- Travel Advice
NZ government advice for Libya
When travelling to Libya, you should always get travel insurance in case the worst happens. To help you ensure you travel safely, we have included the travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Libya.
There is extreme risk to your security in Libya and we advise against all travel due to the volatile security situation and ongoing military operations. New Zealanders currently in Libya are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.
On 17 March 2011, the UN Security Council passed a resolution authorising military action to protect civilians in Libya. A ?no-fly zone? has been imposed over Libyan airspace as part of the UN mandate. Under the Secretary Council resolution, international forces have taken military action to enforce the no-fly zone, including commencing military strikes on Libyan armed forces and air defence systems.
Since February 2011, widespread protests and violent clashes between Libyan security forces and anti-government protestors have occurred throughout the country, resulting in a significant number of civilian casualties and leading to the UN Security Council resolution.
New Zealanders in Libya who now wish to depart, should only travel if it is safe to do so. The roads to the Tunisian and Egyptian borders are currently open, but could close without warning. There have been reports of violent incidents along these roads so travel should only be undertaken after a careful assessment of the potential risks. We recommend travel by land to either Tunisia or Egypt in daylight hours only. We strongly recommend against travel by land to Algeria, Niger, Chad or Sudan due to the significant risk of kidnapping in these border areas. All flights have been suspended due to the no-fly zone and we are not aware of departure options by sea. Adequate supplies of food, water, fuel and essential medication should be taken with you in case of unexpected delays, in addition to your identification and travel documents.
New Zealanders who have chosen to remain in Libya against our advice should ensure they are in a safe location away from facilities operated or occupied by Libyan security forces, as these sites may be targeted by the UN-sanctioned military action. We advise New Zealanders remaining in Libya to keep a low profile, stay at home and avoid all unnecessary travel. We recommend you monitor developments through the media and heed any local advice.
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Libya to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Libya, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens is severely limited.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Libya should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air. Policy exclusions are likely to apply given the current situation in Libya.
New Zealanders in Libya are urged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Africa
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