Libya

Recommended Vaccinations For Libya

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Libya

There are no recommendations for Libya at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Libya

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Libya.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Libya through contaminated food or water.

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country. The infection is transmitted by the bite of infected phlebotomine sandfly.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Libya through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Schistosomiasis

This disease may occur sporadically in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Libya, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Libya. Travellers to Libya are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Libya. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Libya

Personal Safety

Libya remains extremely dangerous for travelers and visitors. Crime levels stay high across the country with kidnapping for ransom a persistent threat targeting foreigners and business travelers. Armed groups control different areas and operate with near total impunity. Violent robbery and carjacking are common in major cities including Tripoli and Benghazi. Unexploded landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ordnance exist throughout the country including in populated areas due to years of armed conflict. Areas marked with red and white plastic tape signal mine danger. Territorial disputes between competing militias can erupt into armed clashes with little warning, often involving high-caliber weapons and rocket-propelled grenades in residential neighborhoods. Hotels and airports have been targeted in previous attacks. The country has two rival governments operating from different cities, with limited central control over security forces. Most Western embassies suspended operations in 2014 and provide no on-ground consular support. Emergency response services are extremely limited with no centralized number for emergencies. Basic services like fuel and electricity can be unreliable, with regular shortages and power outages.

Extreme Violence

Terrorism remains an active threat with groups including ISIS and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb operating in Libya, particularly in the southern Fezzan region and border areas. While no major terrorist incidents targeting foreigners have been publicly reported since 2015, terrorist attacks could occur with little warning targeting public spaces, hotels, transportation hubs, markets, and government facilities. Kidnapping is widespread with victims including foreigners and business travelers. Criminal gangs conduct kidnappings and may sell hostages to terrorist groups. Western oil and gas workers are viewed as high-value targets. Armed militias and groups carry out arbitrary detentions, torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Mass graves continue to be discovered, with war crimes documented by international bodies. Human trafficking and smuggling networks operate openly with migrants facing extreme violence, torture, and extortion in detention centers and by armed groups. International Criminal Court arrest warrants remain outstanding for militia leaders accused of murder, torture, sexual violence, and rape during conflicts. Armed groups enforce their interpretation of Islamic behavior through intimidation and violence. Foreign mercenaries continue operating throughout the country. The absence of functioning judicial systems means perpetrators of violence face no accountability.

Political Unrest

Libya has been trapped in political crisis since 2011 with two rival governments competing for legitimacy and control. The Government of National Unity operates from Tripoli in the west while a rival government backed by the Libyan National Army controls much of the east from Tobruk. Presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 2021 were postponed indefinitely with no agreement on electoral laws or constitutional framework. The 2020 ceasefire between eastern and western armed forces largely holds but the risk of renewed fighting remains, with armed clashes breaking out periodically between competing militias. Major violence erupted in Tripoli in August 2022, May 2023, August 2023, and May 2025 involving high-caliber weapons and explosive ordnance. The Interim Government of National Unity has limited control over security forces with armed groups organized around cities, neighborhoods, and tribal affiliations. Protests occur throughout Libya against political deadlock, corruption, and lack of basic services. Disputes over control of the Central Bank and oil revenues have triggered production shutdowns affecting the economy. Foreign forces and mercenaries continue operating in the country. Airports and borders can close without warning during security incidents. The political situation remains fragile and unpredictable with concerns about potential economic collapse if the stalemate continues.

Areas To Avoid

The entire country faces serious security risks but certain areas present extreme danger. Border regions with Algeria, Niger, Chad, and Sudan are extremely dangerous with bandit activity, armed tribal groups, and very high kidnapping threats. Terrorist groups use these border areas as bases for operations including people smuggling and weapons trafficking. The coastal road between Zawiyah and Tripoli faces very high risks of armed attacks and kidnapping by extremist groups. The Fezzan region in southwestern Libya serves as a base for ISIS and Al-Qaeda groups. The city of Derna in the east has a history of Islamist militant activity. Areas around Benghazi, Misrata, Ajdabiya, Surman, Al-Jufra, and Zuwara have witnessed armed clashes between militias. The town of Bani Walid has gained notoriety for armed gangs specializing in torture and extortion of refugees. Tripoli International Airport has been closed since 2014 following armed clashes. Mitiga Airport, the only functioning civilian airport in Tripoli, has temporarily closed during fighting. All land borders into Libya are subject to closure at short notice. Desert roads are unpaved with landmine risks. Former conflict zones throughout the country contain unexploded ordnance. Avoid traveling off well-used roads and paths. Southern Libya faces particular instability with limited government control and presence of multiple armed groups.