Last updated: 21 Oct 2025
Libya
About
| Slowly but surely emerging from years of international isolation, Libya's beauty and diversity are still relatively unknown and, as a result, the country remains largely unspoilt. The whitewashed capital Tripoli is, for North Africa, a quiet city, with a good selection of restaurants and hotels. The old souks and winding lanes of the capital, Tripoli, with its traditional mosques and khans (inns/warehouses), have particular streets given to spices, gold, bridal fabrics made from a desert plant and animal skins Camel riding through the Akakus mountains or other parts of the Sahara. This is the true way to discover the quiet solitude, slowness and unique beauty of the desert. Dune-surfing The dunes near the Ubari lakes are seriously high and a few snowboards are available nearby to surf down them. The pristine beaches are ideal for snorkelling and there is plenty to look at, particularly near the ancient sights. There are plenty of sunken remains near Apollonia, but the authorities may not be so keen if you get too close. Bring your own equipment. |
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| Capital: | Tripoli (TIP) |
| Currency: | Libyan Dinar (LYD) |
| Language: | Arabic. English is spoken in tourist areas |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 218 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +2 hours (Same as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | November to March |
| Best for: | Ancient ruins / Camel rides |
| Plugs: | Electrical current is 127/230 volts, 50Hz. Round 3-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, however most visitors prefer bottled water. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | As a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms and leg covered. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality is illegal and extramarital sexual relationships are forbidden. It is illegal to criticise the government, Islam and the country. Photographing military and government buildings is illegal, and visitors should not carry camera’s around these buildings. Libya is very strict against alcohol and drugs being brought into the country. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. Libya is a predominantly cash society, with credit cards only being used in some banks and hotels. |
| Prohibited Imports: | All alcohol is prohibited, as are arms, erotic literature and pork products. All goods made in Israel or manufactured by companies that do business with Israel are prohibited, for instance Coca Cola and certain makes of CDs. Bags are X-rayed upon arrival. For a full list of prohibited items, contact the nearest Libyan diplomatic representative. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Firearms, and historic artefacts, including items of ancient Roman, Greek and Byzantine origin. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Libya
900 Church Street, Arcadia, 0007
Tel: 012 342 3902/3/5
Hours: Mon-Thur 0900-1200 (submissions)
Fri: 0900-1200 (collections by appointment only)
E-mail: libyasa@telkomsa.net
Public Holidays 2025: Feb 17; Mar 31; Apr 1-2; May 1; Jun 6-9, 27; Sep 5, 16; Oct 23; Dec 24
Public Holidays 2026: Feb 17; Mar 20-22; May 1, 26-29; Jun 17; Aug 26; Sep 16; Oct 23; Dec 24
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
- For further information and applications, please contact the Embassy directly.
NOTE: All foreign nationals entering Libya through the airport must have an Arabic translation of their passport.
SA Representative
Representation accredited to Tunis, Tunisia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
