Libya : Profile

Facts

With the over throw of the regime of Colonel Gaddafi, the situation in Lybia with regard to cruising boats is not knwn.
The economy is dominated by oil production although efforts are being made to diversify into other industries, agriculture, and even tourism. The country has some spectacular archaeological remains, such as those in the city of Leptis Magna, which has possibly the best Roman site in the Mediterranean.
Previously, entry formalities could be very difficult and the same rules applied to cruising yachts as to ordinary tourists. Arrangements for visits should still be made well in advance through the appropriate agents who will also arrange any visits ashore. Cruising yachts without these arrangements in place are therefore advised to avoid Libya and to keep well out of its territorial waters when sailing past its shores.
Now that the political situation has changed, it may, in time, be easier for private yachts to call at Libya's ports.

Security

The situation in Lybia is volatile and current advice should be sought before planning tovisit.

The current U.K. Foreign Office advise is:-
"We advise against all but essential travel to Zuwara, Az Zawiya, Tripoli, al Khums, Zlitan and Misrata, and the coastal towns from Ras Lanuf to the Egyptian Border, including Benghazi; we advise against all travel to all other areas of Libya."

Last updated March 2012.

Weather

Libya Weather Forecast

Main Ports

Benghazi * , Khums * , Susah (Apollonia) , Tobruk * , Tripoli *

*Indicates a port of entry.

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