Libya visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Libya

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Libyan Visa.

  • Valid South African passport with a validity of not less than 6 months from the period of entry into the country. The passport should have one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Duly completed visa application form which is signed where necessary.
  • One recent passport-size photograph taken with a white background. The passport should follow the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Bank statement which is not older than 3 months from the period of entry to the country showing steady and continuous flow of income.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Return and onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Libya Visa for South Africans

Facts about Libya

Most tourists visiting Libya pick the Sahara Desert as their chosen destination. The Sahara Desert covers more than 92% of the Libyan territory. The calm and natural beauty of the desert gives tourists the liberty to enjoy a private getaway with unlimited photographic opportunities. This is a dream for adventurers and nature lovers. Archeological sites are also aplenty in the country. The country has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, three of these are classical ruins. All these sites are heavily visited by tourists all through the year.
 
The tourism industry has taken a considerable hit in recent times because of the unrest in the country. Most countries advise their citizens against all forms of travel to Libya.

The import and export of local currency is prohibited for both the residents and non-residents of Libya. Proselytizing in Libya is illegal and carries severe punishment. In most cases the punishment for proselytizing is death. Consumption of alcohol and pork products is illegal in Libya. Ensure you have a valid means of identification at all times.

Types of Libya Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Business visa 15 days 90 days

General Requirements for Libya Visa

  • Valid South African passport with a validity of not less than 6 months from the period of entry into the country. The passport should have one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Duly completed visa application form which is signed where necessary.
  • One recent passport-size photograph taken with a white background. The passport should follow the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Bank statement which is not older than 3 months from the period of entry to the country showing steady and continuous flow of income.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Return and onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Libya Tourist visa Libya Business visa

Libya Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The tourist visa is meant for leisure and tourism purposes.
  • If you intend to spend some time with friends and relatives in the country, you can do so with this visa.
  • You are not permitted to engage in business activities.
  • At the expiry of this visa type, you are required to leave the country.
  • This visa does not allow foreigners to take up work while in the country.
  • You are not allowed to study with this visa.
  • A letter of invitation from the friend or relative you are visiting in Libya is required.
  • The invitation letter provided should carry the home address and valid means of identification of your host.
  • Minors should ensure they provide an unabridged original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Applicants who are not of South African origin traveling from South Africa should present a copy of their South African stay permit.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary.
  • You are required to show a proof of paid visa application fee.
  • The visa ceases to be valid after 3 months.

Libya Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • South Africans applying for this visa aim to enter Libya to maintain business relationships with already existing partners or to build up relationships with new partners.
  • During business meetings between you and your partner, you can negotiate and sign contracts and agreements.
  • You can attend conferences, trade fairs and business summits while in the country.
  • A letter from your employer in South Africa should be provided. Your position in the company, duration and purpose of your visit should be stated in the letter.
  • The company you are meeting up with in the country should provide a letter of invitation. If the company is going to be in charge of your expenses during your stay in the country, it should be stated in the letter.
  • Certificate of business registration of the company you are meeting up with in Libya is mandatory.
  • If you have been in business with the company you are meeting with, proof of this is required.
  • You cannot be paid for any of the services you render in the country.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
  • You are required to leave the country as soon as your visa expires.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory.

Libya Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

80.00 (USD)

Business visa

300.00 (USD)

Libya Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

900 Church Street and Balmoral Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa.

libyasa@telkomsa.net

+27 12 342 3902

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel to Libya?

Presently, it is not safe to travel to Libya due to the fighting and deteriorating security situation throughout the country.

What country colonized Libya?

Libya was colonized by Italy in 1911.

What is Libya best known for?
Libya is best known for its ancient Greek and Roman ruins and Sahara Desert landscapes.
What is the culture like in Libya?
Libya has managed to keep its traditional folk culture almost Libyans are Berber and Arab.
What is the official language spoken in Libya?

The official language of Libya is Arabic.