Entry/Exit Requirements

The Department of State cannot provide assistance to U.S. citizens seeking Libyan visas. The Government of Libya does not allow persons with passports bearing an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamps from Israel to enter Libya.

Passports and visas are required for all U.S. citizens traveling to Libya. Consular services at Libyan embassies abroad operate under varying rules and procedures; travelers are encouraged to contact the Libyan embassy in the country in which they reside to obtain the latest information on visa procedures.

U.S. citizens with dual nationality are advised that U.S. citizens must enter and exit the United States using their U.S. passport, and Libya requires Libyan citizens to use their Libyan passports when entering or exiting Libya. Dual national travelers should ensure they have a valid passport from both countries in their possession during each entry and exit in case immigration inspectors ask to see both. Significant delays may be experienced by travelers who don’t have a valid passport of both nationalities.

Tourist visas: Travelers should contact the Libyan Embassy in the country in which they reside to obtain the latest information on visa application procedures. Visas for U.S. passport holders are not available at the port of entry.

Under no circumstance should a traveler use a tourist visa for business travel to Libya. Using a tourist visa to travel to Libya for business purposes contravenes Libyan law, and places the traveler at risk of arrest.

Business Visas: U.S. citizens traveling to Libya on business visas require an invitation from/sponsorship by a company operating in Libya. U.S. citizens who apply for Libyan business visas often experience significant delays, regularly waiting several weeks or months for their visas. All visas applications are vetted by Libyan authorities and are only issued by the appropriate Libyan Embassy upon receipt of approval by the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There may be an additional wait for actual visa issuance once approval has been received by the Libyan Embassy.

Inquiries about obtaining a Libyan visa should be made through the Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. The Embassy is located at 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037; tel. 202-944-9601, fax 202-944-9606.

Libya’s land borders with Egypt and Tunisia are subject to periodic closures. Short-term closures of other land borders may occur with little notice. Within three days of arrival in Libya, visitors must register at the police station closest to where they are residing or they may encounter problems during their stay or upon departure.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreign residents of Libya. Please verify this information with the Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. before you travel.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page