Libyan visa?

[Ronnie79]

Anyone who knows if it's easier to obtain a Libyan visa nowadays? Can't find any open Libyan embassy to ask...

Heard everything between at the border to impossible.

[itchyfeet38]

Hi Ronnie,

We have been looking at the same as an alternative to crossing Syria.

We were put in touch with a Libyan company whom a friend who organises tours in the area uses. They have an update page on their website with info on the current visa situation and how it develops under the Transitional National Council. Link is below:

Libyan Visa: Law & Procedure In Libya:

His advice is that as of now the fighting along the coastal route is still prohibiting travel BUT he felt the situation could change in the coming weeks and the route become passable. Too late for us but may be OK for you in a couple of months time.

Cheers

Itchyfeet

[Ronnie79]

Thank you for the great link. Just now I got in touch with another Libyan tour operator and as I understood they told me, just like your link, that the war is much more problem than the visa. Really hope it ends soon!

[Cam Johnson]

Hi All,
The information given to you is correct. There is heavy fighting in the city of Sirte and that area is a no go area. Today we have received reports of 50 casualties a day, sniper activity and other such negative behaviour in that town. There is a desert bypass road however loyalist elements are conducting nuisance raids on traffic passing there.

Also there is a check point west of Misurata (where I'm based) that stops all traffic that does not have legitimate business in Misurata & beyond.

Libyans are looking forward to seeing foreigners in their country, however I would advise to wait a while to see how things pan out.

[priffe]

From the south one doesn't hear much anymore. But a friend in Sebha is back on facebook, and he says the fighting is over.
One wonders what will happen next; the governor in Ghat may opt for autonomy for the tuaregs. Rebelles touaregs : orphelins de Kaddafi | Jeuneafrique.com - le premier site d'information et d'actualit� sur l'Afrique
That could mean a change for desert travel.

[Sam Rutherford]

Hi I'm just back from Libya, got in at Ras Ijdir without a visa, but even as I was there they tightened up the border.

Visas are issued by embassies for diplomats or business only.

Transit is still difficult because of fighting - wait a little!

Safe travels, Sam.

[Chris Scott]

BBC News - Libya's Col Muammar Gaddafi killed, says NTC

[Ronnie79]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

BBC News - Libya's Col Muammar Gaddafi killed, says NTC

That's music to my ears.

[gvdaa]

Just came back from Libya, went there to report for Dutch media. I entered, just before the brotherleader was killed, with an official invitation from NTC. A collegue was refused because he had none. Officially you now need visa, the embassy in The Hague says they are issuing them, but only with invitation from Libya. So it seems the old procedure is back again.

[Chris Scott]

Libyan Travel & Visa News

Air Travel Ban Lifted: the UN Security Council has unanimously voted on the 27th of October 2011 to end its military operation in Libya and cancel its no-fly zone, and therefore all travel restriction will be lifted on the 31st of October 2011. Visitors still require an invitation letter from Libya in order to obtain Libyan visa (as previous update (2)). Safety remains a major issue and threat from terrorism cannot be excluded, as the country still does not have a police force in place and still is without an army. Read the full update at: Libyan Visa: Law & Procedure In Libya:

Also, I read somewhere this morning - but cant find my way back - that local Berbers (much put-upon in the old days) seem to have taken over Ras Ajdir (Tunisian border post) and plan to run it their way. Or something like that.

Ch

[Wolle]

I just crossed the border at Ras Jadir two weeks ago. The border post is run by local (berber) forces. But I think that is normal that locals are in service there. You will find the berber-flag and (!) the new Libyan flag.
The main interest for the amazir is a good running border traffic because the border is and always was a vital line for them.

Until now I see no serious efforts of separatism behind that.

Regards Wolfgang

[Chris Scott]

Thanks for clarifying Wolfgang.

Ch

[Trumpton]

Thanks Wolle for that, but how did you get on with your visa, did youy get it before you left via a tour operator or at the border, what type of visa did you have??

Andy

[eightpot]

If you have a firm plan to go there and need some help in country, I have a Libyan friend based in Tripoli who works for a tour operator who may be able to assist you - drop me a message if you want me to pass details on - Darren

[Trumpton]

Thanks Darren,

I have a friend in ghadames who has sorted it for me previously, but am having trouble contacting him at the moment, last time we spoke was a couple of days before Gadaffi died & then he was not sure what was happening, but now, or even in a couple of months time, who knows!!

I am just trying to weigh up the pros & cons of getting to Egypt with my car again & now that Visemar are not running the ferry any more.... thats a big shame.

I have both driven accross libya & also containered into Alex and am trying to decide on which option to use this time
Andy