Libya visas
Whether you need a visa for Libya depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit — most travellers require a visa arranged in advance, and almost all categories require a Libyan sponsor or invitation. Immigration is administered by the Libyan Passport, Immigration and Foreigners Affairs Authority, with entry approvals coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Libyan embassies, and an official electronic visa portal (evisa.gov.ly) launched in March 2024. Because rules, fees and the security situation change frequently, always confirm current requirements with the official authority or a Libyan embassy before travelling.
Libyan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Libya — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Libya to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Libya — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Libya.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Libya as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Libya long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Libyan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Libya Visa
Except if they come from one of the countries free from visa requirements, visitors to Libya must get a visa from one of the Libyan diplomatic missions before entering the country.
Who needs a visa to Libya
Here are some additional nationalities exempt from the visa requirements for Libya:
- Holders of a diplomatic passport, official or service passports of: Azerbaijan
- Italy
- Malta
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Slovenia
- Sudan
- Venezuela
- Holders of diplomatic passports of: Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Doce d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Togo
Entry into Libya
Due to ongoing fighting and the possibility of kidnappings or terrorist attacks across the country, the situation in Libya remains extremely perilous. There are reports of increased military activity in the areas surrounding Tripoli and within the city itself, and Irish citizens are advised to avoid the area.
Due to the absence of an Irish Embassy in Libya and the deteriorating security situation, it is improbable that we will be able to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens who travel to or decide to remain in Libya at this time.
Citizens of Ireland who decide to travel to or remain in Libya do so at their own peril and against the Department of Foreign Affairs' advice. If you choose to remain in Libya, you should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings, and ensure that you have adequate personal security measures in place, such as access to cash and supplies of food, water, medicine, fuel, and other necessities.
If you choose to travel against the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs, you must ensure that your passport and those of your immediate family members are current and valid. You must also ensure that you have all necessary travel and exit documents for your departure from Libya.
Requirements to apply for a Libya Visa
There is a criteria in place to ensure travellers wanting to enter Libya have all the correct documents before applying. It is important to stick to this criteria to ensure you have all relevant documentation needed. The criteria is listed below.
- Visa application form.
- Original passport.
- Photograph resembling those used for passports.
- Visa approval. Letter of approval or reference number issued by the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Business Support Letter.
- Application for a visa.
Appointment Waiting Times
Visa appointment wait times can vary from situation to situation. The seasonal volume of work and number of pending applicants also affect the estimated duration of the wait. However, the majority of wait times range between 60 and 120 days.
Who Can Visit Libya Without a Visa?
Jordanian and Tunisian nationals require no visa to enter the Libya. Nationals from anywhere else worldwide will require a visa.
Libya — key facts
- Visa authority
- Libyan Passport, Immigration and Foreigners Affairs Authority (Directorate of Passports, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Libyan Dinar (LYD)
- Time zone
- Eastern European Time (UTC+2)
Libyan visas — people also ask
It is one of the least prestigious passports in the world. Only 36 countries, including Sri Lanka, Dominica, Madagascar, and Seychelles, offer visa-free travel to Libyan passport holders. There are 193 destinations that require a visa for Libyan passport holders prior to travel.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
