Well, a few of us got in on the deal to BUH (OTP) and routed a stopover through Tripoli, Libya. Unfortunately, we are Americans. I guess it's rather difficult to get a visa to enter Libya from the little research I've gleaned. I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations on how to get a legal tourist visa for an American passport? I've read that they take many weeks, sometimes months, and may require a "sponsorship" from a tourist operation in Libya or a company if traveling on business. I've also read that the Libyan Embassy in Washington will not issue visas, but perhaps we can get it from the embassy in Canada?

Any ideas? If the tickets are honored, we'll be traveling in early August next year, so we do have some time. But if it's going to take time to get the visas, might as well get started now.

Thanks!

Well, the FlyerTalk search failed but the Google search worked, so I found this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464707

I'm still interested in any recent experiences, though, since it seems that thread is from '05. Thx.

Im a bit of a regular to Libya over the last year (though a Brit not an American). You still need a visa for business or tourist visits from pretty much all countries. Tour companies who operate there organise it for you. If you are on business then your host just supplies a letter that goes with your visa application. Application process is pretty quick here in the UK - max a week if you visit the embassy.

I have heard while out there that you can get a hotel to issue an invite - not sure if the Corinthian does it but might be worth checking.

Mat

Important note

The Libyan government is currently not issuing visas to US citizens. Libyan tourism policies are erratic and change constantly. The information on this page may be outdated. Please check with the Libyan liaison office in Washington DC. For contact details, visit their website at www.libyanbureau-dc.org.

www.triotours.com/faq/ly/us-citizens.htm

Isn't Libya embargoed for US citizens and residents? Or do I have it backwards?

Edit: ignore me, I have it backwards.

I spent nine months of 2004 and several more months in 2005 trying to obtain a Libyan visa for independent travel. I 'hired' a representative, and booked a hotel with a prepaid reservation. I had RT air tickets. I begged the Libyan consular representative (in Ottawa). They stalled, and stalled, and came up with more and more requirements, and... In the end, I spent US$4,000 and got nothing. My representative was nearly as angry as I.

If this had been a tour, it would have been possible (at that time). But solo/nogo.

Americans can travel to Libya - from the State Department website:
URL: Libya Consular Information Sheet (US State Dept)

I have been waiting for almost 11 months now for my business visa to Libya. My office in Libya has submitted the application twice to no avail. Other colleagues have gotten their visas in less then 2 days. While my applications have not been denied, they just end up "pending". I even drove myself down to the embassy here in Dubai and tried to sort it out. They said some Americans had received visas, but not many. There are rumors that things should change in the coming months. I believe the USA needs to appoint an ambassador for Libya as well as start actually issuing US visas for Libyans. Currently, Libyans have to go to other embassies in the region to obtain visas. If anyone else can update us on this, it would be much appreciated.


Billman

I've been to Libya twice and am planning to visit later this month. Usually I've been successful in getting a visa at the airport. it helps to have a local contact meet you and verify your intentions.

All the Libyans are most friendly and welcome Americans. Contact the US Embassy in Tripoli for details.

Amazing who we're willing to climb in bed with because they publicly agree to play with the right people.

Was Libya really dangerous for U.S. tourists 10 years ago? Is it really safe now? My understanding is that the same people are in charge, so which is it?

The travel restrictions had nothing to do with safety of tourists. They were a way to punish Libya for its involvement in the PanAm bombing. Now that they've decided to make settlements in that case, the restrictions have been lifted.

So American citizens are barred by the American government from going someplace because of a financial issue between governments? That can't be right. We are the free-est freedom country in the free world.

You can contact these guys:

http://ak.intrawest.abercrombiekent....cfm?navid=7.15

I have found Abercrombie and Kent a first class travel agency. The fee for the Libyan Visa is a bit expensive at $255 and it takes about 50 days (I was quoted the same amount of time at the Libyan Embassy here in Malta - I am a US passport holder)

Libya has strong trading ties with Malta yet even the Maltese have to get a visa and it still can take up to 50 days.

Thanks for all the replies everyone. Keep the suggestions and anecdotes coming. I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to get our visa. If I wasn't concerned about getting denied entry to the country, I would probably go for the airport visa option. But I don't want to misstep on this trip and end up in a place (figuratively or literally) that I don't want to be.

As a side note, I don't want this thread--that I started--to turn into a political discussion. What's happened between the governments has happened, so let's leave that be and keep the discussion on-topic about strategies for U.S. passport holders to get visas and other necessary documentation for visiting Libya.

Honestly,

I would not just show up at the airport. I just checked the IATA information, seems like a letter needs to confirm that the visa has already been obtained. I am going to re-apply in the next month or so, so I will update on my success. Here is the text:


/ 05OCT06 / 1637 UTC
National U.S.A. (US)
Residence UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (AE)
Destination LIBYA (LY)

LIBYA (LY)


Passport and visa required.

Visa not required (incl. family members) if:
- travelling together; and
- holding letter from established company in Libya sponsoring
visit.
If dependent family members travel individually:
visa not required, provided holding letter from established
company in Libya sponsoring visit. Letter should also confirm
that prior arrangements were made with Libyan Immigration
Department to secure entry into Libya.

Non-compliance with visa regulations will result in fines for
transporting carrier (min. LYD 500.- per passenger) and
deportation of passenger at carrier's expense.

Admission refused, if passport contains a valid or expired
visa for Israel.

If holding tourist or business visa, passenger must hold
return or onward ticket and other documents for next
destination.

Registration with Immigration has to take place within 7 days
of arrival. For passengers staying in a hotel, registration
will be done automatically by the hotel reception office.

Compulsory currency exchange: at least LYD 500 (or equivalent
in freely convertible currency) to be exchanged into local
currency.

Exempts are those:

- traveling in a group organised by a travel agency and
holding prove of accommodation/stay; or
- traveling on official mission, provided holding a visa; or
- holding a student visa, provided expenses are fully
covered;or
- holding an official invitation; or
- visiting a resident, provided holding prove of sponsorship
covering entire stay (e.g. accommodation, medical expenses,
etc.)

Entry will be refused, if not complying with the above.

CHECK TINEWS



Timaticweb Version 1.3
05 October 2006