Libya : Safety by City
Libya is a country located in North Africa, with a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and in between Egypt to the east and Tunisia to the west.
It also shares borders with Algeria, Chad, Niger, and Sudan.
Geographically, it isn’t too diverse as more than 90% of the country is covered in desert or semidesert.
Culturally, you can definitely broaden your views by visiting Libya: you can see the Leptis Magna, a prominent city of the Roman Empire whose ruins are located in Al Khums, on the coast where the Wadi Lebda meets the sea.
Leptis Magna is considered to be one of the most spectacular Roman ruins in the Mediterranean.
You can also visit Cyrene, an ancient colony that is now an archeological site near the village of present-day Shahhat.
Located in the northern part of Libya, and surrounded by mountains, it’s the location where the oldest “love Symbol” in the world was found.
Warnings & Dangers in Libya
OVERALL RISK : HIGH
Libya isn't safe and many governments are advising their citizens against traveling to Libya because of the current conflict following the bloody war to oust the Gadaffi dictatorship. This country is dangerous and if you're currently in Libya, make plans to leave as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
The ongoing tumultuous situation makes it difficult to travel at night. Even though road conditions aren't too bad in Libya, but driving standards are poor with factors that complicate traffic additionally, like the wind-blown sand that reduces visibility.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpockets are active in Libya, and both petty and violent crime is rife. Avoid carrying too much cash and keep in mind that expensive watches, jewelry, and cameras will make you look like an easy target for pickpockets and opportunists.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
There aren't many natural disasters that affect Libya, apart from occasional earthquakes.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
Violent confrontations like muggings and robberies are on the rise lately, so it is recommended that you take extra care on the streets of Libya, avoid dark streets and deserted areas. Bear in mind that risks increase after dark.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Libya. The biggest threat is coming from the extremist groups including Daesh that are responsible for the majority of attacks.
SCAMS RISK : HIGH
There are many scams in Libya as well as scammers trying to take advantage of travelers. Be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride. We advise you to be extremely careful when handling money and around ATMs.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH
Libya is definitely not safe for solo female travelers. They are advised, if it is absolutely necessary that they leave their accommodation at night, to go out accompanied by someone. Be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public.
So... How Safe Is Libya Really?
Libya isn’t safe for tourists.
In fact, many governments are explicit in advising travelers against all travel to Libya due to serious political and social turmoil and instability there caused by the ongoing civil war following their president’s overthrow.
Armed militia groups persist in their presence in many cities and areas, which can often be lethal.
If you’re in Libya currently, stay away from public gatherings, demonstrations that can turn deadly and areas where militia groups tend to get involved in conflicts and make plans to leave Libya as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
Driving after dark is extremely dangerous in Libya, especially in rural areas, as there’s a Night driving high risk of accidents: rural roads are common without any traffic signs at all and aren’t even marked, making it difficult to stay in lane.
Also, other drivers tend to drive cars with specific headlights which makes it difficult to see the road and oncoming traffic.
Drivers are commonly reckless and speeding for no reason at all, and camels have been known to cross the roads at night.
You should also know that members of the LGBTQ community are in extreme danger in Libya.
Homosexuality is illegal here, and those engaging in homosexual acts can easily be executed or tortured.
Sharia law is in force here, so gay people and lesbian women should definitely stay away from this country.
Useful Information
- Visas - Most countries do need a visa in order to visit Libya. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your staying in Libya. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency - Libyan dinar is the official currency. There are a limited number of ATMs in Tripoli and Benghazi and travelers are advised to bring cash with them.
- Weather - Libya's climate is affected by both the Mediterranean Sea and the desert. The climate is characterized by cool winters with some rain and sub-freezing temperatures in the desert at night. As for summers, Sahara is extremely hot and dry during this season.
- Airports - Tripoli International Airport is the main international airport serving the capital city of Libya. It is located in the area of Qasr bin Ghashir about 34 km from central Tripoli.
- Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Libya, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Libya Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 18 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 31 | 28 | 23 | 19 |
| Low °C | 7 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 11 | 8 |
| High °F | 64 | 66 | 72 | 77 | 82 | 90 | 90 | 91 | 88 | 82 | 73 | 66 |
| Low °F | 45 | 45 | 48 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 66 | 68 | 66 | 61 | 52 | 46 |
Underrated nation
Hello I am a Libyan I go there every year and I am disgusted by how you have presented our nation where I am from -Benghazi- there are police in every corner and isis has been removed please fix this
Am travelling there in a week time but am scared
There is no evidence of your claim.
The country is destroyed due to the lack ethics and Satan worship.
jeff you are stupid, and actually possessed by Satan because only Satan would say something so ignorant and dumb.
Scamming *** . *** off Libya sucks .
hellow, im trying to go to libia to work as a male nurse im a graduated nurse? what is your idea about that? is it safe and good?
Libyan & proud
I AM Libyan and I am so proud that I’m from the Libyan community and there is no no doubt that Libya is not dangerous
Libya/Tripoli and Libyans!
Its been several years since i lived and worked in Libya and i found the locals very friendly and most helpful! I have read a lot about Libya/Tripoli in 2019 and not sure if these reports coming from France, United Kingdom and the USA! Anyway that’s what i found of Libya/Tripoli!
Understandably the Libyans are not happy having been tricked by Blair, France and the Obamas, their country bombed and the wealth being sucked out of the country by regimes directed by corrupt bankers.
DO NOT TRAVEL
Libya is not safe as of 2019, it is currently in a civil war and ISIS has engulfed the nation. there may be places with no ISIS but you still have to worry about the crime and other terrorism. lets talk about if travel to Libya is essential and you must go. first if your a women traveling solo try and stay indoors or in rural areas at all costs. do not venture into big or small city’s not being escorted. you also must obey Islamic moral code. you cant be homosexual, or transgender and a women must wear a Abaya or Hijab and being another religion besides Islam is illegal since it is a Arab state which means everybody there is Islam. do not show even the slightest es signs of wealth or else it is extremely likely you will be a victim of pick pocketing, violent muggings or violent robbery. rape, sexual assault, armed conflict are on the rise and were already high to begin with. armed home invasions are also getting pretty popular. remain vigilant at all times and be aware of your surroundings. if you are a westerner you are very likely to be kidnapped. once kidnapped you will be tortured, raped, and beaten for hours on end until they finally kill you. some people have been thrown out into the desert naked to die. this country is a serious risk so take this very seriously. the African brotherhood is on the rise in Libya, if you dont know the African brotherhood is basically Africans united. they will not torture fellow African brothers, only westerners. the reason many people are on here saying this hell hole is safe is because they are either from Libya, live in Libya, or are African or Arabian. cause for them it is, if things go wrong which the will most likely your best chance would be escaping to Egypt or Tunisian. do not try and flea to Niger, Sudan, Chad or Algeria. the US cannot rescue people from Libya do to how closed off and isolated it is. good luck escaping to Egypt or Tunisian cause you’ll have to cross a huge amount of the Sahara desert which can reach up to 135 degrees ferheit or 57 degrees celcious. Libya is the hottest country in the world. conclusion, DO NOT TRAVEL TO LIBYA AS OF 2019.
great country, enjoyed my stay and trips into villages, stay out of tourist spots and you will do fine, just do not look too white, and do not be a woman, otherwise, great country and great food, loved the sweets and the perfume as well as the culture.
Propaganda
Shame how the Western World portrays Libya. United States, Israel, United Kingdom and so fourth are the real terrorists.
I’ve visited 39 countries, some of which I was nervous about due to what we are told by the media whom are controlled by the higher power eg..Israel..I came to find that the countries I was nervous about are far from what is been told about them.
It’s disappointing propaganda, well done United States and others..people, youtube Gaddafis speech in the UN assembly meeting, open your eyes, get out there and don’t be frightened as that’s what the media what you to be.
It won’t stop me visiting countries and cities of interest.
Make sure if you are a female you wear short skirt and show skin as they will leave you alone. Bring a safe deisgner purse such as coach or LV. Enjoy your trip.
You made a very big mistake killing Muamar Gaddafi
God pls make to reach Eoup
I was born in Tripoli in 1950 and then spent several years there and in Benghazi in the 60’s. My parents also lived there in 70’s. I would love to visit and have the opportunity to see the amazing ruins of Leptis Magna and Sabratha again. Do you have any suggestions of the best way to do this. I now live in South Africa. Jenny.