Libya - Profile
Facts
- With the current turmoil, the situation in Libya with regard to cruising boats is not known.
- 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.
- If cruising the waters bordered by southern Sicily, Malta, Tunisia and Libya, be aware that because of an influx of migrants attempting to leave from Northern Africa there is an increase in Navy patrols in this area and the danger of small unlit craft carrying passengers.
Security
The situation in Lybia is volatile and current advice is not to visit the country. See FCO Foreign Travel Advice.
A number of foreign nationals have been shot dead in Libya. Further attacks against foreigners are likely and could be opportunistic. There is a high threat from terrorism including kidnapping. Since January 2014, a number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped, including in Tripoli.
Last updated July 2018.
Weather
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page
Main Ports
Benghazi * , Khums * , Susah (Apollonia) , Tobruk * , Tripoli *
* indicates port of entry
