Libya entry requirements for Malta 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

Malta passport holders need an eVisa to enter Libya. The eVisa system launched in 2025 and is the only way to get a visa for tourism or business. Plan ahead — processing times vary and you must apply before you travel.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Required for Malta passport holders
Malta passport holders need an eVisa to enter Libya. Apply through the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing times vary — apply at least two weeks before travel.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Libya. Libya does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Libyan airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
While not always checked, having a hotel booking or host invitation letter helps avoid delays. If staying with a local, get a notarized invitation from the Libyan sponsor.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses.Recommended
eVisa processing can be slow
Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip. Some applicants report delays of 2+ weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until your eVisa is approved.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, passport scan, and booking confirmations on your phone. Internet access in Libya can be unreliable, so offline access is a lifesaver.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Libyan eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, so apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print two copies — one to present at check-in and one to hand to immigration on arrival. Also save a copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Tripoli International Airport (or other entry point)
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. You may be asked for your accommodation address. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes if your documents are in order.
Download Libya Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. €45)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. €90)

For frequent travelers.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD (approx. €72)

Requires invitation letter from Libyan company.

work visa
Libya Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €180) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a Libyan employer. Requires labor contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Libya Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €90) plus university enrollment
For students enrolled at a Libyan university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa application feeNon-refundable, paid online before travel.~$50 USD (approx. €45)
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard eVisa for tourism.~$50 USD (approx. €45)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.~$100 USD (approx. €90)
Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstay.~$10 USD per day (approx. €9)

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or expired documents30%
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

No transit visa needed

Malta passport holders transiting through Libya do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsTripoli International Airport (TIP) · Benghazi Benina International Airport (BEN) · Misrata International Airport (MRA)

Health & vaccines for Libya

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk

Risk present in some areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Road traffic accidentsHigh risk

Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk exists in some rural areas; consider prophylaxis and use mosquito avoidance measures.

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
Al-Shatt Street, Tripoli
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.

Benghazi
Benghazi Immigration Office
Al-Fadeel Street, Benghazi
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles visa-related issues in eastern Libya.

Practical information for MT 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. Some applicants get approval in 3–5 days, others wait 2–3 weeks. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Rejections happen. Common reasons include incomplete applications, unclear passport scans, or mismatched personal details. You can reapply, but there's no official appeal process. Check your application carefully before submitting.
No, proof of funds is not required for entry. But it's smart to have a credit card or some cash (Libyan dinar or euros) for your stay.
The eVisa is accepted at all official entry points, including Tripoli International Airport and land borders. But check the latest travel advisories — some land crossings may be closed or restricted.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Not officially required for the visa application, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Libya are limited, and evacuation can be extremely expensive.

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.