Since the abolition of Muammar Gaddafi, the country has been plunged into a civil war. Libya receives very few tourists with no official statistic released since before the civil war. However, prior to the civil war, the country saw an increase in tourism and the quality of living. For those brave enough to visit Libya, ancient cities, Roman landmarks and Berber architecture all await to be explored. Libya is full of risks and hazards visitors should beware of.

Travelling info

Currently, all nationalities require both a valid passport and a visa to enter Libya except for Tunisia and Jordan, citizens of these nations are allowed a visa-free stay of up to a month. Certain nationals are refused entry into the countries, these include Israel and Iran. To drive in Libya tourists are required to have their domestic driving permit.

Travelling hazards

Driving in Libya can be quite dangerous, due to the current situation law is rarely enforced. Although major highways are paved these generally narrow down into single lane once outside major cities. Sand is often blown onto the road increases the chances of a road accident. Roads are also very dangerous due to the ongoing insurgency.

Environmental hazards

Most of Libya is covered by the Sahara desert however there are animals that inhabit its areas which may pose a threat to humans. One of these is the fat-tail scorpion. This creature has a venom potent enough to kill an adult within 6 hours. Such sting may be much worse for children or the elderly. There are several species of snakes inhabiting Libya. Antivenom should be available in red cross facilities. Certain parts of the Libyan coast, especially around major cities, became polluted and it is not entirely safe to swim there.
Libya does not experience seismic activity nor does it have any volcanoes however it suffers from dust storms because of its desert climate.

Health hazards

Although there is no risk of yellow fever in Libya, there is a requirement for every visitors traveling from the countries with a risk of yellow fever, to present a yellow fever vaccination proof when entering. (risk countries in sources). There are several other vaccinations which are not required but highly recommended. These are the routine vaccines, hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid vaccine. Before the civil war, the country had a functioning and free healthcare for all its citizens. Currently, most hospitals and clinics do not operate, those that do lack trained staff and are heavily undersupplied and underfunded. Private clinics although not many provide superior service compared to the public sector. Mobile clinics set up around major towns now provide most of the healthcare services.
In case of an emergency dial 191.

Crime

Since the beginning of the civil war crime skyrocketed, weapons became easily available due to the ongoing conflict, ISIL operating in parts of the country is keen on kidnapping foreign visitors especially those of European or American background. Several government travel advisories have been released advising against travel to Libya. Safety cannot be guaranteed and normal safety precautions are not sufficient to stay safe in the country.

Summary

Once a safe nation Libya is currently in a critical situation. The ongoing conflict only deepens the severity of the current crisis in the country causing more food, medical supplies, power and water shortages. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/libya/passport-visa/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/libya
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever#5291