Libya is a large African country located in the northern part of the mainland on the Mediterranean coast. In terms of its territory, which occupies more than 1.7 million square kilometers, it is the fourth country in Africa and the sixteenth in the world. At the same time, almost 90% of the country is in the Sahara desert, which is unsuitable for life. The population of Libya is about 7 million people.

In 2011, Libya experienced a serious armed conflict and a change of power, so the country has not yet recovered. This led to an increase in crime rate, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnappings, massacres, violence, and, as a result, migration of the population, and instability in the political and economic life of the country.

Features of life in the country

Trips to Libya are not recommended for both tourism and permanent residence. In addition to the above mentioned, for foreign tourists, there is a threat of being kidnapped for ransom. There are also frequent reports of human and organ trafficking. If you still dare to go to the country, then consider buying a checklist (hyperlink).

Libya has significant oil and gas reserves, as well as large reservoirs of fresh water. The country’s economy is more dependent on oil sector revenues, which account for over 95% of export earnings and 60% of GDP. Therefore, the country is striving to revive the oil and gas industry, which has great potential. At the same time, it is completely unsafe to look for work in Libya. The situation in the country remains uncertain and may change constantly. Foreigners are constantly warned not to travel to Libya for any reason. Infrastructure, police, and basic services in Libyan cities are limited.

Visa application

To enter Libya for tourism, visiting family and friends, sightseeing, or emergencies, a tourist visa is issued. The Libyan visa is usually issued for a single entry for a stay of no more than 30 days or by an authorization document, provided that the passport remains valid. The issuance of entry visas for residence and work is carried out based on a permit for the admission of foreign workers, which is issued by the Ministry of Labor.

A residence visa is issued for work at the place of residence, as well as a residence without work and for a specific purpose. It can be issued for five years and further extended for certain categories of people. Foreigners staying in Libya for a longer period must present their passports to the nearest authority for registration and residence determination. Visas are not issued to citizens who have travel documents issued by the State of Israel, entry visas to this country, or confirmed entry into it, for example, a stamp in a travel document.

Citizenship in Libya

Citizenship in Libya can be obtained in several ways.

Citizenship by birth. Persons who acquire citizenship at birth include:

·        Children born anywhere, whose father is Libyan. If the child was born abroad, his birth must be registered with the relevant authorities.

·        Children born anywhere whose father is a foreigner and whose mother is Libyan. Citizenship verification is carried out by the administrative process and at the discretion of the state.

·        Abandoned children or orphans found in the country whose parents are unknown.

Citizenship by naturalization. Naturalization can be granted to people subject to the following requirements:

·        residence in the country for ten years;

·        the applicant must be under fifty years of age, have good behavior, mental and physical health, and have no criminal record.

·        the wife of a Libyan citizen after two years of marriage;

·        a person who has rendered a significant service to the nation.

Keep in mind that when obtaining Libyan citizenship, a person must give up the passport of other countries.

Contacts and phones

International Organization for Migration of Libya – Phone: 00218 21 4777225 Website

Police – 1515

Ambulance – 193

Fire service – 1515