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Sabratha, Libya
Sabratha
The theater at Sabratha (constructed in AD 175–200), was started by Emperor Marcus Aure- lius, continued by his son Commodus and completed with a lavish proscaenium by Emperor Septimius Severus.

Sabratha

The theater at Sabratha (constructed in AD 175–200), was started by Emperor Marcus Aure- lius, continued by...

"LIBYA" Top 38 Tourist Places | Libya Tourism
Libya flag

Libya Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Tripoli (Tarabulus)

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria

Currency:

Libyan dinars (LYD)

Area:

1,759,540 sq km

Population:

7,017,224 (July 2021 est.)

Languages:

Arabic (official), Italian, English (all widely understood in the major cities); Berber (Nafusi, Ghadamis, Suknah, Awjilah, Tamasheq)

Religion:

Muslim (official; virtually all Sunni) 96.6%, Christian 2.7%, Buddhist 0.3%, Hindu <0.1, Jewish <0.1, folk religion <0.1, unafilliated 0.2%, other <0.1 (2010 est.)

TimeZone:

UTC+2

Tel Code:

+218

Things to Do

  • 1. Visiting the ruins of Leptis Magna

    Explore one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean, with its impressive amphitheater, columns, and mosaics.

  • 2. Exploring the Sahara Desert

    Embark on a thrilling desert adventure, riding camels and camping under the stars in the vast sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.

  • 3. Discovering the ancient city of Sabratha

    Step back in time as you wander through the ancient Roman city of Sabratha, marveling at its well-preserved ruins, including a theater, forum, and temples.

  • 4. Visiting the Old Town of Ghadames

    Take a stroll through the enchanting labyrinthine alleys of the Old Town of Ghadames, known for its traditional Berber architecture and vibrant market.

  • 5. Exploring the ancient city of Cyrene

    Immerse yourself in ancient history as you explore the impressive ruins of Cyrene, an ancient Greek and Roman city known for its temples, theaters, and necropolis.

  • 6. Relaxing on the beaches of Benghazi

    Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Benghazi, enjoying the crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and stunning coastal views.

  • 7. Visiting the Arch of Marcus Aurelius in Tripoli

    Marvel at the iconic Arch of Marcus Aurelius in Tripoli, a triumphal arch built during the Roman period and now a symbol of the city.

  • 8. Hiking in the Jebel Akhdar Mountains

    Embark on a challenging yet rewarding hiking adventure in the Jebel Akhdar Mountains, known for their stunning vistas, terraced agriculture, and traditional mountain villages.

  • 9. Exploring the ancient city of Leptis Parva

    Discover the lesser-known ancient city of Leptis Parva, with its Roman ruins, including a theater, baths, and a preserved Roman road.

  • 10. Visiting the Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus

    Admire the ancient rock art of Tadrart Acacus, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring prehistoric paintings of animals, humans, and geometric designs.

Weather

Climate

Libya has a hot, arid climate, with long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate, with slightly cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Inland areas are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C in the summer months.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Libya is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are more moderate and comfortable, especially in the coastal areas. Winter is also a good time to visit, with cool temperatures and occasional rainfall, particularly in the north of the country. The summer months can be very hot, making it more challenging for visitors to explore and enjoy the country.

Visas

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

COVID Status

I am vaccinated 
Libya Closed
Test
Not required
Quarantine
Not required

Check Visa Requirements

      Money

      Money Tips for Travel

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
      • Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
      • Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
      • Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

      ATM and Credit Cards

      • Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
      • Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
      • Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
      • Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
      • Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

      Exchange Rates

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

      Insurance

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

      Medical Coverage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

      Trip Cancellation and Interruption

      Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

      Lost or Stolen Luggage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

      Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

      Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

      Liability coverage

      Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

      Mobile

      When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

      eSIM

      Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

      Dual SIM phone

      If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

      Extend your home plan

      Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

      Keep your primary SIM

      With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

      Community

      There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

      Facebook groups

      There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

      Meetup

      Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

      Internations

      Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

      Couchsurfing

      Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

      Reddit

      Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

      Linkedin

      LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

      At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.