Travel Vaccines and Advice for Libya
Libya is a country with profound historical importance, boasting many impressive Roman and Greek ruins. It is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Leptis Magna and the Ghadamès.
Due to political unrest, spurred by Libya’s revolution in 2011 and 2012, travel to Libya is dangerous and often off-limits. Travelers should research this country carefully and exercise extreme caution.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Libya?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Libya
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Libya?
What Is the Climate Like in Libya?
Is Libya Safe?
Libyan Rules, Customs and Laws
What Should I Take to Libya?
U.S. Embassy to Libya
Do I Need Vaccines for Libya?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Libya. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Libya: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a polio-endemic country or if you have spent 4 weeks in Afghanistan or Pakistan in the last 12 months. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Libya |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a polio-endemic country or if you have spent 4 weeks in Afghanistan or Pakistan in the last 12 months. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Libya |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and consider vaccination when traveling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), is a contagious liver infection. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Preventive measures include vaccination, good hygiene, and avoiding raw shellfish. The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective, requiring two doses for long-term protection.
- Rabies – Preventing rabies involves avoiding contact with infected animals and ensuring timely vaccination. The rabies vaccine is a critical tool, offering protection through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preemptive vaccination for high-risk individuals like travelers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection transmitted through infected fluids, can be prevented through safe practices and the hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, offering robust and long-lasting protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit our vaccination page or make an appointment with your local Travel Health Specialist. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Libya
Prevent Bug Bites in Libya
When bitten by bugs, clean the area with soap and water, refrain from scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies. For severe reactions or tick bites, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Following CDC guidelines can help prevent and manage bug bites effectively.
Food and Water Safety in Libya
Stay healthy overseas by favoring cooked and hot dishes, reputable eateries, and practicing good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages and use caution with tap water. Enjoy hot drinks and alcohol responsibly. To steer clear of travelers’ diarrhea, follow these strategies: eat safe foods, drink treated water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be discerning about local cuisine.
Infections To Be Aware of in Libya
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis spreads via sand fly bites but can also be transmitted through other means. Prevention includes using insect repellents, covering up, and staying indoors during sand fly activity.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Libya?
All U.S. citizens traveling to Libya must have a passport and valid visa issued by the Libyan government.
Libya Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Libya? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Libya and U.S. State Department
Passport Health has partnered with industry leaders in travel document services, RushMyPassport and G3 Travel Services. These teams will walk you through the Libya visa process step-by-step and handle the sometimes difficult communication with embassies and consulates. Start your visa process today!
What Is the Climate Like in Libya?
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Libya has different popular tourist destinations with unique climates. The capital city, Tripoli, has hot summers and mild winters. The second-largest city, Benghazi, is hot and dry in the summer, and mild in the winter.
Sabratha and Leptis Magna, two coastal cities, have hot summers and mild winters like Tripoli and Benghazi. It is essential to check the weather forecast before planning a trip to Libya since weather patterns can change every year.
Tourists should be careful and check travel advisories due to unstable political and security situations in Libya.
Is Libya Safe?
The U.S. government recommends against all travel to Libya due to terrorism, civil unrest and extremist violence in the region.
The U.S. government’s capacity to assist Americans in Libya is severely limited. Extremist groups have targeted U.S. government officials and citizens. The most notable case is the 2012 Benghazi attack.
Crime levels and the threat of kidnapping are high. Militia presence is high, and militia members may detain travelers for any reason.
The State Department characterizes the security climate in Libya as unpredictable and unstable.
Libyan Rules, Customs and Laws
Libya’s rules and customs may be different from what travelers are used to. Be sure to take note before traveling:
- Travelers to Libya should dress conservatively and avoid public displays of affection.
- LGBT travelers may face considerable risk as sexual acts between same-sex individuals are illegal.
- Proselytizing is illegal in Libya.
- Importing or consuming alcohol and pork products are illegal in Libya.
- Taking pictures of some buildings, particularly military and government buildings is illegal.
- Most law enforcement carried out by militias.
- Review customs information before entering Libya. There are strict rules about currency, medication, religious materials, antiquities and firearms.
Travelers to Libya should review the region’s laws before entering the country.
What Should I Take to Libya?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Libya:
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Travelers may experience diarrhea from water or food they are not used to. A travelers’ diarrhea kit is recommended for all travelers.
- Light but modest clothing for hot temperatures
- Travelers should carry their passports with them at all times. Individuals without passports may be detained for questioning.
U.S. Embassy to Libya
All Americans visiting Libya should register online with the U.S. Department of State before leaving. This allows the U.S. government to provide notifications on what may be happening in the country.
Due to the deteriorating security conditions in Libya, the U.S. Embassy to Libya is closed. Americans in Libya who need help are directed to contact the U.S. Embassy to Tunisia in Tunis.
U.S. Embassy Tunis
North East Zone
Les Berges du Lac
1053 Tunis, Tunisia
Telephone: +(216) 71-107-000,press 0 and ask for the Libya Office consular officer.
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(216) 58 575 409
Email: LibyaACS@state.gov
Visit the Embassy to Tunisia website before your trip to confirm correct contact information.
If you have any questions about traveling to Libya or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Libya
Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“Wonderful & Informative“
“I am a seasoned traveler, having lived in 9 countries outside the US and visited several more for work. I was very impressed on how really nice Elish and her assistant were today and how informative the review and discussion was with the nurse. The follow-up booklet on Libya that I was given is excellent information.”
Submitted by: Thomas
★★★★★
“Wonderful Experience“
“Very informative and helpful! I would recommend Passport Health to anyone traveling outside of the United States. Not only was I given advice on vaccinations for my trip to Libya, which was the purpose of my visit, I learned so much more about drinking water, and preparing for travel. Well worth the time! Thank you so much for the great advice and tips!”
Submitted by: Dara
“I am a seasoned traveler, having lived in 9 countries outside the US and visited several more for work. I was very impressed on how really nice Elish and her assistant were today and how informative the review and discussion was with the nurse. The follow-up booklet on Libya that I was given is excellent information.”
“Very informative and helpful! I would recommend Passport Health to anyone traveling outside of the United States. Not only was I given advice on vaccinations for my trip to Libya, which was the purpose of my visit, I learned so much more about drinking water, and preparing for travel. Well worth the time! Thank you so much for the great advice and tips!”
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