How the world's most dangerous country attracts 90,000 tourists every year due to worrying TikTok trend
Libya, a country in North Africa torn apart by years of political unrest and armed conflict, is now attracting around 90,000 tourists every year.
While most Brits are happy lounging on beaches in Spain or Turkey, a growing group of adventurous travellers are swapping poolside cocktails for 'undiscovered ruins' and local culture - with a side of bodyguards and military checkpoints.
Fuelled by viral videos on social media showing off an aesthetic of rustic desert landscapes and 'hidden gem' UNESCO sites, so-called danger tourists are ignoring official advice - and heading straight into one of the globe's most unstable nations.
Hudson and Emily are a travel-obsessed couple among those who've made the trip.
On a mission to visit every country in the world, with only two countries left before they hit their 198 target, the pair ticked off Libya in 2024 and described their experience as surprisingly safe.
Speaking to the Mirror, they said: 'Our bodyguard was very serious about his job; he would even follow us to the bathroom. I honestly never would have imagined we'd get to see some of these countries and I just feel so grateful.'
The couple praised the stunning ruins of Leptis Magna, the 'beautiful' streets of Tripoli, and the friendliness of the locals they met.
But despite photos and videos across the internet shining a spotlight on the Maghreb nation's overlooked traditions, architecture and culinary scene, not everyone is convinced it's a good idea to organise a getaway just yet.
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to most of Libya, warning of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and fighting between armed groups.
In some parts of the country, they say violence can break out without warning - and British travellers are also told not to expect much help if things go wrong, as the nearest embassy support is in Tunisia.
The FDCO warned on the Gov UK site: 'Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
'British people and nationals of other western countries are considered high-value hostages. Government buildings and security checkpoints have also been targeted in recent years, leading to deaths.'
In recent years, there have been several bombings and deadly clashes, such as in 2022, when three people were injured in a car bombing by Islamic State.
The year before, two separate attacks killed four people in Libya's south, and in 2023, fighting in Tripoli killed 55 people and shut down the capital's airport.
Since the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been stuck in a power struggle.
Despite photos and videos across the internet shining a spotlight on the Maghreb nation's overlooked traditions, architecture and culinary scene, not everyone is convinced it's a good idea to organise a getaway just yet
Even now, there are rival governments, foreign fighters on the ground, and regular clashes that make the country anything but stable.
However, for some tourists, the risk is part of the appeal, as thousands of travellers share videos showing dramatic desert landscapes, ancient cities and 'hidden' tourist spots that rack up millions of views on TikTok.
Some travellers say these places are misunderstood, insisting that if you're careful, Libya is safe - but experts have warned tourists to keep in mind the nation is an active conflict zone before planning a trip.
Read here for more information on the risks of travelling to Libya as a British national.
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