Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Libya in 2017/2018? Libya in 2017/2018?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By andrasz

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Sep 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 45
Libya in 2017/2018?
Just wondering if anyone has any information / experience with gaining a visa to cross Libya? Is it possible? Just wanting to get from Tunisia to Egypt without shipping into Egypt. Any news?

Thanks,
Jordan
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Sep 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
Well...

As with all areas of Noth Africa which have remained inaccessible for several years or even decades, there always needs to be someone who tries it again for the first time...

Things seem to have quietened down a bit since IS was kicked out of Sirte, but the problem is that most of the ongoings of what is practically a low key civil war never reach the mainstream news, and there is no first-hand information on what it's really like there. To my knowledge the Libya/Egypt border is still closed to all foreigners (much like the Egypt/Sudan border on the Red Sea coast), so even if you do manage to make it through the country you are stuck at the other end.

There are a few people who visited Libya recently, but only Tripoli and surroundings. This is a report on an american guy who made it for New Year's this year: Libya – Ramblin Randy. Another american made it to Leptis Magna in May (trip account in comment to photo): https://www.facebook.com/53383668009...838206/?type=3. All this shows that with determination and keeping your ear to the ground it is possible to get in and travel about, but you need to be well prepared and of course there is an element of risk, but this may also be said of taking the tube in London...
Last edited by andrasz; 20 Sep 2017 at 09:57.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Sep 2017
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
I see no one replied to your earlier 'Ferry to Egypt' question buried in Trip Transport section.
I have now: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...859#post570778
Or just see the Egypt sticky above.
Last trouble-free tourist transit was in 2014. Things have got worse since then.

I read IS are still around, but just somewhere else.
Islamic State shifts to Libya's desert valleys after Sirte defeat | Reuters
Libya: ISIS makes comeback by claiming attack south of Sirte - MENASTREAM
Last edited by Chris Scott; 19 Sep 2017 at 00:41.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Sep 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 45
Its part of my day job to monitor security situations and I have been keeping an eye on Libya. I would say it is a long way from being a 'safe' destination at this point, but there are signs it is moving in the right direction. As Chris says, ISIS is still there but along the Med coast, most have gone into hiding or have moved south into the deep desert. The Libyans, like the Tunisians and Egyptians have little tolerance for Islamic extremists...it is one of the few things they all seem to agree on. You could probably get across the country along the Med coast if you kept very low key, have the language skills and were prepared to live on the edge a bit. But the border issue might be the biggest obstacle.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Oct 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 45
Thanks very much for your responses guys,
I have in the end spent a great deal of time trying to arrange a visa as I was willing to follow a med route but in the end all three embassies I contacted - Australia, German and English were entirely unwilling to be helpful and in the Australian case out right amused at what I was considering.
Thanks regardless,
Jordan
__________________
jordanwandersaround.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Jan 2018
KevOK's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: earth
Posts: 156
I got a visa sorted a few years ago no problem. Try these guys
Tidwa Travel & Tours, Visa, Hotels Trips Libya Tunisia Morocco Egypt
__________________
Ride on
Kev
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Jan 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
@KevOK
The issue is not so much the visa (can be arranged with determination as several recent examples show), but the sealed border on the Libya/Egypt side. Not much point going along the Med if you cannot get through and need to come back.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jan 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
So much for the dust settling...
Tripoli’s Mitiga airport closed after fighting | defenceWeb
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 23 Feb 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 2
My experience from a couple of months ago was that the visa was not terribly easy to get, and was only finalised at the 11th hour and that I was limited to Tripoli/Leptis Magna only. Sabrathra was considered far too risky to visit. The land borders were closed I was told, to foreigners on business visas (the only visa available for now I believe, which was EURO 600 per person). The security situation even in Tripoli was very 'hairy', and not at all a feeling of security. I can only imagine that things are significantly worse further East and South - a real pity. I heard back just a few days ago that business visas are suspended for foreigners, at least via the agency I used, because of heightened government paranoia following a shooting at the airport in Tripoli.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Feb 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
In all fairness, I think in the light of news leaking from Libya it is not so much paranoia as a rather sensible precaution...
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Mar 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 3
I have spent some time trying to organise a crossing of Libya and failed even using a contact who has been organised these crossing for many years, so based on that doing a crossing is certainly a no go at present.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
RTW on CRF250L - Amsterdam to....Anywhere! -Leonie- Ride Tales 63 13 Jul 2016 06:42
Chad to Libya ftapon North Africa 15 10 Feb 2016 17:38
Libya to Egyptian Border Crossing - Salloum Pheebs North Africa 3 22 Apr 2013 19:54
Libya - January 2012 - Border Updates and Queries (Misrata/Adjabiya/Benghazi) Pheebs North Africa 3 11 Jan 2013 23:02
Libya Visa (UK Nationals) How to Obtain update 2012/2013 Pheebs North Africa 2 11 Jan 2013 18:28

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:58.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top