Travel Vaccines and Advice for Libya
Libya is a country with profound historical importance, boasting many impressive Roman and Greek ruins. It is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Leptis Magna and the Ghadamès.
Due to political unrest, spurred by Libya’s revolution in 2011 and 2012, travel to Libya is dangerous and often off-limits. Travellers should research this country carefully and exercise extreme caution.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Libya?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Libya?
What Is the Climate Like in Libya?
Is Libya Safe?
Libyan Rules, Customs and Laws
What Should I Take To Libya?
Canadian Embassy to Libya
Do I Need Vaccines for Libya?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Libya. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Libya: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a polio-endemic country or if you have spent 4 weeks in Afghanistan or Pakistan in the last 12 months. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Required for entry to the country.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Libya |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a polio-endemic country or if you have spent 4 weeks in Afghanistan or Pakistan in the last 12 months. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Libya |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Required for entry to the country. |
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit our vaccination or make an appointment with your local Travel Health Specialist. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Libya?
All Canadian citizens travelling to Libya must have a passport and valid visa issued by the Libyan government.
Libya Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Libya? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Libya and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Libya?
Libya has mild winters and hot, dry summers. Libya’s coastal climate is Mediterranean. Desert climate dominates the rest of the country.
In Tripoli, temperatures in the winter range from 8 to 17 degrees. During the summer temperatures range from 22 to 32 degrees. The rainy season tends to last from October through March, though Libya does not get much rain.
Is Libya Safe?
The Canadian Government recommends against all travel to Libya due to terrorism, civil unrest and extremist violence in the region.
The Canadian Government’s capacity to assist Canadians in Libya is severely limited. Extremist groups have targeted Canadian Government officials and citizens. The most notable case is the 2012 Benghazi attack.
Crime levels and the threat of kidnapping are high. Militia presence is high, and militia members may detain travellers for any reason.
The State Department characterizes the security climate in Libya as unpredictable and unstable.
Libyan Rules, Customs and Laws
Libya’s rules and customs may be different from what travellers are used to. Be sure to take note before travelling:
- Travellers to Libya should dress conservatively and avoid public displays of affection.
- LGBT travellers may face considerable risk as sexual acts between same-sex individuals are illegal.
- Proselytizing is illegal in Libya.
- Importing or consuming alcohol and pork products are illegal in Libya.
- Taking pictures of some buildings, particularly military and government buildings is illegal.
- Most law enforcement carried out by militias.
Travellers to Libya should review the region’s laws before entering the country.
What Should I Take To Libya?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Libya:
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Travellers may experience diarrhea from water or food they are not used to. A traveller’s diarrhea kit is recommended for all travellers.
- Light but modest clothing for hot temperatures
- travellers should carry their passports with them at all times. Individuals without passports may be detained for questioning.
Canadian Embassy to Libya
All Canadians visiting Libya should register online with the Canadian Government before leaving. This allows the Canadian government to provide notifications on what may be happening in the country.
Due to the deteriorating security conditions in Libya, the Canadian Embassy to Libya is closed. Canadians in Libya who need help are directed to contact the Canadian Embassy in the following countries: Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, and Tunisia. Libya is a vast country and it is best if you familiarize yourself with the closest embassy office to the region of the country you are visiting.
If you have any questions about travelling to Libya or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Libya
“Very positive experience. The nurse was knowledgeable about Libya and informative and a delight to work with.”
“My daughter and I went to get information and immunizations for travelling to Libya and other places. We received excellent advice and I ended up getting booster shots on a couple of immunizations that I had had when I was growing up. Now, both my daughter and I are protected. The service was efficient, friendly and informative. I would recommend this travel clinic to anyone looking to update and ensure that they are covered for travel outside of Canada – even to ensure that they are covered for outbreaks of certain diseases in Canada.”
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