One of the world’s most dangerous countries still gets nearly 100,000 tourists a year despite the ongoing instability there.
Libya, in North Africa, has been in a state of crisis since 2011, when NATO-backed forces violently removed dictator Moammar Gaddafi from power.
This created a battle for power between rival groups from the east and west of the country, backed by militia groups and foreign powers.
Elections that were meant to be held in December 2021 never took place, and the transitional leader Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeiba refused to step down.
The battle for power has continued since then, with both sides engaging in military violence.
Despite this, Libya still welcomes 93,000 international visitors each year.
Along with the likes of Afghanistan, Syria, and Palestine, Libya is ranked as an “extreme risk” location that’ should not be visited, as per Global Guardian.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Libya.
They add: “The local security situation is fragile and can quickly deteriorate, with intense fighting starting without warning. Any travel to, from, or within Libya is at your own risk. If you are a British national in Libya, we strongly advise you to consider leaving.”
The biggest risks visitors to Libya would face are terror attacks, kidnaps, and armed conflict.
A senior UN official in Libya recently warned that the current situation in Libya is “not sustainable.”
Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative and Officer-in-Charge of the UN Support Mission in Libya, added: The status quo is not sustainable.
“In the absence of renewed political talks leading to a unified government and elections, you see where this is heading – greater political financial, and security instability, entrenched political and territorial divisions, and greater domestic and regional instability.”
One tourist who recently visited Libya was held at gunpoint but still says he would visit the country again.
Daniel Pinto, 26, says he is a “danger tourist” and loves going to places most would avoid.
He said: “The worst situation I have been in is Libya — I was hitchhiking.
“Libya is very new to tourists — we got to a checkpoint and we were detained for seven hours.
“We were handcuffed and had a gun to our face.
“That was worrying, being handcuffed to the wall by a militia group is scary.”
