(Last updated: 1 Mar 2011)

Visas

Visas are required to visit Libya. Libyan visas are issued in Australia by the Libyan People's Bureau located at:

50 Culgoa Circuit
O'Malley ACT 2606
Tel: +61 2 6290 7900
Fax: +61 2 6286 4522

Climate

Summer in Libya is unbearably hot, and is not a good time to visit. The coast in summer is hot and humid (35°C and 90 per cent humidity), and the interior is blistering hot (45–55°C and dry). Apart from the discomfort of the heat, business slows considerably over the summer months (especially June-September). The spring and autumn are pleasant times to visit. Winter is also good, although the coast can be damp and cold in the midst of winter.

For weather details in Libya, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Ground transport

Black and white private taxis are common in major cities, and are very expensive. For business travellers, however, they are the most convenient and comfortable way to travel within a city and to and from the airport.

Buses are decent quality, and the road network is excellent. Cars can be rented in major cities, and petrol is cheap.

Security and health

Please note: Austrade’s Tripoli office, responsible for Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia and Malta, 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 2770 6600.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Libya. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

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.

Time zones and time differences

Libya is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Tripoli, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Libya's country code is 218.

For calls to Libya from Australia dial: 0011 + 218 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Libya to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Libya follows the usual practice in Islamic countries of taking Friday as a day of rest.

Normal business hours for shops are 7.00am to 2.00pm in summer, and outside of summer, shops will usually close a little earlier (perhaps 1.00pm), but then re-open from about 4.00pm-7.00pm. Shops will close for Friday prayers, but otherwise operate morning and evening seven days a week.

Hours for businesses fluctuate, but the working day starts early and government offices usually operate 8.00am-2.00pm all year-round.

Public holidays

January 7 – Ashoura
March 2 – Jamahiriya Day
March 28 – British Evacuation Day
March 9 – Mouloud (Prophet’s Birthday)
June 11 – Evacuation Day
July 23 – Revolution Day
July 20 – Ascension of the Prophet
September 1 – National Day
October 7 – Italian Evacuation Day
September 21 – Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
November 28 – Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the Libyan Dinar. There is a black market in Libya, with temptingly high rates on offer (although this varies), but it is against the local law to engage in black market currency exchange and is policed strictly.

Electricity and water

Libya’s power supply is 230/400 volts (varies depending on location), 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires.

Dining

Major food include meats and vegetables, usually served with cous cous (semolina), or macaroni dishes. Lamb, chicken, fish and camel are all eaten regularly (although meats are expensive by local standards), and a local soup is served at most meals.

Strong coffee, sweet tea, and soft drinks are all drunk in abundance and are cheap. Alcohol is not served anywhere.