This Travel Warning is being issued to update the security information in Libya. Libya remains on the U.S. Government's State Sponsors of Terrorism List. The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to Libya to exercise caution. This Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Libya issued June 28, 2004.

The U.S. lifted restrictions on the use of U.S. passports for travel to Libya in February 2004. While Libya has taken steps to cooperate in the global war on terrorism, the Libyan Government remains on the U.S. Government's State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Although Libya appears to have curtailed its support for international terrorism, it may maintain residual contacts with some of its former terrorist clients.

Recent worldwide terrorist alerts have stated that extremist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the region. Therefore, any American citizen who decides to travel to Libya should maintain a strong security posture by being aware of surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, and varying times and routes for all required travel. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

In June 2004, a U.S. Liaison Office opened in Tripoli. There is no consular officer included among the staff. Thus, due to limited staffing and interim facilities, only limited services are currently available to U.S. citizens.

Most U.S. economic sanctions on Libya were ended on September 20, 2004. Libya remains on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Technologies and goods on the Department of Commerce Export Control List must be licensed by the Department of Commerce for export to Libya.

Travelers should be aware that credit cards and checks on U.S. banks generally are not accepted in Libya, and should be prepared to engage in cash-only transactions while in Libya.

Americans who decide to travel to Libya despite this Travel Warning should exercise a high level of caution. Updated information on travel and security in Libya may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-317-472-2328. Those travelers should consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information sheet for Libya and the current Worldwide Caution and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcements, which are available on the Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.
Other Government Websites
First Gov Service Locator

Report this post to a Virtual Guide |