Libya: Entry Rules for VisitorsLast check:Last update:Data statusLast check:Last update:
Libya:Visa Requirement Map
Explore which nationalities need a visa to enter this country and which can enter visa-free.
Libya: Visa and entry documents and requirements
Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.
Visa-Free Entry Requirements
- Passengers benefiting from visa exemption must enter Libya only through border crossings designated by the competent authorities. The type of document that may be used varies according to the international agreement, special permit, or the passenger's status on which the exemption is based. A valid passport, a recognized travel document replacing a passport that entitles the holder to return to the issuing country, or an identity document accepted under the relevant exemption must be carried.
- If there are additionally established document, period, and entry point conditions for the exemption that the passenger benefits from, these must be complied with.
- The foreigner must comply with the permitted travel or stay purpose. The purpose of the entry permit cannot be changed without written permission from the Libyan Passport, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs authority.
- The general legal regulation stipulates that foreigners within its scope must register with the nearest passport authority within seven days of entering the country and submit information and documents pertaining to family members who have been granted entry permission with them.
E-Visa Application Requirements
- The e-visa application is made through Libya's official electronic visa platform. The applicant must complete the electronic form for the selected visa or travel purpose on the platform, provide the requested information, and upload the documents required by the system.
- The passport or travel document replacing a passport to be used in the application must be valid, issued by a recognized competent authority, and entitle the holder to return to the issuing country. The travel document used in the application must also be carried when entering the country.
- A detailed and universal document checklist applicable to all applicants has not been published on the portal's publicly accessible starting page.
- The documents requested may vary according to the visa type, travel purpose, sponsor or invitation status, and the applicant's personal circumstances.
- The applicant must base the application on the current fee and visa conditions displayed in the system during the electronic application.
- The electronic approval and the travel document used in the application must be kept accessible during the journey.
- The issuance of an e-visa does not constitute an unconditional right of entry at the border. The validity of the travel document, the purpose of the visa, the permitted duration of stay, and the specified entry conditions may be checked by the border authorities. The competent authority may request additional information, additional documents, or a security check.
Consular Visa Application Requirements
- Whether consular visa procedures are currently completed through the foreign mission or through the e-visa platform must be verified according to the visa type and the practice of the Libyan embassy or consulate applied to. Different Libyan foreign missions publish different document, payment and delivery procedures.
- Many foreign missions require a pre-obtained visa approval from the Passport, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs authority in Libya for applications for employment, visit, or family reunification purposes. This approval is generally initiated by the inviting person, employer, company or sponsor in Libya. For business applications, a letter from the sponsoring company or an employment-purpose approval from the competent authority in Libya may also be requested.
- A passport validity of at least six months from the application date is required by many official Libyan missions. Some missions require at least two blank visa pages. The number of copies of the passport's identity information page or other pages to be submitted varies according to the mission applied to.
- The application form must be filled out completely and signed. Some missions require the form to be filled in black ink or by computer, while others require the downloaded form to be printed and sent by mail. The application form may ask for personal information, previous citizenship, birth details, occupation, education, marital status, address, contact details, passport details, travel purpose, requested duration of stay, sponsor in Libya, previous visits to Libya, mode of transport, and references in Libya.
- The number and specifications of photographs vary according to the mission. Some missions request two photographs, while others accept one photograph. Some official missions impose a white background requirement. The mission in Abu Dhabi requests two photographs of 50 × 70 millimeters taken within the last six months, while the mission in Washington requests a 2 × 2 inch photograph with a white background for some applications.
- Non-citizens of the country of application may be required to provide a valid residence permit or proof of legal residence. This condition varies according to the mission applied to.
- A diplomatic note may be requested for diplomatic or official duty applications. The note may include the applicant's name, title, position, travel purpose, requested duration of stay, and number of entries.
- For commercial or employment-purpose applications, the sponsoring company in Libya may need to obtain visa approval by applying to the competent authority. The approval may include the applicant's passport number, requested duration of stay, and information on the sponsoring organization.
- For foreign spouse or family reunification applications, a copy of the Libyan citizen spouse's passport or identity document, the spouse's written consent, and a marriage certificate may be required. The requirement for the marriage certificate to be registered or certified at the relevant Libyan mission may vary according to the mission.
- For journalism-purpose applications, the application form, a copy of the passport, a curriculum vitae, a letter of support from the media organization, and a document explaining the activities of the broadcasting organization may be requested.
- The competent mission may request additional documents, an interview, or security clearance depending on the visa type or personal circumstances.
- The requirements for translation, notarization, consular certification, legalization, or apostille of documents may vary according to the document type and the mission applied to.
- Visa fees and payment methods vary according to the mission, country of application, visa type, validity period, and number of entries. Official missions use different methods such as bank transfer, bank payment receipt, or money order.
- Some missions publish local processing times for their own procedures; however, these times depend on the completion of prior approval in Libya and additional checks.
- The general law of 1987 stipulates that the entry visa must be used within a maximum of 45 days after issuance and provides a stay of up to three months from the date of entry into the country. However, the current fee and service pages published by foreign missions include different durations such as 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, or one year, and single or multiple entry options. The applicant must base the application on the current validity, number of entries, and duration of stay written in the visa approval and the issued document.
- Entry into Libya may only be made through border crossings designated by the competent authorities. The travel or stay purpose stated in the visa cannot be changed without written permission from the Passport, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs authority.
Transit Visa Requirements
- A transit visa is issued for passengers who will continue to another country by passing through Libyan territory. The maximum period a transit visa holder may stay in Libya is 15 days from the date of entry into the country.
- The applicant must carry a valid passport or a recognized travel document replacing a passport. The travel document must entitle the holder to return to the issuing country.
- The application form may ask for the transit purpose, final destination country, requested duration, mode of transport, sponsor or reference information in Libya, previous entries into Libya, and the applicant's personal and passport details. The form must be filled out, dated, and signed.
- Some official foreign missions require a passport, two photographs, a completed application form, and a fee for general visa applications.
- The competent mission may request additional evidence regarding the onward ticket, route, right of entry to the final country, or purpose of the journey.
- The transit passenger must act only in accordance with the purpose and period specified in the transit visa. The transit purpose cannot be converted into another stay purpose without written permission. In the event of actual entry into the country, passport control at the designated border point must be completed.