Travel alerts & warnings
Libya driving guide.
Many governments advise against all travel to Libya, and independent road trips are not recommended. Damaged roads, unpredictable closures and armed checkpoints make driving hazardous, while access to archaeological sites can change without notice.
- Advisory
- Do not travel
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- March to April or…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travelto Libya for any reason due to crime, terrorism, health concerns, unrest, kidnapping, or landmines. Read entire Travel Advisory.
- Do not travel to Libya for any reason.
- Restrictions on U.S. Government Personnel Movement
- There is currently no U.S. Embassy in Libya.
- The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Libya due to the safety risks.
- U.S. citizens in Libya in need of routine consular services should contact the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia for assistance.
- Crime
Driving there
Your permit in Libya
- Libya honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Not party to the 1949 convention; the International Driving Permit is honored.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Libya
Road rules and conditions
Wear seat belts and avoid driving after dark: unlit vehicles, damaged surfaces and livestock can be difficult to see. Navigation apps may miss closures, so obtain current route advice from a trusted local operator.
Speed limits
Commonly published limits are 50 km/h in towns, 85 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways; confirm current rules locally and follow posted signs. Slow substantially for checkpoints, settlements and damaged stretches.
Tolls and checkpoint payments
There is no extensive nationwide motorway toll system. Do not assume a payment demanded at a checkpoint is an official road toll; have a trusted local driver or operator handle communication and avoid confrontation.
Fuel
Petrol and diesel are subsidized, but shortages, queues and station closures can disrupt journeys. Refill before leaving major cities, confirm fuel availability along the route and carry Libyan dinars rather than relying on cards.
Rentals and police checks
Rental availability and insurance coverage are limited and variable; a vetted local driver is preferable to self-driving. Confirm acceptance of your licence and IDP before booking, and carry both alongside your passport, visa, rental authorization and insurance papers. At police or armed checkpoints, approach slowly, keep your hands visible and never photograph personnel.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Libya
Tripoli Medina and Red Castle
Tripoli, northwestern Libya · About 10–30 minutes from central Tripoli, depending on your starting point; closures and checkpoints can add substantial delays.
Historic lanes, Ottoman-era architecture and the city's landmark fortress; confirm which buildings are accessible. Park outside the medina and explore on foot only with locally confirmed security advice.
Sabratha Archaeological Site
Mediterranean coast west of Tripoli · About 1–1.5 hours from Tripoli under normal conditions; not a security assessment.
A UNESCO-listed ancient city best known for its monumental Roman theatre overlooking the sea; access requires current local confirmation.
Leptis Magna
Al Khums, east of Tripoli · About 2–2.5 hours from Tripoli under normal conditions; checkpoints and closures may extend the journey.
An exceptionally extensive Roman city with a grand forum, basilica and triumphal arch; arrange access through a reputable local operator.
Cyrene
Shahhat, Jebel Akhdar · About 3–4 hours from Benghazi under normal conditions; obtain current advice on eastern Libya's roads.
UNESCO-listed Greek and Roman ruins in the Green Mountain uplands, including temples and a sanctuary of Apollo; verify site and road access.
Apollonia
Susa, northeastern Mediterranean coast · About 3.5–4.5 hours from Benghazi under normal conditions; route damage or restrictions can increase travel time.
Cyrene's ancient port preserves coastal ruins and early Christian churches; visits depend on local security and site access.
Old Town of Ghadames
Western Libya, near the Algerian and Tunisian borders · Roughly 8–10 hours from Tripoli in normal conditions; this is not a recommended independent self-drive route.
A UNESCO-listed oasis town with distinctive earthen architecture and covered passageways; its remote border-region setting makes specialist arrangements essential.
Heading to Libya?
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