Destinations / Libya
Driving in Libya as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Libya drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though conditions mean visitors generally rely on arranged drivers.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Libya expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 1515 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h coastal highway |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in LYD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Frequent checkpoints. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Alcohol is prohibited: zero tolerance. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Libya
At the pump
Petrol (benzine) and diesel are sold, both among the cheapest in the world due to state subsidy (often only a few US cents per litre). Stations are attended; payment is cash only and queues/shortages are common.
After a crash
After a crash do not move the vehicles and call the police, who must attend to produce the official report needed for any insurance or rental claim; emergency response is slow and unreliable. Photograph the scene and exchange details.
Sources: travel.state.gov · countryreports.org · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Libya?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Libya drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though conditions mean visitors generally rely on arranged drivers.
Which translation format is used for Libya?
Libya uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Libya ask for a translation?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Libya?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.