Good day to hit the Libyan Border ??

[Niallo]

Lads

Does anyone know if theres any particular day that you'd be better off staying in bed as opposed to getting through customs etc in Libya

I'm thinking a Friday is a bad day as its the Muslim holy day.

But then it could be a good day if the borders open but the traffic is light because everyones in their ma's getting the old roast beef and spuds....

Any thoughts?

Normally I wouldn't be too phased but with guides and stuff to sort the timing needs to be bang on.

Thanks

Niallo

[Mandarax]

We went from Tunisia into Libya via Ras Adjir the Friday before Xmas (21 Dec 2007) and did not get the impression of a special treatment because of the weekday.
If you're entering/leaving at Ras Adjir be advised that the tunisian and the libyan customs officers work closely together. To get your papers correct on the other side (eg. registration of vehicle in the passport in Tunisia) talk to the officers on the side you're leaving.

HTH, Hans

[Jose Brito]

Hi,


Hans is totally right. Talk with the Tunisian offficers to get you inside the libyan paperwork!
In 2004, took me nearly 5 hours to cross the border! There were about 200 cars in line, but the Tunisian officers, after papers were stamped, gave us a hand in moving faster (!) to the libyan side.

Cheers,
José

[K1200RS]

Went through the Tunisian / Libyan border at Ras Jdayr in March 2007 with about 10 other bikes. Can't predict what can happen. Leaving Tunisia only took about 1 hour. But at the Libyan part we arrived at the same time as a convoy of French 4x4's so total process took about 7 hours. Not only that it is also the main trade route across the north between Tunisia and Egypt so there were big convoys of trucks also taking up the customs and border officials time. Once stuck at the Libyan entry there is no food or drink available. You can change money and the toilets are semi respectable ! Immediately after are some OK food places.

Like all borders get there early, be prepared for a long wait. If you are aiming to get to Tripoli after crossing, the road is OK but very busy, lots of congested towns, strong cross winds from the sea and some of the worst driving standards you will ever come across. If it is getting dark they don't use lights ! Had a great time though and the country is well worth exploring (with your appointed guide of course).

We had permission to get out from a border further south but it was closed to foreigners whilst we were there so had to detour back to Ras Jdayr.

[Walter_Ospelt]

The "digestion" at the Libyan border depends much more on the time than on the day.
My experience when entering Libya: best is early in the morning (gives you the chance to start the first leg in the afternoon, after having sorted out the things with the travel agency).
When exiting: the travel agency will lead you the shortest way (by passing the long row of Tunesians).

Regards
Walter

[Niallo]

Jose / Hans / Walter / K1200RS

Thanks for the feedback. Good first hand experience!

Cheers

Niallo