Is it safe to travel to Libya ?
Despite the conflict in Libya having ended, the security situation on the ground in Libya remains challenging and whilst the dangers are not of the Mogadishu, or Damascus proportions, it does remain a challenging and difficult place for RPS Partnership’s clients to work.
Rival ethnic and tribal groups continue to fight across the country and the US Ambassador being killed last year has made international visitors focus more on security than ever before, especially if travelling to Benghazi.
Tripoli remains a viable place in which international companies may work and the opportunities are becoming greater as days go by. However, weapons left over from the recent conflicts are available on the streets and because of this the threat of gunfire or getting caught in something unrelated to you remains as high as ever.
The security forces are struggling to restore any sort of order to the country and this makes local security situations often unpredictable. It is for this reason that RPS partnership advises travellers to be cautious in the planning of their travel there.
Your trip needs to be well thought through and well planned with robust contingency planning. You are very much on your own if things go wrong. If you are travelling outside Tripoli, it may be advisable to consider taking security with you, but this can be assessed once your itinerary is finalised.
Driving is considered unsafe in Tripoli, as drivers are often reckless and dangerous on the roads. Car accidents are common and there is little assistance if one happens. You will not receive any help from the police and there is no functioning ambulance service, so you need to be prepared. Crime levels are generally reported to be high all over Libya and adequate precautions must be taken to secure money and valuables.
RPS Partnership advised our client who asked the question “is it safe to go to Tripoli” that it can be made safer by taking adequate security precautions. Preparation and planning are key to the success of your business trip. We can ensure that you have trained drivers as well as safe accommodation. Budget hotels are definitely not always the best option in places like Tripoli as the security tends to be poor.
The situation in Tripoli changes on a daily basis. RPS Partnership can work with you and we can assist in training your staff, helping you to write that all important risk assessment as well as advising you on what level of security you may require for your trip.
Contact us at [email protected] for more information on how we can assist you and your business in Libya.
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