Libya

We strongly advise you not to travel to Libya because of the unsettled security situation and the high threat of terrorist attack. Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime and anywhere in Libya, including at places frequented by foreigners.

Australians who choose to remain in Libya should ensure that they have appropriate personal security measures in place. You should pay very close attention to your personal security at all times.

There is a risk of retaliatory attacks against Western targets in Libya following the French intervention in the conflict in Mali in January 2013. A number of attacks on Western interests in Libya have occurred in recent times. On 23 April 2013, a car bomb detonated outside the French Embassy in Tripoli causing a number of injuries. In April 2012, an explosion targeted a column of UN vehicles in Benghazi. In June 2012, in separate incidents in Benghazi a bomb exploded near the US Consulate and a British Embassy convoy was attacked. In June 2012, the offices of the Red Cross were attacked in Misrata. On 6 August 2012, a US Embassy vehicle in Tripoli was attacked by armed assailants in a possible car-jacking. On 11 September 2012, an armed attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi resulted in the death of the US Ambassador and a number of staff. In January 2013 shots were fired at the vehicle containing the Italian Consul in Benghazi. Other diplomatic premises in Tripoli have been subject to attack. Further such attacks are likely.

A number of militant groups are known to operate in Libya and some may seek to target Western interests. The unsettled security situation provides increased scope for terrorists to operate in Libya.

You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
There is a high risk of terrorist attack against Western interests in Libya. In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as hotels, office buildings, restaurants, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events, public transport, embassies, markets and shopping areas, historic sites and tourist areas. Significant concentrations of foreign workers in remote locations may also be at risk.

There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping in Libya and foreigners may be targeted. Such kidnappings are more likely in sparsely populated border areas. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan: We strongly advise you not to travel to the border areas with southern Algeria, Niger, Chad, and Sudan, or undertake cross-border travel between these countries, because of banditry, the presence of armed tribal groups and the very high risk of kidnapping by terrorists.

We strongly advise you not to travel to Libya due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country. If you are in Libya and fear for your safety you should depart if it is safe to do so.

At elections held in July 2012 a General National Congress was elected. The Congress elected a new Prime Minister in October 2012. The authorities are yet to exert their influence fully over the entire country. The security environment remains fragile and further violence could occur. Well-armed militias remain unchecked in many parts of Libya, and serious security incidents are frequent.

Public demonstrations often occur in the central squares of Libya’s cities, and may turn violent without warning.

Australians who choose to remain in Libya should be aware that violent clashes between armed militia and tribes may occur across the country. Political violence has increased in 2012, particularly in Tripoli and Benghazi where a number of assassinations and car bombings have occurred. In June 2012, Libyan authorities declared warring mountain towns in the country’s west a ‘military zone’. Also in June, an armed militia group occupied Tripoli’s international airport, disrupting a number of flights. On 19 August 2012, two car bombs detonated in Tripoli. In January 2013 shots were fired at the vehicle containing the Italian Consul in Benghazi. The situation across Libya is unpredictable and security incidents can arise and escalate quickly. Against this background, Australians should be aware that the Australian government’s ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Libya remains limited.

The Australian Consulate-General in Tripoli is closed until further notice. Australians in Libya who require consular assistance should contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia or the Australian Embassy in Rome on +39 06 85 2721.

Large amounts of unexploded ordnance and landmines remain in the country as a result of the 2011 revolution.

Australians are urged to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent. If you are in an area where a protest is occurring you should either leave, if it is safe to do so, or remain indoors and away from windows.

Australians should be aware of the possibility of retaliatory measures from pro-Qaddafi supporters. There is a risk of attacks against public buildings including hotels.

Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

There is a high risk of crime in Libya as law and order has broken down in many parts of the country. Violent crime continues to be a problem in Tripoli, Benghazi and other parts of Libya. Reports indicate that the number of car-jackings targeting foreign-owned vehicles has increased. There have also been a number of reports of robbery by armed groups. Due to the presence of a large number of weapons there is a heightened risk of crime involving firearms and violence.

Libya is a cash society and credit card use is extremely limited. Accessing money from banks may be difficult, as some banking services may be disrupted due to the security situation. Travellers' cheques are not accepted and the number of ATMs is extremely limited.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Replacing a passport incurs an additional fee. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports. For further information, see Lost or stolen passport.

Normal commercial airline operations have resumed.

Please refer to our air travel page for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Libya. You should take care not to offend.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our page about travelling with children.