Libya
Libya visas: types, e-visa portal and entry rules
- 7 visa types
- checked 25 October 2026
How visas for Libya work
Libyan visas are handled through the official e-visa portal, evisa.gov.ly, where the Passports, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs Authority registers sponsors and its VISA Section decides applications. The portal publishes seven visa types: tourist, visit, temporary assignment (for business and company staff), joining a resident, study, transit and work. Each type allows a stay for the period written on the visa unless it is extended at the holder's request.
Almost every Libyan visa depends on a sponsor in Libya: a registered tourism company for tourists, a registered employer for workers and business visitors, a certified private invitation for family visits, or an approved institution for students. Sponsors file through the portal's Visa on Approval route and pass an approved visa ID to the traveller, who redeems it, pays and receives the visa by e-mail. When we checked on 24 October 2026, only the tourist visa was marked as open for individual online applications; the other types told applicants to contact the portal.
Libya does not publish its visa fees online; the amount appears during the application. Conditions on the ground can affect entry, so confirm current arrangements with your Libyan sponsor before booking.
Which visa do I need?
Sightseeing with a tour operator: tourist visa, sponsored by a registered Libyan tourism company.
Seeing relatives or friends who live in Libya: visit visa, with a certified invitation from your host.
Meetings, projects or company assignments: temporary assignment visa, sponsored by your employer.
A job with a Libyan employer: work residence visa, after the employer obtains recruitment approval.
Moving to join a relative who is a foreign resident: visa for joining a resident.
Enrolling at a Libyan university or academy: study visa. Passing through to another country: transit visa, up to 15 days.
Visa types for Libya
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Tourist Visa (tashirat siyaha)
The Libyan tourist visa is issued online through evisa.gov.ly and is the only visa type the portal currently marks as open for online applications.
Maximum stay: The period written on the visa; the portal publishes no fixed maximum - Family and friends visit visa Visit Visa (tashirat ziyara)
The Libyan visit visa lets a foreign national visit a Libyan citizen or a foreigner who lives lawfully in Libya, for family or other lawful reasons.
Maximum stay: The period written on the visa; it can be extended at the holder's request - Transit visa Transit Visa (tashirat murur)
The Libyan transit visa is for crossing Libyan territory on the way to another country, not for a visit, work or residence.
Maximum stay: Up to 15 days from the date of entry
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Temporary Assignment Visa (tashirat muhimma)
Business travel to Libya uses the Temporary Assignment Visa, issued to business people, investors, company directors and their assistants, and employees of foreign companies for a defined task.
Maximum stay: The period specified in the visa; it ends when the assignment is completed
Study and training
- Student visa Study Visa (tashirat dirasa)
The Libyan study visa is for enrolling at an accredited and recognised educational institution or academy in Libya.
Maximum stay: The full study period, or the period written on the visa
Work
- Work visa Work Residence Visa (tashirat iqama lil-amal)
The Libyan work residence visa lets a foreign national enter and live in Libya to work for a specific, lawful employer.
Maximum stay: The period fixed in the employment authorisation, not beyond the passport's validity
Family
- Family reunification visa Visa for Joining a Resident (tashirat iltihaq bi-muqim)
The visa for joining a resident allows a foreign national to join a relative who lives lawfully in Libya as a foreign resident.
Maximum stay: The period written on the visa; it can be extended at the holder's request
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a visa for Libya?
Almost everyone. In the country data published by Libya's eVisa portal, only citizens of Algeria, Malaysia, Mauritania and Tunisia are fully exempt. Everyone else should plan on needing a visa and check their nationality with the portal's eligibility check; applications are made on evisa.gov.ly.
What is the official Libyan e-visa website?
evisa.gov.ly, which describes itself as the official gateway for online visa applications to Libya. Sponsors such as tourism companies and employers also use it to submit applicants.
How much does a Libyan visa cost?
Libya does not publish a fee table. The portal asks for payment after the form and documents are complete, and the amount is shown at that stage.
How long does a decision take?
The portal says an e-visa application usually takes several days to a week. The approved visa is sent by e-mail as a PDF.
Do I need a sponsor?
In practice yes. Each published visa type names a Libyan sponsor or approving body: a registered tourism company, employer, private host with a certified invitation, resident relative, or education ministry and institution.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 25 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.