Libya Facts
Language Spoken
Arabic is the official language in Libya, English and Italian languages are widely spoken in hotels, shops and traditional markets. French is also spoken, but mainly in southern regions.
Money
Unit of currency is the Libyan Diner (L.D.). the official exchange rates for main international hard currencies can be consultant with Libyan Banks. Each visitor must be in the position of at least the equivalent of 500 US$ in or other foreign banknote or traveler’s cheques, on departure only 20 L.D. or any other foreign currency not exceeding the amount declared on entry.
Airlines
Most Arabic and European airlines companies have direct fights to Tripoli, Benghazi and Sabha, Main European serving airline are Alitalia, Swissair, Lufthansa, British Airways, Austrian and AirMalta.
Climate
In Libya you will enjoy weather to suit all tastes all the year around. In Summer – the hot season – you can relax on pure crystal sea sands running along tourist shores and get suntan in a few days, while in evening you can spend warm fresh nights enhanced with a light sea breeze. During winter heavier clothes are required to enable you7 to enjoy rainy days and cold nights, but never cold as Europe.
Visa
Visitors other than Arabian nationalities must apply for a tourism visa through a Libyan Diplomatic Mission in their home country or abroad. Collective visas may be issued to groups of tourists organized by a registered travel agency. All visitors should be in possession of a valid passport.
Health Regulation
International vaccination certificate Cholera, Yellow fever and Smallpox is required for all arrivals from infected areas.
Customs
Clothing and articles of personal save use are allowed on departure local manufactures and souvenirs may be exported on condition that are not of commercial quantities, Jewels and imported goods may require an export license.
Accommodation
3, 4 and 5 stars Hotels are available in Tripoli, Benghazi, Sabha, and other main cities. 3-star hotels, camping areas and guest-houses are also available in desert towns and villages.
Transportation
Taxies and micro-buses are inner-city means of transportation. Air-conditioned buses are used between cities and for long distance trips. 4-Whel Drive cars are fully equipped for desert tours. Private Jet-Airplanes are also available to transport special tourist groups upon request.
There are also a wide asphalt road network that connects Libyan cities, towns and even small villages to each other. On the other hand most Libyan main cities and towns are accessibly by direct flights of Libyan Arab Airlines.
What to Eat & Drink
“Couscousi” is the main local dish in Libya, it consists of steamed wheat semolina serves with mutton or lamb, vegetables and spicy sauce. There is another traditional, which are pasta and huge dumpling called “ Bazen “ serviced with a hot sauce, for eating with your fingers as local style lunch.
Whilst, red and green tea with mint is the national beverage. In addition a wide choice of foreign dishes from Chinese kitchen to European kitchens, including sea food. Tourist also can find their favorite dishes in the American style fast-food restaurants
What to buy
Handicrafts, leather goods, rugs and hand-made carpets, oriental jewels, traditional silk, gold silver
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