Libya travel guide

Libya is back on the tourist map. Years of repression and civil war have taken their toll, but this North African country has lost none of its appeal. For the adventurous traveller, this is a destination worth the added challenge it takes to explore. Our Libya travel guide covers the main points of interest, and what to expect while getting around.

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Libya travel guide

Back in the 1920s, the remnants of a Roman city known as Leptis Magna emerged from the Libyan Desert. Today, they are renowned as some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the Mediterranean region. Libya itself is undergoing a form of resurgence as it casts aside a half-century of dictatorship in a messy and painful process. But, while travelling here remains complicated and limited, Libya is back on the tourist map and for those with a hankering for adventure, it’s an enticing prospect.

Traditional Tuareg and Berber culture, stark Saharan scenery, and fascinating (and crowd-free) historic sites await the intrepid explorer.

Libya is not an easy country to get around. Expect firmly fixed itineraries, no-frills accommodation and government escorts. But you will also be rewarded by souks full of treasure, oasis towns on ancient caravan routes, underground houses and an open-armed welcome from people who are thrilled to see tourists coming back. Like an ancient Roman amphitheatre rising from the sands, Libya’s many charms have stood the test of time.

Read our Libya travel guide for more details.

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Things to do in Libya

Go west… at least for now. Although you can visit eastern Libya, most tours tend to focus on the west of the country. Getting in is easier, and it’s considered to be a bit more stable politically. Western Libya also has more than enough interesting sites to fill a week-long tour. Expect company. All tourists must be accompanied by at least one, sometimes more, government security officials. They’ll rarely let you out of sight, and may police interactions with local people. It’s not unknown for groups to have an escort when driving around the country as well. Naturally this does bump up the price of a tour, but it’s currently the only way to visit. Bring cash. International bank cards won’t work, so you’ll want to bring along a small amount of cash. You won’t need a great deal, but wherever possible meals are taken in local restaurants to help spread the positive benefits of tourism in a country that sees so little of it.

Things not to do in Libya

Try and go independently. Before the fall of the Gaddafi regime independent travel in Libya was very difficult, and it remains so today. Officially, all visitors must be on an organised tour with a fixed itinerary. Professional tour operator like our partners will handle all the arrangements and be able to provide reliable advice when it comes to visas and insurance, as well as useful information on Libyan culture. Assume it’s a war zone. There is evidence of the civil war – you will spot bullet-scarred buildings in places, for instance – but Libya is largely calm and stable, and many people are keen to see tourists return. Flare-ups between rival militias are not unknown, which can lead to itineraries being changed at short notice, however tours won’t get anywhere near places where violence is likely. Come in the summer. And do bring sun cream. Some 90-95 percent of Libya is made up of the Sahara Desert, and most people live along the Mediterranean coast. From June to August the temperatures are simply too hot to enjoy travelling around, and you’re much better off visiting either side of the summer instead.