Intelligence reports suggest that there is a specific, imminent threat to westerners in Benghazi.  The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against all travel to Benghazi and urges any Irish citizens who are there to leave immediately.

Irish citizens, either visiting or residing in Libya, are strongly advised to register their details with the Embassy of Ireland in Rome.   Please Click here to do so.

Irish citizens should also be aware that Austrian Airlines and the German Airline Lufthansa have both suspended their flights to/and from Tripoli as of Tuesday 5th February 2013 until further notice.       Please check relevant website for further details. The link to the Austrian Airline website is http://www.austrian.com/ and information on Lufthansa flights can be found at http://www.lufthansa.com/online/portal/lh/ie/homepage

Summary

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against travel to Libya at this time. On 11 September the US Consulate in Benghazi was attacked resulting in fatalities and further violent incidents are possible across the country.  We advise all Irish citizens to take extra precautions and to continue to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.   Follow local news reports and be alert to developments in Libya and elsewhere in North Africa and the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances.

Vital services including health and security services remain restricted across the country.   Irish citizens are advised that Tripoli International airport is open and, since 1 December 2011, commercial carriers have resumed flights to and from Europe. Road access to Libya should only be undertaken if unavoidable and with caution.

The Department reminds all Irish citizens living or travelling in Libya of the importance of registering their details with the Department of Foreign Affairs or directly with the Embassy of Ireland in Rome who are responsible for Libya.

Irish citizens concerned about the situation in Libya may contact the Consular Section at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082000.

Safety and Security

Regional developments have the potential to trigger popular unrest. Any Irish citizens in Libya are advised to exercise caution and avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings. Violent clashes between armed groups are possible across the country, particularly at night, and even in those places that have previously avoided conflict.

Libya shares with the rest of the North Africa region a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. The US Consulate in Benghazi was attacked by armed groups on 11 September, resulting in fatalities. Further incidents involving western interests are possible. On 5 August 2012, the International Committee of the Red Cross's (ICRC) residential compound in Misrata was attacked by small and heavy arms fire.

Irish citizens should monitor local developments, avoid demonstrations and political gatherings and follow the advice of their tour operators as well as the local authorities.  
We advise against all but essential travel to areas bordering Chad and Sudan because of instability in the region.

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Libya is a Muslim country. You should respect local customs and sensitivities, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.  You are advised to dress conservatively at all times, covering arms, shoulders and legs. The working week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Please be aware that the sale and consumption of alcohol is against the law. Stern penalties are imposed for the possession or use of alcohol. You should on no account attempt to bring alcohol into the country.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Severe penalties are imposed for criticising the country, its leadership or religion.
Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Libya. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.

Photography close to military or official personnel or sites is illegal and may result in arrest or detention.

Libya is a cash based society. Credit cards are not widely used and there are few reliable ATMs. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted.

Additional Country Info

Irish citizens require a visa for travel to Libya. You should contact the nearest Libyan Embassy regarding visa requirements.

Libya has introduced a requirement for all passports to contain an Arabic translation of the personal details page. The Passport Office and some Irish missions can provide a template in Arabic to which your personal details can be added by a translator. The translator should place his/her seal on the translation. Translations must be placed in the passport; a separate document will not be accepted. Please make contact with the Passport Office or the nearest Irish Embassy for further information.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of the intended departure and should not bear an Israeli visa or border stamp.

All tourist visitors (regardless of age) are required to have a minimum amount of foreign currency, equivalent to 1000 US Dollars, in their possession on entry to the country. Visitors who do not have sufficient funds may be deported and the airline who carried them may be fined. Passengers may be required to prove that they meet this requirement to an Immigration Officer on arrival in Libya. Some visitors who are travelling for purposes other than tourism are exempted from this requirement; you should contact the nearest Libyan Embassy for further details.

Visitors are required to carry identification documents at all times.

All tourists and short stay visitors must register their passports with the police within one week of arrival. If you are travelling with a tour group or travel agent this is normally arranged for you. Failure to comply with this requirement may lead to you being fined when you come to leave the country.  

The Irish Embassy in Rome is accredited to Libya. For contact details, please click here       (Opens in new window)