6open jobs
4organisations hiring
2violent events in 3 months
6deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
Berbers have inhabited central north Africa since ancient times, but Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Persians, Egyptians, Romans, and Vandals have all settled and ruled the region. In the 7th century, Islam spread through the area. In the mid-16th century, Ottoman rule began; the Italians supplanted the Ottoman Turks in the area around Tripoli in 1911 and held it until 1943, when they were defeated in World War II. Libya then came under UN administration and achieved independence in 1951. Col. Muammar al-QADHAFI assumed leadership with a military coup in 1969 and began to espouse a political system that combined socialism and Islam. During the 1970s, QADHAFI used oil revenues to promote his ideology outside Libya, supporting subversive and terrorist activities that included the downing of two airliners -- one over Scotland and another in Northern Africa -- and a discotheque bombing in Berlin. UN sanctions in 1992 isolated QADHAFI politically and economically; the sanctions were lifted in 2003 when Libya accepted responsibility for the bombings and agreed to claimant compensation. QADHAFI also agreed to end Libya's program to develop weapons of mass destruction, and he made significant strides in normalizing relations with Western nations.
Unrest that began in several Middle Eastern and North African countries in 2010 erupted in Libyan cities in 2011. QADHAFI's brutal crackdown on protesters spawned an eight-month civil war that saw the emergence of a National Transitional Council (NTC), UN authorization of air and naval intervention by the international community, and the toppling of the QADHAFI regime. In 2012, the NTC handed power to an elected parliament, the General National Congress (GNC), which was replaced two years later with the House of Representatives (HoR). In 2015, the UN brokered the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) among a broad array of political parties and social groups, establishing an interim executive body. However, hardliners continued to oppose and hamper the LPA implementation, leaving Libya with eastern and western-based rival governments. In 2018, the international community supported a recalibrated plan that aimed to break the political deadlock with a National Conference in 2019. These plans, however, were derailed when the eastern-based, self-described Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive to seize Tripoli. The LNA offensive collapsed in 2020, and a subsequent UN-sponsored cease-fire helped formalize the pause in fighting between rival camps.
In 2021, the UN-facilitated Libyan Political Dialogue Forum selected a new prime minister for an interim government -- the Government of National Unity (GNU) -- and a new presidential council charged with preparing for elections and uniting the country’s state institutions. The HoR approved the GNU and its cabinet the same year, providing Libya with its first unified government since 2014, but the parliament then postponed the planned presidential election to an undetermined date in the future. In 2022, the HoR voted to replace GNU interim Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid DUBAYBAH, with another government led by Fathi BASHAGHA. GNU allegations of an illegitimate HoR vote allowed DUBAYBAH to remain in office and rebuff BASHAGHA's attempts to seat his government in Tripoli. In 2023, the HoR voted to replace BASHAGHA with Osma HAMAD. Special Representative of the UN Security-General for Libya, Abdoulaye BATHILY, is leading international efforts to persuade key Libyan political actors to resolve the core issues impeding elections.
in transition
The political situation in Libya is fragile and the security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable.
There is a UN-facilitated ceasefire in place between eastern and western armed forces. The risk of renewed fighting between them has decreased, but there is still a high risk of localised violence between competing armed groups throughout the country.
Violence can break out with little warning.
On 12 May, significant armed clashes broke out across Tripoli. A ceasefire was agreed on 14 May and has largely held. The situation remains fragile and a return to violence is possible.
In 2022, clashes between armed groups in Tripoli killed 32 people and injured over 150. Clashes again broke out in August 2023 in central Tripoli, resulting in roadblocks and the temporary closure of Mitiga Airport.
Foreign forces and mercenaries continue to operate in Libya. The Interim Government of National Unity has limited control of security provision across the country. The lack of political stability has led to security incidents, road and airport closures, and oil blockades.
There have been protests throughout Libya against the continued political deadlock, lack of basic service provision and corruption.
If you choose to travel to Libya, you should:
monitor the local security situation carefully
remain vigilant
have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place
Amazigh and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Egyptian, Greek, Indian, Italian, Maltese, Pakistani, Tunisian, and Turkish)
Arabic (official), Italian, English (all widely understood in the major cities); Tamazight (Nafusi, Ghadamis, Suknah, Awjilah, Tamasheq)
Muslim (official; virtually all Sunni) 96.6%, Christian 2.7%, Buddhist <1%, Hindu <1%, Jewish <1%, folk religion <1%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
upper middle-income, fossil fuel-based North African economy; 31% economic contraction due to COVID-19 and 2020 oil blockade; reduced government spending; central bank had to devalue currency; public wages are over 60% of expenditures
7.5 MPopulation2025
87.9 %Urban population2025
$6,449GDP per capita2025
13.4 %GDP growth2025
1.8 %Inflation2025
18.8 %Unemployment2025
60.2 %Adult literacy1984
82 %Internet users2024
77.4 %Access to electricity2024
32,791internally displaced people2025
552,523refugees hosted2025
105,954asylum seekers2025
20,963refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
the Libyan Armed Forces of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) have various ground, air, and naval/coast guard forces, which include a mix of nominally integrated and semi-regular units, tribal armed groups and militias, civilian volunteers, and foreign military contractors; the GNU's armed forces are nominally under the control of the Ministry of Defense; the GNU also has various internal security forces under both the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior (2025)
Ansar al-Sharia groups; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - Libya (ISIS-L); al-Mulathamun Battalion (al-Mourabitoun); al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to Libya except for the cities of:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the cities of:
Find out more about why the FCDO advises against travel.
UK government support is limited in Libya. If you are in Libya and need urgent help from the UK government (for example, if you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the British Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia who provide assistance for British nationals in Libya. In-person support is not available in Libya. If you are a British national already in, or planning to travel to Tripoli, you should have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place.
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
read about safety for solo and independent travel
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
By month: July 0 · August 2 · September 0
| Region | Events | Deaths | Civilians | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zawiyah | 1 | 5 | 3 | ▼ down |
| Benghazi | 1 | 1 | 0 | new |
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorist attacks in Libya cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. British people and nationals of other western countries are considered high-value hostages. Government buildings and security checkpoints have also been targeted in recent years, leading to deaths.
Recent significant attacks include:
In April 2022, 3 people were injured in a car bombing attack by Islamic State near a Tariq Ibn Ziyad Brigade camp in Umm el Araneb, Southern Libya.
In 2021 Daesh claimed responsibility for 2 separate bomb attacks on Libyan security forces in the Fezzan province in southern Libya. These attacks killed at least 4 people.
Extremist groups including Daesh in Libya (formerly referred to as ISIL) are responsible for most attacks, which have targeted:
While there is a greater concentration of terrorist groups in the Fezzan Province, it is highly likely smaller numbers of terrorists can move relatively freely to other towns and regions to facilitate activity outside of the Fezzan Province.
In the north of Libya, it is likely security pressure and violence between armed groups have helped to limit the movement of terrorist groups.
It is likely both Daesh and Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) are using the Fezzan region in south-west Libya as a base for operations such as people-smuggling and illegally transporting weapons. These resources are essential to support terrorist activity in West Africa.
The risk of terrorism may be higher if you travel in the border regions. Extremist groups operating in the region, including AQIM and Daesh, conduct operations in the border areas of northern Mali, Niger and Algeria. They have a proven capability of travelling long distances to carry out attacks, including in neighbouring countries and Libya.
There has not been a terrorist kidnap in Libya for many years. Terrorist groups within Libya have intent to carry out kidnappings and it’s a realistic possibility that they will target foreign nationals. Criminal gangs also carry out kidnappings, and there is a realistic possibility that they would sell hostages on to terrorist groups. Foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Libya in the past, including 4 foreign nationals in south-east Libya in 2018.
It is likely that any kidnap for ransom attempt by a terrorist group in Libya would occur in the south of the country, whereas a kidnap for ransom by militias would occur in a northern coastal city.
In recent months, the importance of oil and natural gas production in Libya has increased, and any western nationals working for oil and natural gas companies in Libya are highly likely viewed as high-value targets.
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
The long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
The political situation in Libya is fragile and the security situation remains dangerous and unpredictable.
There is a UN-facilitated ceasefire in place between eastern and western armed forces. The risk of renewed fighting between them has decreased, but there is still a high risk of localised violence between competing armed groups throughout the country.
Violence can break out with little warning.
On 12 May, significant armed clashes broke out across Tripoli. A ceasefire was agreed on 14 May and has largely held. The situation remains fragile and a return to violence is possible.
In 2022, clashes between armed groups in Tripoli killed 32 people and injured over 150. Clashes again broke out in August 2023 in central Tripoli, resulting in roadblocks and the temporary closure of Mitiga Airport.
Foreign forces and mercenaries continue to operate in Libya. The Interim Government of National Unity has limited control of security provision across the country. The lack of political stability has led to security incidents, road and airport closures, and oil blockades.
There have been protests throughout Libya against the continued political deadlock, lack of basic service provision and corruption.
If you choose to travel to Libya, you should:
monitor the local security situation carefully
remain vigilant
have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place
Basic services across Libya vary. Petrol can be difficult to access and there are regularly long queues at fuel stations. There can also be power outages in Tripoli and the south and east, particularly in the summer months.
Crime is widespread across Libya and violent robbery, carjacking and smuggling of fuel, drugs, weapons and people are common across the country and in major cities such as Benghazi and Tripoli. Armed groups and local security services regularly carry out operations against criminal gangs.
Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Foreign nationals may be a target for criminals operating in Libya. Be cautious when travelling throughout the country, particularly at night. You should:
British people have been detained by Libya’s intelligence services or armed groups, including in Tripoli and Benghazi. You are at higher risk of detention if you work:
If intelligence services or armed groups detain you in Libya, your health and welfare may be put at serious risk, especially if you have an existing medical condition. The British Embassy will have limited capability to help you or intervene on your behalf. Any help will be even more limited for dual nationals of Libyan origin as you will be in your home country and dual nationality is not recognised by the Libyan authorities.
By law you must carry your passport. Foreign nationals have been arrested for failing to provide the correct documentation when requested.
Libya is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, laws and religious customs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan dates vary by year and country. During this time do not:
Get more advice when you arrive from your hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
It is illegal in Libya to make any attempt to convert Muslims to another religion.
It is illegal in Libya to drink alcohol or use drugs. Libyan authorities treat drug and alcohol offences seriously. You can be punished for use, possession and trafficking of drugs or alcohol.
There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol around the world.
Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
There are often complex bureaucratic procedures needed to travel for work in Libya. Follow all relevant protocols and procedures if you intend to travel around Libya for business. You are likely to be at risk of intimidation, harassment and detention if you fail to comply with local customs.
You must get press accreditation from the relevant government authorities. This may reduce the risk of harassment, intimidation and detention by armed groups and Libya’s intelligence services. There is a real risk of hostility from those who object to media reporting. International and local journalists have previously been detained in Libya.
You must get permission before taking any photographs or interviewing at or near military facilities.
Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal for men and women in Libya, with penalties of up to five years imprisonment.
Libyan society is intolerant of people of the same sex showing affection in public. Individuals perceived to be part of the LGBT+ community have experienced physical and psychological violence and harassment. There have also been arrests for people perceived as ‘promoting homosexuality’.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Road travel within Libya remains highly dangerous. There is a risk of being caught up in outbreaks of localised violence between armed groups. There is a high risk of:
The risk is very high on the coastal road between Zawiyah and Tripoli.
All land borders into Libya are subject to closure at short notice.
If the security situation worsens, routes in and out of major cities and towns may be blocked and airports closed or made inaccessible at little or no notice.
Do not share your travel or other plans through social media. Vary your travel routes and always keep a low profile.
Road traffic accidents are common and often result in deaths. The emergency response to a road traffic accident may be limited.
Flights to and from all airports in Libya are at risk of cancellation at short notice.
Tripoli International Airport has been closed since 2014, following clashes between armed groups in the area surrounding the airport. Other airports may change their flight schedule without notice. Mitiga Airport, which operates international flights, is Tripoli’s only currently functioning civilian airport. Fighting between armed groups in the area caused Mitiga Airport to temporarily close in 2023.
The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Libya that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
In September 2023 Storm Daniel struck eastern Libya, causing severe flooding and significantly damaging critical infrastructure, including hospitals and telecommunications networks. Libya remains vulnerable to severe weather incidents, with flooding impacting cities, including Tripoli and Misrata in December 2024.
This section has safety advice for regions of Libya. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice for Libya.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all areas within the city limits of Tripoli.
The general security situation in Tripoli has been relatively stable since the UN-brokered ceasefire was signed in October 2020. Areas of the city are controlled by different militia, and the potential for sporadic inter-militia fighting remains, as witnessed in August 2022, during the large-scale mobilisation in May 2023 and clashes in August 2023 and May 2025. Such clashes can break out without warning and may involve exchanges of high-calibre gunfire and rocket propelled grenades.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all areas within the city limits of Benghazi. Al-Bayda and Derna, and the region of Jebel Akhdar, either side of the coastal and desert roads between (and including) the towns of Al-Maqrun and Al-Tamimi.
The general security situation in Benghazi has been calm throughout 2024 and 2025. Security is controlled by a single military group, however there remains a risk of in-fighting, but there have not been any incidents in the last 12 months.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all areas of within the city limits of Misrata.
The security situation in Misrata is stable despite the presence in the city of several armed groups. Regular policing is the responsibility of the Misrata Security Directorate, the security forces are widely assessed to be the most professional in the western region.
71.1yearsLife expectancy2024
9.8per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
59per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
2.04per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2017
96.4 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 1415 and ask for an ambulance.
Medical help in remote areas may not be available. Even if your travel or insurance company has arrangements with an international air ambulance provider, they may not be allowed to carry out a rescue operation within Libya. The current status of Libyan rescue services is uncertain.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Libya, including:
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Libya is generally below the standard available in the UK. There are acute shortages of skilled personnel and medical supplies, particularly for chronic conditions such as diabetes. There are private clinics in Tripoli.
If you need treatment you may be evacuated to Malta or mainland Europe. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Libya’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Libya set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Libyan Embassy in the UK.
To enter Libya, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
If your passport shows previous travel to Israel, it will not be accepted for travel to Libya.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Be aware that a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode could attract unwanted attention and pose a risk to your personal safety. Stay alert and exercise vigilance at all times.
If you choose to travel to Libya against FCDO advice, ensure you have the right visa or you may be refused entry. Contact the Libyan Embassy in London for further information on the visa you require. You may require a specific type of visa depending on the nature of your trip.
A Libyan visa issued overseas may not be recognised in some areas or at certain ports of entry, due to the current political situation.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Libya guide.
All short-stay visitors must register with the police within a week of arrival. The company you’re visiting or the local travel agency you’re using will usually arrange this. If you do not register, you could get a fine when you leave the country.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Libya. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
If you enter or leave Libya with over 10,000 US dollars-worth of cash, you must declare it to the customs authorities. If you do not, you risk having the money confiscated and even being detained.
There is a severe shortage of cash in Libya, and the Libyan Central Bank has imposed restrictions on cash withdrawals throughout the country.
Libya is a cash-based society. You cannot use bank cards at banks, ATMs or hotels.
The exchange of foreign currency into Libyan dinar is tightly controlled by the Libyan Central Bank. Accessing Libyan dinar through formal methods is difficult for travellers. You can legally use exchange offices approved by the Central Bank, but they operate at black market rates. No bank will change money. Informal methods of currency exchange exist though their use carries the risk of arrest.
It is illegal to take dinar out of Libya.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
1 event · 1 death
Benghazi, Al-Bayda and Derna, and the surrounding area known as Jebel Akhdar, either side of the coastal and desert roads between and including the towns of Al-Maqrun and Al-Tamimi
Benghazi, Al-Bayda and Derna, and the surrounding area knows as Jebel Akhdar, either side of the coastal and desert roads between and including the towns of Al-Maqrun and Al-Tamimi
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.