Libya entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
UAE passport holders must obtain an eVisa to enter Libya. Submit your application online before travel; approval usually takes 2–5 business days. As of 2026, this is the only entry method for tourism or business visits.
Apply for Libya eVisaCheck current travel advisories before applying.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Libya. Apply through the Libya Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal at mfa.gov.ly. Processing times vary — submit at least 2 weeks before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Libya. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policies — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Libya routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Libyan border officials may ask where you're staying. Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their contact details. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing recent transactions helps if asked. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no alternatives
There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for UAE passport holders. You must obtain an eVisa before departure. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, tickets, and hotel booking as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. Also email them to yourself. This helps if you lose physical copies or your phone dies.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Libyan eVisa portal (if available) or use a trusted visa service. Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the fee (typically around $50–$100 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — usually 2–5 business days.
2
Prepare your documents
Once your eVisa is approved, print a copy or save it on your phone. Also have your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance ready. Keep a digital backup in your email.
3
Arrive at Tripoli International Airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes. Have your documents organized to speed things up.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs — declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Libya Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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
CostUSD 50 (approx. $50 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must leave before expiry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 100 (approx. $100 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity; each stay capped at 30 days.
work visa
Libya Work Visa
1 year, renewable
USD 200 (approx. $200 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a Libyan employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Libya Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
USD 100 (approx. $100 USD) plus university enrollment
For UAE nationals enrolled in a Libyan university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows stay for duration of studies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard single-entry eVisa fee for UAE passport holders. | USD 50 (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; single entry only. | USD 50 (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry option for frequent travellers. | USD 100 (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity; no maximum cap known. | USD 10 per day (approx. $10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%
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
UAE 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
- Transit without visa allowed for up to 24 hours if holding confirmed onward ticket and staying in international transit area.
Transit hubsTripoli International Airport (TIP) · Benghazi Benina International Airport (BEN) · Misrata 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Moderate risk
Present in some regions; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Road traffic accidentsHigh risk
Poor road conditions and driving standards; exercise caution.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in some rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for travelers to those regions.
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 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport and visa documents.
Benghazi
Benghazi Immigration Office
Al-Fadeel Street, Benghazi
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for eastern Libya; expect delays.
Practical information for AE 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 = 6.41 LYD
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
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe. Rush processing may be available for an extra fee.
No. There is no visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
The fee varies by processing speed and service provider. Expect to pay between $50 and $100. Check the official portal or your visa service for exact pricing.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa. Otherwise, your application may be rejected.
Yes. Immigration requires proof of onward travel regardless of your accommodation type. A return or onward ticket is mandatory.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Libya can be expensive, and insurance covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.