Africa

Libya Crime Rate & Safety

Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Libya

4of 4

US State Department Travel Advisory

Do Not Travel

Updated July 16, 2025

Detailed homicide statistics are not currently available for Libya. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Libya at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.

Homicide Rate

N/A

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Safety Rank

N/A

🛡️

Travel Advisory

Level 4 of 4

✈️

Data Year

N/A

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Armed Conflict Context

Libya has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.

Battle-Related Deaths

2(2024)

Military Spending

5.3% GDP(2023)

Safety for Travelers

Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Libya:

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Do not travel to Libya for any reason due to crime , terrorism , unexploded landmines , civil unrest , kidnapping , and armed conflict . Read entire Travel Advisory. Country Summary : Terrorism: There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Libya. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Level 1

Exercise Normal Precautions

Level 2

Exercise Increased Caution

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Level 4

Do Not Travel

Read the full advisory on travel.state.gov →

Safety Guidance for Libya

Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated July 18, 2025).

Terrorism

Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack U.S. citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) The following groups, which are on the U.S. government’s list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations , pose a high risk to U.S.

Crime

Crime levels and the threat of kidnapping throughout the country remain high. Crimes of opportunity are commonplace, particularly against people who appear to be wealthy or of foreign nationality.

Political Violence

Clashes among armed groups, including government-aligned forces, occur periodically throughout the country, including Tripoli and other urban areas.

Demonstrations

occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Libya. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Most scammers pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. For more information on international financial scams, see our page on Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages.

Technology Usage Abroad

Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS navigation apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Tunis for assistance. Victims of sexual assault have little recourse in Libya, and women who report sexual crimes may be accused of adultery and are at risk of further violence against them if they are unable to prove that a crime occurred under a high standard of proof in the Libyan judicial system. Victims may wish to report crimes to the local police station closest to where they are residing and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(216) 71-107-000, or +216 29 980 978 for WhatsApp calling capabilities. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

Domestic Violence

Libya does not have any laws prohibiting or criminalizing domestic violence. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy in Tunis for assistance.

Tourism

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country, except in Tripoli. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

About This Data

Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.

Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.