Visas:

Only visitors travelling as part of an organised tour are issued with visas to enter Libya. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have two clear pages. We require a copy of the photo page of your passport at least 3 weeks prior to arrival to prearrange a visa. Nationals of Israel are not admitted and there must be no Israeli stamps or visas in your passport.

International Dialling Code : 218

Vaccinations : None required.

Electricity: 220/240V.
Power points are generally of the European type; two round holes about an inch apart. However, since a variety of power point types can be found in Libya, a universal adaptor could be useful.

Currency: Libyan Dinar (LD)
Please note that credit cards are not widely accepted in Libya and ATMs are a rarity. In both cases, even where accepted there is no guarantee that a connection with all international banks exists so, do not rely on plastic cards as a source of funds for the trip. Travel cheques are not possible to cash anywhere in the country. Although the situation is changing slowly, it is recommended you arrive with enough cash to see the holiday through. Euro and American Dollars are the favoured currency and easily exchanged at the airport, banks and shops all over Tripoli.
  
   
 Shopping:   

 Shopping is a hassle-free experience in Libya with easygoing shopkeepers and good prices. Shops and markets mostly cater for the locals and strolling through various souqs highlights the culture and lifestyle of Libyans. You can find locally made rugs, terracotta items, shawls, blankets, slippers, jewellery and antique silver merchants. In Tripoli there are elegant boutiques where genuine brand name perfumes and cosmetics can be purchased at often 
 
 
  cheaper than duty-free prices. And in the desert, Touregs provide you with a novel shopping experience at the ‘stalls’ they set up on the sand.

Food:

The cuisine is typically Arab with influences from Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco etc. Couscous, kebabs, lentils and chickpeas, soups of vegetables and pulses, salads, grilled meats and fresh fish in coastal areas. Camel meat is common and worth trying.

Alcohol:

All alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Libya. You will not find alcohol available to purchase and should under no circumstances try to bring it into the country.

Cultural Tips:

Although Libyans are becoming used to seeing tourists in their cities and towns, certain behaviour is advisable out of respect for their customs and religion. For women, in the cities and towns mini skirts, bare shoulders and tight clothing are not a good idea, mainly to avoid drawing attention but some stricter Muslims may also find it offensive. This definitely applies for visiting mosques where brief shorts for men is also not appropriate. In the desert, it is much more relaxed and dressing should be for comfort and protection.

Overt physicality between men and women, even married couples, is not acceptable on the streets of Libya. Holding hands and a modest embrace is ok but anything more than this is a private matter for Libyans and tourists should behave in the same manner.

Tipping:

Tipping is not always expected but if you have received good service you may decide to tip tour guides, particularly on the archaeological sites, drivers, and hotel staff. For a Libyan, it would be an insult to offer money in return for friendly assistance so it’s probably safer to tip only in situations of employment.