Italy is suspending operations at its embassy in Libya because of mounting insecurity in the troubled country.
The move comes as Rome reiterates its willingness to lead a multinational force to tackle the growing jihadist threat in its former colony.
In total, about 100 Italians will be evacuated by ship from the north African state, foreign ministry sources said on Sunday.
The ministry said the embassy - the last Western mission to remain open in Libya - has "suspended its activities because of the worsening security situation".
But it said in a statement "essential services" would continue.
Rome on Friday warned its nationals against travelling to Libya and urged those already there to leave as the jihadists gained ground.
However, hundreds working in the oil and gas sector remain in the country.
Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti said in an interview published Sunday Italy was ready to lead a coalition from Europe and north African states to battle against the advance of jihadists in Libya.
"We have been discussing this for months but now it has become urgent," he told Il Messaggero newspaper, adding that Italy was willing to send in thousands of men.
Since dictator Moamer Kadhafi was toppled and killed in a NATO-backed revolt in 2011, Libya has been plagued by conflict among rival forces battling for control of key cities and the country's oil riches.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Islamic State militants who have already grabbed swathes of land in Syria and Iraq have claimed a string of deadly attacks.
The latest targeted a luxury hotel in Tripoli on January 27, when nine people were killed, five of them foreigners.
