Medical care cannot be compared to Europe and can often be problematic in terms of technology, equipment and hygiene. Adequate health insurance coverage valid worldwide and reliable travel insurance are strongly recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Check directoryaah for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who want to enter within 6 days of staying in the infected areas designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers who do not leave the airport in Libya. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but the risk of infection cannot be ruled out. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical help in good time before you travel. [3] There is no risk of malaria. Libya is considered malaria-free. [4] Tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively clean, but mild stomach upset may occur. Bottled water, which is available everywhere, is therefore recommended for the first few weeks of your stay. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Water should be consumed with caution outside of cities and properly sterilized before use for drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice cubes. Outside of urban areas, milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Consumption of dairy products made from unboiled milk, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens occur in some ponds and rivers (Derna, Fessan, Tauorga), so swimming and wading in inland waters should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/Aids is a major problem worldwide, but as far as reliable data is available, it has probably only reached Libya sporadically. The known risks should be avoided as everywhere. From the north-east of the country, specifically the town of Tubruq, cases of plague were reported again in 2009 after 20 years. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Health certificate
For work and long-term stays, a health certificate (“Health Certificate”) in German is required (form available on request from the embassy).
Money
Currency
1 Libyan dinar = 1000 dirhams. Currency code: LD, LYD (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 1/2 and 1/4 LD, coins in denominations of 500, 250, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 dirhams.
Credit cards
International credit cards such as Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted to a limited extent in some hotels in Tripoli and Benghazi. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at isolated ATMs in Tripoli with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are not accepted in Libya.
Bank opening hours
In winter: Sat-Wed 08.00-12.00, in summer: Sat-Thu 08.00-12.00 and Sat-Wed 16.00-17.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
Foreign currencies can be imported in unlimited amounts, declaration obligation. The export is only possible up to the amount declared upon entry. The import and export of local currency is prohibited.
Currency Exchange
Dollars and euros can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices or at the reception of large hotels. Upon entry, there is a mandatory exchange equivalent to 500 LD per person. This rule does not apply to: – Tourists visiting Libya with a tour operator, provided the cost of the stay is covered for the entire duration, – Official business visa holders, – Student visa holders receiving a Libyan scholarship, – official guests and persons wishing to move in with a resident of Libya, provided that such person agrees to meet all subsistence and medical expenses. US dollars are recommended. Exchange receipts must be kept until you leave the country in order to be able to prove the permitted amount of foreign currency on departure. Israeli shekels may not be imported.
