Information for Travelers

Warden messages, public announcements and other valuable information are disseminated via the internet to those US citizens who have completed internet registration.   Please be sure that you and your family have registered through the internet-based registration system at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/

 

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.   The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate protective measures travelers can take in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad. 

 

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli can be reached by telephone during office hours at 091-379-4560 or via e-mail at tripoliconsular@state.gov. Only in the event of an emergency involving an American citizen, the after-hours mobile telephone number is 091-366-2696.

Libya-specific warden messages

Violence Against British Citizens

November 22, 2009

 

This warden message advises U.S. citizens of a criminal attack in Tripoli that may have been aimed at U.S. citizens.

 

On Saturday, November 21, 2009, two British citizens were attacked by an unknown assailant armed with a screwdriver while walking along Omar al-Mukhtar Street in downtown Tripoli. The assailant attacked the two even though they answered negatively to his query as to whether they were Americans. The British suffered minor injuries and the perpetrator escaped.  Preliminary reports indicate that the incident appears to be anti-American in nature. Therefore, the Embassy continues to remind all American citizens to exercise caution in public areas. While this is the first specifically anti-Western crime in Tripoli to come to the Embassy’s attention in the last year, Libya continues to experience an overall increase in general crime, including violent crime. Both the British and U.S. embassies are in contact with the Libyan government regarding appropriate follow-up to Saturday’s attack.

 

 

Receive Warden Messages by Text Message

October 29, 2009

This warden message announces a new service offered by the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, through which U.S. citizens can receive urgent Warden Messages by text message on their cell phones.

The U.S. Embassy can now disseminate urgent Warden Messages by text message to Libyan-based cell phone numbers, through an Internet-based system.  Any U.S. citizens who wish to participate should e-mail the Consular Section (consulartripoli@state.gov) with the local cell phone number(s) they want to use for receiving Warden Messages.  The Consular Section will continue to send messages by e-mail but will also send urgent or time-sensitive messages by brief text message. By sending an e-mail to the Consular Section, U.S. citizens explicitly authorize the U.S. Embassy to use this form of communication. The Embassy is not responsible for any charges or technical problems arising from this service, although we do not anticipate that any should arise.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website (http://Libya.usembassy.gov) and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website (www.travel.state.gov), where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or callers in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli is located in Serraj neighborhood on the connection road with Krimia neighborhood. The Chinese Ambassador’s residence is on the same road. Our phone numbers are (091) 379-4560 during business hours or (091) 366-2696 (after-hours number for emergencies involving American citizens only).

Increased Crime in Tripoli

September 29, 2009

This warden message warns U.S. citizens of a recent increase in crime in Tripoli, including violent crimes such as car-jacking and assault, as well as numerous purse snatchings.

In recent weeks, criminals have reportedly driven past pedestrians and snatched purses without stopping the vehicle.  This crime carries a high risk of physical injury to the victim and some have been dragged several feet behind vehicles.  Therefore, U.S. Embassy security officials advise increased vigilance and recommend that anyone carrying a purse, briefcase or other bag that is obvious to passers-by take extra precautions.  Carrying a purse-strap over the head and shoulder is the most secure method for deterring purse-snatchers on foot, but can be dangerous when faced with purse-snatchers in vehicles.  Embassy security officials advise carrying the purse on the shoulder only, or at least on the side of the body furthest from traffic.

Overall, American citizens should remain vigilant as they go about their daily activities.

Bubonic Plague Information

June 21, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to an outbreak of bubonic plague reported by authorities in northeastern Libya near the city of Tobruk  and the border with Egypt.  Media sources report approximately 16 to 18 cases and two deaths. These cases are the first in more than 20 years in Libya. The World Health Organization (WHO) is sending a team to investigate.  The Libyan government has initiated efforts to contain the disease by vaccinating residents of the affected region against the disease as well as isolating the Tarsha region and considering it a quarantine zone.  Travelers are advised to plan travel to this region carefully.  Information on disease outbreaks in Libya can be found on the websites of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/libya.aspx#notices and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/countries/lby/en/.

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information

May 3, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of H1N1 Influenza A, formerly known as swine flu.  Local authorities have begun questioning travelers about their travel plans as well as taking temperatures of incoming passengers at Tripoli International Airport.  Travelers are advised to plan travel carefully as Libyan authorities can change travel regulations with minimal notice.

For further information about H1N1 flu, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html, the United States Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.  For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov.

Caution in Traveling to Desert, Border Regions of Libya

February 12, 2009

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling in desert and border regions in Libya.  For security reasons, Embassy staff must obtain prior approval from the Chief of Mission before traveling to these areas. 

All U.S. citizens in Libya are encouraged to be aware of the risks of kidnapping, comply with local regulations regarding desert travel, maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to their personal security, and remain aware of local developments. There have been no instances in which U.S. facilities or citizens in Libya have been subject to terrorist attack.  However, recent kidnappings of Westerners in remote areas in Mali, Niger, Tunisia and Egypt, and terrorist attacks in Algeria -- are indicative of an increased threat in the region. The presence in north Africa of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization -- presents potential dangers to travelers.

Vigilance During Daily Activities

December 28, 2008

This warden message alerts U.S. citizens to exercise caution in their activities and avoid crowds.Due to recent events in Gaza, the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli advises all American citizens in Libya to avoid large crowds and maintain vigilance in daily activities.

Worldwide Caution

On January 17, the State Department updated the Worldwide Caution. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

The full text of the Worldwide Caution may be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html.

For the latest security information, Americans abroad should regularly monitor the State Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution, the Travel Alert for the Middle East and North Africa, and Country Specific Information about Libya can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).