Last updated: 22 Mar 2012
Security and health
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Libya. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Please note: Austrade’s Tripoli office, responsible for Libya and Morocco is now temporarily closed. Trade or investment inquiries related to these countries should be directed to our Dubai office: + 971 4 508 7116.
Australians remaining in Libya are urged to remain in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's 24-hour Consular Operations Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or the Australian Embassy in Cairo on +202 2575 0444.
Health
Visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance before travelling overseas, and Libya is no exception. No particular vaccinations are necessary, although Libyan authorities may ask for evidence of yellow fever vaccination if the traveller has been through an infected area recently.
The food in Libya is generally safe to eat, although mild stomach upsets are common. The tap water can be drunk in major cities, but bottled water is recommended for short-term visitors, to reduce the risk of a stomach upset.