service between Tripoli and Benghazi, and a minibus between Benghazi and Tobruk.
Taxi: Fares should be agreed in advance.
Rental cars are available in Tripoli (including Sixt) and Benghazi (should only be rented with a driver).
Documents: Driving licenses are valid for three months, after which a Libyan driving license must be applied for and carried with you.
Note on traveling by road
Visitors to the desert regions need a so-called desert pass from the Libyan authorities before they start their journey. This is usually also available from the tour operator.
Traveling in the city
In Tripoli and Benghazi there is a public bus network with three price zones. The buses are overcrowded and run irregularly.
On the go by train
No passenger trains. The Tripoli – Al Zawiah – Sabratha – Zuara – Zeltin – Abu Kamash – Ras Ejdeer railway is under construction. Another railway line is planned from the coastal town of Sirte to the Sabha oasis in the Sahara.
TRAVEL WARNING
Country-specific safety instructions
Travel warning
The Federal Foreign Office continues to warn against traveling to Libya. Germans who may still be there will be asked to leave the country immediately. The German embassy in Tripoli is currently closed to visitors and cannot provide consular assistance on site in an emergency.
The situation across the country is extremely confusing and uncertain. There are always violent clashes, which can also affect foreigners.
The state security organs cannot guarantee adequate protection. Armed groups, some of which are unclear as to where they belong, often appear as representatives of the public order, but they are not trained and cannot be calculated.
Throughout Libya and especially in the greater Tripoli, Sirte, Benghazi and Derna areas, there is an increased risk of kidnapping for foreigners.
There is a nationwide risk of armed robbery and car-jacking, especially with high-quality vehicles and off-road vehicles.
All German nationals who are staying in Libya contrary to this travel warning are strongly advised to enter their stay details in the external link, opens in a new window, and to keep their entries up to date.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Libya duty-free (people over 18 years of age):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
250 ml perfume for personal use.
Prohibited imports
There is a strict import ban on alcoholic beverages, drugs and pork products. All other beverages, food (even canned), pornographic articles and articles that are either manufactured in Israel or by companies that trade with Israel are also prohibited. More information from the embassy (see contact addresses).
Prohibited exports
Antiques (including stones, pottery shards, etc.) and meteorite parts must remain in Libya.
