Libya entry requirements for Iceland passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Icelandic passport holders need an eVisa to enter Libya in 2026. You must get it before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival. Processing times vary, so apply early.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Libyan eVisa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes several weeks — start at least 30 days before your trip. The eVisa is single-entry only and not extendable.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your Icelandic passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Libya. No minimum validity beyond departure date is required by Libyan law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration at Tripoli and Benghazi airports checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your itinerary ready — digital copies on your phone are accepted but paper is smoother.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or sponsor letter
Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your Libyan host/sponsor. Immigration officers at the border may ask where you're staying — have the address and contact number handy.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or bank statement
Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels — bring US dollars or euros in cash.Recommended
Security situation
Libya has ongoing security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Register with your embassy upon arrival.
eVisa processing is unpredictable
Apply as early as possible — some travellers report delays of 3–4 weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Submit your eVisa application through the official Libyan eVisa portal. You'll need a digital passport photo, a scan of your passport bio page, and your travel details. Processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, so apply at least 4 weeks before your trip.
2
Wait for approval and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive the eVisa by email. Print at least two copies — one for immigration at the airport and one as a backup. Also save a PDF on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Libya
At Tripoli Mitiga International Airport or Benghazi Benina Airport, go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport and printed eVisa. You may be asked for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer calmly and clearly.
4
Get your passport stamped and collect luggage
After the officer stamps your passport, you're free to proceed to baggage claim. Keep your passport and eVisa copy accessible until you leave the airport.
Download Libya Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD

Standard option for short visits.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD

For frequent travelers.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD

Requires invitation letter from Libyan company.

work visa
Libya Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a Libyan employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Libya Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at Libyan universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa application feeNon-refundable, paid online.~$50 USD (exact amount varies by nationality)
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard eVisa for tourism.~$50 USD
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity.~$100 USD
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstay.~$10 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete documentation30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Libya

Transit visa required

Iceland passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Libya, even if staying airside.

Transit hubsTripoli International Airport (TIP) · Benghazi Benina International Airport (BEN)

Health & vaccines for Libya

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheriaEssential
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.

Mosquito-borne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of dengue and malaria in some areas; use repellent.

Road traffic accidentsHigh risk

Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Tripoli
Department of Passports and Immigration
Tripoli, Libya
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.

Benghazi
Benghazi Immigration Office
Benghazi, Libya
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles extensions for eastern region.

Practical information for IS travellers

Country basics
CapitalTripoli
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyLibyan dinar (LYD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.35 LYD
updated May 19
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C, LType C (two round pins) and Type L (three round pins) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police1515
Medical193
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing times vary widely — from a few days to several weeks. Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip to be safe. There is no official rush service.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Yes. Immigration will want to see proof of onward travel. If you're leaving by land, have a bus or taxi booking confirmation showing your exit route.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Libyan immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic and evacuation can be extremely expensive. A basic policy covering medical and repatriation costs around $50–100 for a week.
No. All Icelandic passport holders need a visa to enter Libya, even for transit. There is no transit visa exemption.
The local currency is the Libyan dinar (LYD). Cash is king — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring euros or US dollars and exchange at official bureaus. Avoid exchanging on the black market.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.