Libya Entry Info - SEPT 2010

[kimandmatt]

OK, so after months of gaining invaluable advice from the HUBB we now have something to put back in!

Last Sunday, 19th Sept, Kim and I entered Libya from Tunisia - here's a breakdown of how and how much!

• We obtained transit Visa's from the embassy in Tunis, cost 31 Tunisien Dinars each, and took 2 weeks to process, although this was during Ramadan and we weren't in too much of a hurry as we were waiting on parts anyway, you might be able to get them quicker. You'll need 2 passport photos and a copy of your passport. (Attached GPX file has embassy location, as well as the Egyptian one - Transit Visa for Egypt took 1 day to process and cost 100 TD each, 2 pics needed)

• Once at the border it took about 4 hours and a lot of head scratching from the customs guys about what to do with our bikes, but eventually we were let in. Total cost for 2 bikes was 389 Libyan Dinars, this was all above board and officially receipted, although I couldn't give you a break down as its all in Arabic! State insurance is mandatory so I suspect the bulk of it is for that.

• Carnet Required? - YES

• Guide Required? - NO!!!!

• You will also need someway of attaching your Libyan number plates - gaffer tape works fine! Theres a possibility that some of the entry fee was a deposit for these that may be returned on exit, but the guards English was sketchy and we're not holding out too much hope, will update you when we leave in a day or two.

• You will need to get your passport stamped by the tourist police during your visit, can be done on exit but you will be fined (we were not told this on entry but luckily bumped into an English guy working over here who filled us in) the attached gpx file has the office in Tripoli where we obtained ours (head round the back to some portakabins and grab the first English speaking official you can find!). Cost 10 Libyan Dinar each.

This all might change on a case by case basis as it was clear that we were far from the norm, although a Russian on a GS entered a day or so after us.

As for our opinion on Libya, DON'T MISS IT! The new Italy-Egypt ferry seems to be the most popular route for overlanders now, but we think you'd be missing an amazing country, full of the most helpful, friendly genuine people we have ever met. From university professors taking time out to show us the sites of Tripoli to random strangers on the road appointing themselves our guides to our destinations it has just been one incredible interaction after another. We spend 90% of our time on the roads waving to other drivers, even the many police check points are not a problem as the guards are always extremely courteous with offers of food and lodging not unusual. Couple this with beautiful Tripoli and the incredible ruins at Sabratha, Leptis Magna and Cyrene and it is more than worth the entry costs.



Ride Safe

Matt & Kim

[Chris Scott]

Thanks for the update Matt & Kim. Good to hear that the mythical transit visa can still be obtained and that you had a good impression of Libya.
Fyi you should get a refund on your plates in LD. Like Algeria, there is no funny business in Libya in matters like this, which is part of their appeal.

Ch

[desertfox]

Hi there
That's good to hear - I've always prefered Libya, even years ago when I first travelled there! BTW can't open yourLibya Visa Info.gpx - know what programme I could use to open it?
Ta muchly

[kimandmatt]

Originally Posted by desertfox

Hi there
That's good to hear - I've always prefered Libya, even years ago when I first travelled there! BTW can't open yourLibya Visa Info.gpx - know what programme I could use to open it?
Ta muchly

You'll need to use mapsource (garmin) or similar gps mapping software

Matt

[Muskoka]

Any idea if they are allowing Americans in yet? (...not that I can go anytime soon, but it would be lovely to know...)
Sure looks like it would be a beautiful place to visit.

Cheers,

[Chris Scott]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...s/cis_951.html

TOURIST VISAS: After halting the issuance of tourist visas to U.S. citizens for several years, in June 2010 the Libyan government again began issuing visas to U.S. tourists. Like European tourists, U.S. citizens must .....

Ch

[reggwensie]

Originally Posted by kimandmatt

university professors taking time out to show us the sites of Tripoli

We must have bumped into the same guy in 2009! Great country, wonderful people. Can't wait to go back there.