Trip checklist: Libya

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

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Visa requirement

We're still confirming this with official sources. What we've found so far: Apply online (e-visa). Check with the embassy before you rely on it.

Permitted stay

You can stay up to 30 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

Before you go

• Purpose of visit

  Independent tourism is generally not allowed. Tourists must travel with a licensed tour operator, with a tourist police escort, or be sponsored locally (a sponsored visitor also needs a security letter from the Libyan immigration authorities). Business visas need company sponsorship and can take weeks or months.

• Passport validity

  Valid for the whole stay, with at least one blank page per entry stamp. Passports with Israeli stamps are refused. Many airlines and operators ask for 6 months; check with your tour operator.

• How to apply

  Through the official e-Visa portal https://evisa.gov.ly, normally lodged by your Libyan tour operator or sponsor. Reported tourist e-Visa fee: USD 63. Without a tour operator or sponsor an e-Visa is not granted. The UK FCDO notes that a Libyan visa issued overseas may not be recognised in some areas or at some ports of entry because of the political split. The portal could not be opened to confirm eligibility, fee or processing time.

• Where South Africans apply

  Through a Libyan tour operator or sponsor via evisa.gov.ly, or the Embassy of Libya in Pretoria if South Africans are not e-Visa eligible. Embassy visa service not confirmed.

• Accommodation or invitation

  A tour operator booking or local sponsor is required. A sponsored visitor also needs a security letter from the Libyan immigration authorities.

• Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

  Libya does not require any vaccination for entry per the US State Department. Libya is not on South Africa's yellow fever risk list, so no certificate is needed to return to SA (unless you transited a risk country for more than 12 hours).

• Confirm with the embassy

  Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

• UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/libya/entry-requirements

Research sources

1. 1. UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/libya/entry-requirements
2. 2. US Department of State (Other government, travel.state.gov) https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Libya.html
3. 3. DIRCO, South African High Commission Canberra (Other government, dirco.gov.za) https://dirco.gov.za/canberra/yellow-fever/
4. 4. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_African_citizens
5. 5. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Libya
6. 6. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_diplomatic_missions_in_South_Africa

From doineedavisa.co.za/libya. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.