Libya visa options for France passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Libya

Rules are written for foreign nationals generally; nearly all nationalities require a visa, with only a handful of Arab/neighbouring states (e.g. Algeria, Tunisia and certain age-restricted Egyptian and Turkish travellers) exempt, and several nationalities barred from the eVisa entirely.

• Tourist

  Tourist eVisa

  Up to 30 days; eVisa valid 90 days from issue, single entry (verify)

  Insurance

  Required/ possibly required - one immigration source states valid travel health insurance covering medical care in Libya is mandatory for the eVisa; tour-operator guidance lists it as strongly recommended and notes hospitals expect cash payment. Carry comprehensive cover and confirm at application.

  Good for

  Foreign tourists visiting for leisure, sightseeing or cultural travel via an approved tour operator or sponsor.

  Requirement

  Online eVisa application (system launched 21 Mar 2024) plus a mandatory local sponsor or tour operator; independent tourism is not permitted and a tourist police escort/security letter may be required. Passport valid 6+ months, no Israeli stamps. Fee approx 63 USD (verify).

• Business

  Business Visa

  Up to 90 days; single- or multiple-entry depending on application (verify)

  Insurance

  Recommendedtravel health insurance covering Libya is strongly advised and may be requested at application; local healthcare is limited and often cash-only.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs or other commercial activities in Libya.

  Requirement

  Official invitation letter from a Libyan host company (typically certified by the immigration authority). Passport valid 6+ months with no Israeli stamps. Available through the eVisa system or a Libyan consulate.

• Work

  Work Visa / Permit

  Initial visa around 3 months, extendable in-country; work authorisation commonly renewed annually with continued employment (verify)

  Insurance

  Recommendedno single official insurance mandate is confirmed in sources, but private medical cover is strongly advised for foreign workers given underdeveloped local healthcare; verify employer-provided cover.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals taking up employment with a Libyan employer.

  Requirement

  A confirmed job offer and employer sponsorship; the employer files with the Libyan Employment/labour department (invitation letter, passport copy, fees) and immigration issues an approval forwarded to the Libyan embassy. Passport valid for stay plus 6 months, no Israeli stamps, blank pages. A separate exit/re-entry visa is needed for each departure unless a multiple-entry resident visa is held.

• Study

  Student Visa

  Covers the duration of studies, typically with annual renewal (verify)

  Insurance

  Recommendedsources do not confirm a specific insurance mandate; private health cover is advisable given limited public healthcare. Verify with the host institution.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals admitted to a Libyan university or educational institution.

  Requirement

  Acceptance/admission letter from a Libyan institution and proof of sufficient funds; usually single entry, with multiple entry possible on additional documentation. Foreigners must register their stay with the local authority within 7 days of arrival.

• Transit

  Transit Visa

  Around 1 week validity; onward departure typically required within ~2 days (verify)

  Insurance

  Recommendedshort-stay travel medical cover is advisable; no specific transit mandate confirmed in sources.

  Good for

  Travellers passing through Libya (e.g. via Mitiga/Tripoli or Benghazi) en route to a third country.

  Requirement

  Confirmed onward ticket departing Libya and valid passport with no Israeli stamps. Some nationalities (e.g. Qatari nationals) may only pass through designated airports.

Libya's security situation is volatile, rules are applied inconsistently between the rival eastern/western authorities, and a tour operator or local sponsor is mandatory for almost all visitors; verify everything with a Libyan embassy before travel. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

France → Libya: frequently asked

Do France passport holders need a visa to visit Libya?

e-Visa. Apply for a visa online before travelling. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

Can a France passport holder live or work long-term in Libya?

Yes, via a long-stay visa. Libya has 5 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.

Do I need travel insurance for Libya?

Entry to Libya never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Libya visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.