Libya Phone Numbers: Format, Area Codes & Validation Guide (+218) - phone-number-standards - Libya, phone numbers, area codes, validation, country code +218, telecommunications, LPTIC, mobile operators, Libyana, Al Madar

Libya Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Libya phone numbers use the +218 country code with 8–9 digit national numbers. Whether you're calling Libya from abroad, validating Libyan phone numbers for your application, or understanding mobile operator prefixes, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know. Learn Libyan phone number formats, geographic area codes (Tripoli, Benghazi, Sabha), validation regex patterns, and essential considerations for building telecommunications applications for the Libyan market. This guide covers Libya's telecommunications infrastructure, mobile operators (Libyana and Al Madar), emergency service numbers (1515-1518), and future developments including 5G deployment.

Understanding Libya's Phone Numbering System

Libya uses a closed numbering plan managed by the Libyan Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Company (LPTIC) – the state-owned holding company and regulatory authority. The General Authority for Communications and Informatics (GACI) handles policymaking and regulation. [Source: LPTIC official information, verified October 2025]

  • Country Code: +218 (for international calls)
  • National Significant Number (NSN): 8–9 digits (depending on service type)
  • General Format: [2-9]X{7,8} (where X represents any digit from 0–9)
  • International Access: 00

Number Length Rules:

  • Mobile numbers: Always 9 digits (excluding leading 0), starting with 09X
  • Landline numbers: Always 8 digits (excluding leading 0), starting with area codes 2-8
  • Emergency numbers: 4 digits (1515–1518), accessible from all networks

Practical Examples:

  • Mobile (Libyana): 092 123 4567 (local) → +218 92 123 4567 (international)
  • Mobile (Al Madar): 091 234 5678 (local) → +218 91 234 5678 (international)
  • Landline Tripoli: 021 234 5678 (local) → +218 21 234 5678 (international)
  • Landline Benghazi: 061 123 4567 (local) → +218 61 123 4567 (international)

Libya Mobile Phone Number Formats and Operators

Two major state-owned operators run Libya's mobile market as a duopoly:

  • Libyana Mobile Phone: The largest operator with 60% market share and 5 million mobile users as of Q2 2024. Provides nationwide coverage focused on urban centers. Uses prefixes 092 and 094. [Source: Libya Telecom Market Intelligence Report 2024, verified October 2025]
  • Al Madar Aljadid (AL-MADAR): The second largest operator with 44% market share and 3.5 million mobile users as of Q2 2024. Specializes in business and premium services. Uses prefixes 091 and 093. Al Madar launched commercial 5G service in Tripoli with speeds reaching 1.5 Gbps. [Source: Libya Telecom Market Intelligence Report 2024, The Libya Observer, verified October 2025]
  • LibyaPhone (LTT): Operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) with smaller market share. Uses prefix 095. [Source: ITU allocation list, Wikipedia, verified October 2025]

Together, the two major operators serve 8.5 million SIMs – approximately 98% of mobile lines in Libya.

Mobile Number Format:

  • 09X XXX XXXX (9 digits excluding the national prefix "0")
  • Valid Prefixes: 091, 092, 093, 094, 095

MVNO Market Status:

Libya's MVNO market remains restricted. As of September 2025, there is ongoing debate about limiting the roles of state-owned operators (Libyana and Al Madar) to virtual operator models as part of a unified network initiative – a proposal the Libyan Telecommunications Holding Company rejected as undermining strategic capabilities. The General Authority for Communications and Informatics (GACI) is the only entity legally authorized to issue, regulate, suspend, or revoke telecom licenses. [Source: Libya Update, GACI announcements, verified October 2025]

Libyana offers 4G/LTE services with the widest coverage and competitive tariffs, but its network experiences oversubscription issues that affect performance. Al Madar costs more but provides more stable and reliable connectivity, including 5G services in Tripoli as of 2024.

Libya Landline Phone Numbers: Area Codes by City

Landline numbers follow a geographic structure based on regional area codes:

  • Format: 0X XX XX XX XX or 0XX XXX XXXX (8 digits excluding the national prefix "0")

Major Area Codes:

Area CodeRegionCoverage Area
21TripoliCapital and metropolitan area
61BenghaziEastern coastal region
71SabhaSouthern desert region
51MisrataCentral coastal area
23ZawiyaWestern coastal region
54SirteCentral coastal region
652KufraSoutheastern desert region

Complete Area Code Reference:

Libya uses a comprehensive area code system with codes ranging from 2-digit (major cities) to 3-digit (smaller regions). For a complete list of all 94 area codes including smaller towns and rural areas, refer to the ITU National Numbering Plans documentation or the Wikipedia reference list. Examples of additional codes include: Derna (81), Garian (24), Hun (57), Nalut (47), and Zuara (25). [Source: ITU National Numbering Plans, Wikipedia, verified October 2025]

What Are Libya's Emergency Numbers?

Libya uses the following short codes for emergency services:

  • 1515: General Emergency
  • 1516: Ambulance Services
  • 1517: Fire Department
  • 1518: Police Services

Access these short codes 24/7 from all networks free of charge. Networks prioritize emergency calls during congestion.

Service Limitations and Fallback Options:

Emergency services may have limited availability and reliability outside major cities like Tripoli and Benghazi. Language support is primarily Arabic; English support may be limited. Response times vary significantly – urban centers typically respond within 15–30 minutes, while rural areas may experience delays exceeding several hours. [Source: U.S. State Department Libya Travel Information, verified October 2025]

If emergency services are unavailable:

  • Contact your embassy or consulate for assistance
  • Seek help from local authorities or community leaders
  • Private hospitals and clinics in major cities may offer faster emergency medical care
  • International medical evacuation services may be necessary for serious conditions
  • Keep backup communication methods (satellite phone, multiple network SIM cards)

How to Validate Libya Phone Numbers: Regex Patterns & Best Practices

When developing applications for the Libyan market or integrating Libya phone number validation into your forms, APIs, or SMS platforms, consider these crucial factors:

Number Validation Regex Patterns

Use regular expressions for accurate number validation:

javascript
const LIBYA_MOBILE_REGEX = /^09[1-5][0-9]{7}$/;
const LIBYA_LANDLINE_REGEX = /^0[2-8][0-9]{7}$/;

function validateLibyanPhoneNumber(phoneNumber) {
  const cleanNumber = phoneNumber.replace(/\s+/g, ''); // Remove whitespace
  if (LIBYA_MOBILE_REGEX.test(cleanNumber)) {
    return { isValid: true, type: 'mobile' };
  } else if (LIBYA_LANDLINE_REGEX.test(cleanNumber)) {
    return { isValid: true, type: 'landline' };
  }
  return { isValid: false };
}

Regex Pattern Explanation:

  • ^09[1-5] – Matches mobile numbers starting with 091, 092, 093, 094, or 095
  • [0-9]{7}$ – Requires exactly 7 additional digits after the prefix
  • ^0[2-8] – Matches landline area codes starting with 2-8
  • [0-9]{7}$ – Requires exactly 7 digits after the area code initial digit

Common Validation Errors:

  • Accepting invalid prefixes: 096–099 are not allocated; reject these
  • Incorrect length handling: Don't accept 090 XXXX XXXX (10 digits) or 09X XXXXX (8 digits)
  • Missing whitespace removal: Users may enter spaces; normalize input first
  • International format confusion: Strip +218 or 00218 before validating with national regex
  • Leading zero handling: Local numbers include 0; international format does not

Formatting for International Display

javascript
function formatInternational(number) {
  // Remove all whitespace and special characters
  let cleaned = number.replace(/[\s\-\(\)]/g, '');

  // Handle various international prefix formats
  if (cleaned.startsWith('+218')) {
    return cleaned; // Already formatted
  } else if (cleaned.startsWith('00218')) {
    return '+' + cleaned.substring(2); // Convert 00218 to +218
  } else if (cleaned.startsWith('218')) {
    return '+' + cleaned; // Add + prefix
  } else if (cleaned.startsWith('0')) {
    return '+218' + cleaned.substring(1); // Replace leading 0 with +218
  }

  // Invalid format
  return null;
}

Edge Cases to Handle:

  • Numbers with missing leading zeros: Add 0 before area/mobile code
  • International format variations: Normalize +218, 00218, and 218 prefixes
  • Formatted inputs: Strip parentheses, hyphens, and spaces before processing
  • Emergency numbers: Don't apply international formatting to 4-digit codes

Libya Telecom Infrastructure Considerations

  • Network Resilience: Ongoing political instability can cause infrastructure disruptions. Implement robust error handling and retry mechanisms with exponential backoff (initial retry after 2 seconds, then 4, 8, 16 seconds). Set total timeout to 60–90 seconds for SMS delivery attempts.
  • Coverage Variations: Urban areas have good 4G coverage (and 5G in Tripoli). Rural and desert regions may have limited or unreliable 2G/3G connectivity. Build offline functionality and data caching into your applications.
  • Emergency Priority: Ensure your application handles emergency numbers correctly and does not interfere with emergency services.
  • Internet Penetration: As of January 2024, Libya had 6.13 million internet users with 88.4% internet penetration. Mobile connections numbered 12.40 million – equivalent to approximately 197% of the country's total population. [Source: Digital 2024 Libya Report, verified October 2025]

Recommended SLA Expectations and Fallback Strategies:

  • SMS Delivery: Expect 85–95% delivery rates in urban areas; 60–80% in rural areas. Set delivery timeout to 90 seconds.
  • Voice Call Quality: Good quality in cities (MOS score 3.5–4.0); degraded in rural areas (MOS 2.5–3.0)
  • Fallback Sequence: SMS → Voice call → Email → Push notification (if internet available)
  • Redundancy: Register with multiple operators if high availability is required
  • Status Polling: Check delivery status every 30 seconds for up to 5 minutes

Libya Telecom Regulatory Compliance and Data Protection

Libya has introduced significant data protection and cybersecurity legislation that affects how you collect, store, and process Libyan phone numbers:

Key Laws and Requirements:

  • Law No. 5/2022 (Combating Cybercrime): Establishes penalties for unauthorized data access, privacy violations, and cyber crimes. Violations carry imprisonment of at least 1 year and fines of 1,000+ Libyan Dinars.
  • Law No. 6/2022 (Electronic Transactions): Requires explicit user consent before collecting personal data (Article 73). Mandates notification of data processing procedures and purposes (Article 76). Restricts international data transfers – requires assessment of destination country's protection level (Article 78). Violations carry imprisonment of at least 1 year and fines of 3,000–10,000 Libyan Dinars.
  • Decision No. 150/2024 (Cybersecurity Services): Companies providing cybersecurity services must obtain practicing permits from the National Information Security & Safety Authority (NISSA). Covers penetration testing, incident response, CSOC management, and security consulting.

Compliance Steps:

  1. Data Collection: Obtain explicit user consent before collecting phone numbers; document consent mechanisms
  2. Data Processing: Inform users about data usage purposes, storage locations, and protection measures
  3. Cross-Border Transfers: Assess data protection adequacy of destination countries before international transfers
  4. Security Measures: Implement appropriate technical safeguards (encryption, access controls, audit logs)
  5. Licensing: If providing telecom or security services, verify licensing requirements with GACI and NISSA

Data Privacy Status: Libya has no comprehensive data protection law equivalent to GDPR. The Constitutional Declaration (2011) guarantees privacy rights (Articles 12-13). The National Information Security & Safety Authority (NISSA) publishes binding policies for public sector entities; private entities should treat these as guidance. [Source: DLA Piper Data Protection Laws, Libya Law Society, verified October 2025]

Adhere to LPTIC and GACI regulations for number formatting, prefix validation, and emergency number routing. Regulatory independence remains a concern – a 2022 Audit Bureau report indicated lack of independence in regulatory bodies. [Source: Freedom House Libya Report 2024, verified October 2025]

Libya Telecommunications Infrastructure and 5G Mobile Network

Libya's telecommunications sector is undergoing reconstruction and modernization after years of conflict. If you're planning to launch telecom services, integrate SMS APIs, or expand into the Libyan market, understanding the current infrastructure landscape is essential. Progress has been made in restoring infrastructure and expanding LTE coverage, but challenges remain. Network coverage outside major urban centers is often limited, especially in desert regions. Anticipate and handle potential network instability gracefully in your applications.

Current Market Status (2024–2025):

The Libya telecom Mobile Network Operator (MNO) market is valued at USD 246.04 million in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 366.52 million by 2030 – representing significant growth potential. [Source: Mordor Intelligence Libya Telecom Market Report, verified October 2025]

Several initiatives are underway to improve the sector:

  • 5G Deployment: Al Madar launched commercial 5G service in Tripoli in 2024 with speeds reaching 1.5 Gbps. The Libyan Telecommunications and Informatics Regulatory Authority licensed 3.5 GHz spectrum for 5G mid-band deployment. Expect 5G expansion to other major cities by 2026–2027. Initial rollout focuses on business districts and premium customers. [Source: The Libya Observer, LinkedIn Libyan 5G Status Report, verified October 2025]
  • Number Portability: Mobile number portability is planned – allowing you to switch operators while keeping your number. No specific implementation timeline has been announced as of October 2025. [Source: Industry reports, verified October 2025]
  • Emergency Services Modernization: Efforts are modernizing emergency services infrastructure, particularly in major urban centers. Investments focus on dispatching systems, GPS integration, and multilingual support.
  • Submarine Cable Infrastructure: The Medusa submarine cable system is expected to land by 2026, adding 20 Tbps design capacity to improve international connectivity. This infrastructure will reduce latency to Europe and improve resilience. [Source: Submarine Cable Networks Report, verified October 2025]
  • Satellite Connectivity: In December 2023, Eutelsat OneWeb partnered with Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology (RLTT) to expand connectivity using satellite services, targeting underserved rural and desert areas. [Source: Eutelsat Press Release, verified October 2025]

National Strategy: Libya adopted a National Strategy for the Communications and Informatics Sector 2023–2027, outlining modernization goals and infrastructure improvements. The strategy prioritizes network expansion, regulatory reform, and increased private sector participation. [Source: Libya Herald, verified October 2025]

Monitor LPTIC official announcements (lptic.ly) and industry news sources for updates. The government is promoting increased competition, coupled with some of the lowest tariffs on the continent. However, currency fluctuations – including the January 2021 devaluation – continue to impact Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), a factor to consider for business planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Libya Phone Numbers

What is the country code for Libya?

Libya's international country code is +218. To call Libya from abroad, dial your international access code (usually 00 or +), then 218, followed by the local number without the leading 0. For example, to call a Tripoli landline (021 234 5678) from overseas, dial +218 21 234 5678. From the US or Canada, dial 011 218 followed by the local number.

How can I identify which mobile operator a Libya phone number belongs to?

You can identify Libya mobile operators by their number prefixes: Libyana uses 092 and 094, Al Madar uses 091 and 093, and LibyaPhone uses 095. All Libya mobile numbers start with 09 and have exactly 9 digits total (excluding the leading 0). This information is useful for carrier lookup, routing optimization, and understanding network coverage.

What are the emergency numbers in Libya?

Libya uses four dedicated emergency numbers: 1515 for general emergencies, 1516 for ambulance services, 1517 for fire department, and 1518 for police services. These numbers work 24/7 from any network free of charge, though service may be limited outside major cities.

Does Libya have 5G mobile network coverage?

Yes, Libya has 5G mobile network coverage as of 2024. Al Madar launched commercial 5G service in Tripoli with speeds reaching 1.5 Gbps. The service uses 3.5 GHz spectrum for mid-band deployment. Expect 5G expansion to other major cities, though rural areas will continue to rely on 4G/LTE and 3G networks.

What is the format for Libya landline numbers?

Libya landline numbers have 8 digits (excluding the leading 0) and use geographic area codes. Major cities use 2-digit codes (Tripoli: 21, Benghazi: 61, Sabha: 71), while smaller regions use 3-digit codes. The full format is 0X XX XX XX XX or 0XX XXX XXXX.

Can I port my mobile number between operators in Libya?

Mobile number portability is planned for Libya but has not yet been implemented as of October 2025. When available, number portability will allow you to switch between Libyana, Al Madar, and other operators while keeping your existing phone number. Monitor LPTIC announcements for implementation updates.

Which mobile operator has better coverage in Libya – Libyana or Al Madar?

Libyana has the widest network coverage with 60% market share and 5 million users, particularly strong in urban centers. Al Madar has 44% market share with 3.5 million users and offers more stable connectivity, including 5G in Tripoli. Libyana offers competitive tariffs but experiences oversubscription issues, while Al Madar costs more but provides better reliability for business users.

Frequently Asked Questions

The country code for Libya is +218. This code is required when dialing a Libyan number from outside the country. It precedes the national significant number (NSN).

To format a Libyan number for international dialing, replace the leading '0' with '+218'. For instance, a mobile number 0911234567 becomes +218911234567. This ensures the call is correctly routed through international gateways.

Libyan mobile numbers can be validated using a regular expression like this: /^09[1-6][0-9]{7}$/. This regex checks for the correct prefix (091, 092, 094, 095, or 096) and the 9-digit length, ensuring accurate number verification.

The two major mobile operators in Libya are Libyana Mobile Phone and Al Madar Aljadid. Libyana has a larger market share (around 60%), while Al Madar focuses on business and premium services. There are also smaller MVNOs present, such as LibyaPhone.

Libyan landline numbers follow the format 0X XX XX XX XX, where X represents any digit from 0-9. The first digit after the initial '0' indicates the regional area code. The entire number, excluding the leading '0', is 8 digits long.

Tripoli's area code is 2, Benghazi is 3, Sabha is 4, Misrata is 5, Zawiya is 6, Sirte is 7, and Kufra is 8. These area codes precede the local subscriber number within landline numbers and help identify the geographical region.

For general emergencies, dial 1515. For ambulance services, dial 1516; fire department, 1517; and police services, 1518. These short codes are toll-free and accessible from all networks 24/7.

While urban areas generally have decent coverage (including 4G), network reliability in rural and desert regions can be less stable with limited 2G/3G connectivity. Disruptions can occur, so robust error handling in applications is recommended.

Libya is currently conducting 5G trials in major cities, preparing for future network deployment. This is a key development in Libya's plans for telecommunications modernization and expansion.

Despite offering the widest coverage and lowest tariffs, Libyana's network suffers from oversubscription. This high user density leads to performance issues like slower speeds and dropped calls, especially in peak usage times.

Number portability will enable users to switch mobile operators without changing their existing phone numbers. Its implementation is planned, but the specific timeline is not detailed in the article.

The January 2021 currency devaluation against the US dollar impacted Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), creating financial considerations for telecom operators and influencing business planning.

The government is actively encouraging competition, aiming to improve services and pricing. Combined with some of the lowest tariffs in Africa, this presents opportunities for innovation and growth within the sector.

The General Post and Telecommunications Company (GPTC) is the primary regulatory authority for the Libyan telecommunications sector, responsible for managing the country's closed numbering plan and overseeing industry regulations.

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