Libya (State of)

Libya (State of)

History of Relations

Unofficial relations between South Africa and the Great People's Socialist Libyan Arab Jamahiriya are of long standing and go back to the days of the struggle against apartheid. The first South African formal accreditation was established on 19 November 1996, when the South African Ambassador to Tunisia presented his credentials to the Secretary of the General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Co-operation (Foreign Minister). Relations between South Africa and Libya are solid and have been highlighted by high profile visits to Libya by both former President Mandela and President Mbeki. South Africa made a significant contribution to negotiations for the release of the two Libyan suspects in the so called "Lockerbie issue".

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Libya

The South African Ambassador in Tunis, Tunisia takes care of matters related to Libya.

H E Mr M S A Masango
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African Embassy

Libyan Representation in South Africa

Mr A A M Elzawawi
Chargé d’Affaires

Libyan Embassy

Travel Info

Visa requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Libyan Arab People's Bureau (Embassy) in Pretoria.

Other requirements

Being an Islamic country alcohol is strictly forbidden and any violation of this rule can result in severe consequences.

Health Requirements

No immunisations are required.

For futher information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

The coast has a Mediterranean climate with slight rainfall between November and February. It is very humid in the summer months, with an occasional hot and dry wind known as "guibli". Desert conditions prevail in the interior, and temperature can reach 45 degrees C or more.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Dinar (referred to as J'neeh in the daily language) divided in 1 000 dirhams or gourouch.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

South Africa's main exports to Libya include edible foods, nuts, vegetables and manufactured goods.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Libya, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

The Union of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

P.O. Box 12556

26 Bandung Street

Tripoli, Libya

Tel : 218-21 444163

Fax : 218-21 444157

Tlx : 20461

Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

P.O. Box 2321, 3rd Floor, Dirany Building

Tripoli, Libya

Tel : 218-21 33755

Tlx : 20181

Benghazi Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Industry and Agriculture

P.O. Box 208 Chara Gamal Abdel Nasser

Benghazi, Libya

Tel : 218-95142

Tx : 40077