Libya bans Iranian and Afghan nationals from entering eastern territory
Eastern Libya’s Government of National Stability announced on Oct 28 2026 that Iranian and Afghan nationals are barred from entering any land, air or sea ports it controls. The ban expands the June restrictions that already covered Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, affecting travelers and migrants heading to the eastern and southern parts of the country.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Iranian and Afghan nationals are now prohibited from entering eastern Libya
- Timing
- Effective immediately following the Oct 28 2026 announcement
- Who is affected
- All Iranian and Afghan citizens without valid residence permits
The details
- Announced by
- Government of National Stability (GNS)
- Takes effect
- Oct 28, 2026
- Previous rule
- Since June, the eastern administration barred nationals of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia from entering its territory.
- New rule
- The ban now also applies to Iranian and Afghan nationals, regardless of entry point.
Decision and issuing authority
The Government of National Stability, led by Osama Hamad and aligned with Khalifa Haftar’s forces, issued the new restriction late on Wednesday, Oct 28 2026. The announcement came through the administration’s Interior Ministry, which will enforce the measure across all ports, airports and border crossings under eastern control.
Scope of the new restriction
The ban covers all Iranian and Afghan citizens attempting to enter eastern Libya by land, sea or air. Those without a valid residence permit will be denied entry and may be deported. The measure does not specify any exceptions based on travel purpose, but it does list categories that are exempt.
- Accredited diplomatic and consular staff and their families are exempt.
- Medical and educational professionals with required work authorizations are exempt.
Implementation and exemptions
The Interior Ministry will handle screening at entry points and coordinate deportations for non‑exempt individuals. No legal basis for the ban has been published, and the administration has not detailed how asylum claims will be treated. The practical impact depends on which facilities are under eastern control, as the western Government of National Unity operates separately.
Human‑rights groups have warned that the nationality‑based ban could lead to collective expulsions without individual assessment.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers holding Iranian or Afghan passports should expect denial of entry at eastern Libyan airports, seaports and land crossings.
- Bookings that rely on transit through eastern Libya may need to be rerouted to avoid the banned zones.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are mentioned in the announcement.
- Diplomatic staff, medical and educational professionals must carry valid work authorizations to qualify for exemption.
What you need to do
- Iranian and Afghan nationals must verify alternative entry points outside eastern Libya before travel.
- Exempt professionals should ensure their work permits are up‑to‑date and ready for inspection at the border.
Who this affects
-
Iranian nationals
The new rule explicitly prohibits Iranian citizens from entering eastern Libya without a valid residence permit.
What to do Seek alternative routes or obtain a residence permit recognized by the eastern administration.
-
Afghan nationals
Afghan citizens are now included in the nationality‑based entry ban.
What to do Avoid eastern Libyan entry points unless holding an exempt status.
-
Diplomatic and consular personnel
The announcement exempts accredited diplomatic and consular staff and their families.
-
Medical and educational professionals
Those with required work authorizations are exempt from the ban.
What to do Carry proof of work authorization when crossing eastern Libyan borders.
Frequently asked questions
When does the ban on Iranian and Afghan nationals in eastern Libya start?
The prohibition took effect immediately after the Government of National Stability announced it on Oct 28 2026.
Can Iranian or Afghan citizens still enter eastern Libya with a residence permit?
Yes, the ban applies only to those without a valid residence permit; holders of such permits may still be allowed entry.
Are diplomatic staff from Iran or Afghanistan allowed to enter eastern Libya?
Accredited diplomatic and consular personnel and their families are exempt from the restriction and may enter with proper accreditation.
What exemptions exist for medical and educational professionals from Iran or Afghanistan?
Medical and educational professionals who possess the required work authorizations are exempt and can enter eastern Libya despite the ban.
How does the new ban affect travelers who have already booked flights through eastern Libya?
Travelers with Iranian or Afghan passports should cancel or reroute their itineraries, as entry will be denied at all eastern Libyan airports, ports and land crossings.
