March 29, 2020
The U.S. Embassy has received inquiries regarding the possibility of repatriation assistance from Libya to the United States.
The ongoing civil conflict in Libya; suspension of most commercial aviation service to Tripoli, Misrata, and Benghazi; and lack of regular U.S. diplomatic presence in Libya continue to significantly limit the ability of the United States government to provide consular services for U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) in Libya in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. Government does not currently expect to be able to facilitate repatriation from Libya to the United States. Accordingly, the Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens and LPRs in Libya to make appropriate plans to shelter in place until commercial transportation service is restored.
U.S. diplomacy remains engaged in efforts to suspend hostilities so that authorities may focus on containing the pandemic.
In an emergency, U.S. citizens and LPRs in Libya should carefully consider their ability to travel to Tunis, where extremely limited options may exist for onward transportation to the United States. The Embassy is generally unable to provide transportation between Libya and Tunisia. Where non-commercial options to depart Libya may arise, the Embassy will alert U.S. citizens and LPRs to such opportunities.
Entry into Tunisia is at the sole discretion of Tunisian authorities. The Embassy is unable to provide assistance with accommodation in Tunisia, and any U.S. citizens or LPRs that elect to travel to Tunisia would be required to self-isolate upon arrival for 14 days.
The Embassy is also consulting with the Libyan government about potential support for U.S. citizens and LPRs that it may be able to provide.
We advise all U.S. citizens and LPRs currently in Libya to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which enables us to share the latest travel and security information with you: step.state.gov/step/