Libya Launches e-Visa System to Facilitate Travel and Work
Libya has officially launched an e-Visa system as of March 21, 2024, simplifying entry for travelers, workers, and residents while aiming to boost international presence. Discover requirements, costs, eligibility, and safety considerations for your trip.
As of March 21, 2024, Libya has officially rolled out an electronic visa (e-Visa) system to streamline entry for international travelers, workers, and residents. This initiative follows years of development aimed at reviving inward travel flows to the country.
A day earlier, the Libyan government announced the launch via Facebook: “The e-Visa for foreigners has been launched at the Cabinet Office in the presence of the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, the Minister of Labor and Qualification — acting for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary General of the Intelligence Service, the Head of the General Authority for Communications, the Head of the Passports and Citizenship Authority, the government spokesperson, and several officials from relevant departments.
“The Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs confirmed that foreigners may begin applying for an electronic visa starting tomorrow, Thursday, praising the collaborative efforts of the Communications Holding Company, the Passports and Nationality Authority, and the General Information Authority in launching this groundbreaking electronic service in Libya.”
Expatriate workers in Libya will also be able to use the platform for work-related visas beginning May 1, 2024.
How to Apply for the Libyan e-Visa
Applicants must create an account on the official portal: evisa.gov.ly. Required information includes:
Personal details: full name, gender, nationality, marital status, occupation, profession, phone number, and email address.
Birth information: date, city, and country of birth.
Residence address: country, city, and full address.
Passport data: number, type, issuing country, date of issue, and date of expiry.
Travel details: destination city, purpose of visit, sponsor name, email, phone number, and address.
Visa details: type (single or multiple entry), start date, end date, and number of entries.
Applicants must also upload a copy of their passport and a passport-sized photo.
The Libyan e-Visa application portal
Eligible Nationalities for the Libyan e-Visa
The e-Visa system is designed for travelers who require a visa to enter Libya, with the goal of reducing bureaucratic hurdles in a country undergoing reconstruction.
Nearly all nationalities must use this platform to enter Libya, including Europeans, Americans, Canadians, and British citizens. However, Algerians🇩🇿, Tunisians🇹🇳, Mauritanians🇲🇷, Beninese🇧🇯, and Malaysians🇲🇾 are exempt from visa requirements. Egyptians and Turks are also exempt under certain age conditions.
Conversely, Israelis, Sudanese, Syrians, Yemenis, Pakistanis, Palestinians, Bangladeshis, and Syrians are banned from entering Libya.
Cost of the Libyan e-Visa
The e-Visa fee in Libya varies by entry type:
US $63 for a single-entry e-Visa valid for 30 days.
US $208 for a multiple-entry e-Visa valid for 90 days.
Processing time for applications is typically up to one week.
What Does the Libyan e-Visa Look Like?
Sample layout of the Libyan e-Visa
Is Travel to Libya Advisable Right Now?
France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to Libya due to volatile security conditions and ongoing terrorist threats. The French embassy in Libya is closed, severely limiting consular assistance.
Libya’s borders with Chad, Niger, Sudan, and Algeria remain closed and uncontrolled.
Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover Libya. It is essential to purchase specialized travel insurance for this destination. In an emergency, you may reach France’s Crisis and Support Center at +33 1 43 17 56 56.
