Libya halts airport visas on arrival for air travelers

Libya’s Government of National Unity has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas on arrival at all airports

The immediate border adjustment aims to reinforce national security, mitigate the misuse of entry clearances, and prevent document forgery. According to an official circular issued by the Libyan administration, this immediate suspension will stay active until border management entities complete a full review of current entry processes and establish updated regulatory safeguards.

The policy shift follows public pressure and ongoing campaigns from domestic civil rights advocates demanding stricter controls against illegal immigration, document manipulation, and unregulated entry at key transit channels.

Libyan government orders comprehensive review of visa policy

As part of the directive, the Libyan executive branch has mandated the Ministry of Interior alongside the Passport, Nationality and Foreign Affairs Authority to address current administrative gaps. These institutions are tasked with developing a thorough technical and security framework to properly manage how entry permits are granted.

The specialized border committee must submit its formal proposal for new visa protocols to the Prime Minister’s Office within 30 days. The forthcoming strategy is expected to introduce modern administrative checks and digital safeguards to prevent future exploitation of border arrival facilities.

Libya eVisa system remains operational

The newly enacted circular applies strictly to authorizations delivered directly upon physical arrival at Libyan airports and air terminals. For international travelers, obtaining a visa directly upon landing at a Libyan port of entry is no longer a viable or legal option while this administrative freeze remains in effect.

Crucially, the emergency border directive does not state any disruptions to Libya’s automated electronic visa system. First introduced by the Government of National Unity in March 2024, the separate eVisa platform appears completely unaffected by the airport suspension. Foreign nationals intending to visit the country should seek approved authorizations online or coordinate with authorized entities well in advance of arranging air travel.

No specific nationalities targeted

Furthermore, the document omits any mention of specific targeted nationalities, meaning the temporary border policy functions as a blanket suspension on the airport visa-on-arrival facility itself rather than an entry ban directed at explicit foreign states.