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Libya, how to get visas and cross...
I'm just checking our possibilities for 'Out of Africa' from Egypt.
(we're at this moment a group of3 people, 2 Dutch and one Brit) - Boat to Turkey: hassle, expensive (few hundred Euro's to get the bikes through customs), and driving back to western Europe from Turkey is 3500 km's roughly, not cheap to do. - Istrael: Possible, seems quite easy, but after Israel you cannot get through Syria (because of Israeli stamps in your passport and Carnet). The ferry to Cyprus is not there anymore as far as I can find out. LIBYA! - Although they don't issue tourist visa's at this moment at all (before you could get those ONLY at the airport), it seems easy to get business-visa's. A few overlanders have done this, but it is not cheap; think about 500USD. (1 month Business single entry, free travel, no guides needed) I am in contact now with a travel agency which can arrange all of this, and asked for a better price in case we pop up with more people. So, any overlanders in the area? Please contact me. We hope to be there somewhere in the beginning of November 2012. After Libya, life is easy. Tunesia is straight forward, and the boats to Italy are 'cheap'. (one way tickets available on all routes) - To Palermo, Sicily: about 80 Euro's P+Motorcycle (short trip) - To Mid-Italy: 170 Euro's P+Motorcycle, based on 3 bikes, 3 people in a 4p-hut. (25 hours sailing) - To northern Italy: 230 Euro'sP+Motorcycle, based on 3 bikes, 3 people in chair. (23 hours sailing time) |
We are looking at the same option. I called the embassy and they said we can get visas.
We will be in Egypt in Oct and will try and get to Libya then |
Guys I do not know who is telling you what - but I would be carefull about Libya and visa's at present - see Destination Dubai 2012 – We refuse to give up - I have been given same ino/advice. Hate you to loose money - the visa guys I contacted in Libya said they could not gaurantee anything at the moment.
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Aimlessinafrica
Folks
we are in a 4x4. we are due to go to Algeria, Oran by ferry arriving on the 28th. We found the Algeria consulate in London super friendly and helpful We have organised, via a professional agency, to get the Business Visas in Tunis. US$ 400 per person. At this time the agency does not see any problems in getting the visas. we should be in Tunis ~ 9 or 10 October. Depending on the consulate formalities we hope to be in Libya soon after that. I am not sure if that fits with anyones plans? |
We were hoping to go the Libya route on our way north in January but have found getting a visa expensive and now the unrest. If you do go through please up date this post so we will know how it went.
Bob:scooter: |
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But are you sure that border posts are now open for tourists? I think the main problem is not getting the visa but trying to cross the borders. RR. |
Aimlessinafrica
Folks
like others, we have business visas. The others who have done this recently have had no problems.The agency also says there have not been any issues. so, fingers crossed. |
Waw en Namus
Does anyone know what it is like tying to get down to Waw en Namus now? or if it is even advisable?
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Anyone in Libya right now?
i have been in touch with Jill at contact@libyatravelandtours.com in the last 24 hours and it still seems OK and plan on getting my biz visa to enter around Nov 25 or so. 400$USD plus some other charge at the embassy itself (in Milan i hope)
interesting NY Times report on anti-unrest protests in Lybia, protesting the terrorist action last week in Benghazi http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/22/wo...ef=global-home If it feels OK i'll spend 2-3 weeks to go south east, if not then cruse across the coastline. Solo on a moto, looking for travelling partners still. it there anyone there right now who can give fresh reports from the field? http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ilies/eek3.gif |
So I wonder why 3 ex-army guys, with the backing of the Sun newspaper, 3rd in line to the throne, plus some other important people, on a fundraising mission for a 'popular' charity, were denied their visa's for Libya? Because their ex-army, or too close to the events of last week? Would be nice to know.
Surely a visa agency has a vested interest in telling you everything will be OK? - the one I contacted were honest and stated they could not gaurantee anything i.e. border crossings with Tunisia, whether visa would be declined at border ect. -I decided I didn't want to take the gamble -but hope you get through. |
Visas/Temehu
Hi,
Hello, This is an auto-responder. Thank you for your email. Due to the tourist and transit visa suspension since the 4th of July 2012 and due to the worsening security issue in recent weeks, we regret to inform you that all our services are currently suspended. Please accept our apology if you do not hear from us regarding your enquiry. Kind regards Temehu " Bad news....:(:(:( RR I've received this reply after asking Temehu about visas and crossing the borders with my car: " |
oops....
we almost have our visa's for Libya, which seems to work out. BUT: we also bumped into some guys who got refused EXIT fro mEgypt at the border to Libya, and after trying for a few days (they camped two nights at the border) they decided to drive back south. Among them was also a biker, who had his visa arranged via Libya Travels and Tours. We contacted this agent now, and it seems there are no real succes stories yet of travellers getting their visa's in Cairo AND succesfully making it into Libya. A bit of a headache for us, because we've just paid 1750 USD to them for arranging these visa's (for 5 people), and they knew our route.... and claimed that 'all overlanders for whom they had arranged this made it through succesfully... so no worries'. Now we find out only two overlanders used their services recently going from Egypt to Libya.... and of both they don't know whether they actually made it through. So, if you plan on getting these visa's.... you'd better keep your money in your pocket for another two weeks until we've tried! |
Definitely looking forward to your update dstehouwer.
I plan on making that trip with the business visa obtained in Cairo on bicycle within the next few months. |
update:
Libya Travels and tours claims they've heard from colleagues the border 'should be open'.... The Egyptian embassy in South Africa claims it is closed for NON-Libian passport holders since August. 8-| We're up for some discussion with LTT I'm affraid... |
The border seems closed since August, and we booked everything with LTT on the 4th of October.
We're discussing a refund now, as Libya seems CLOSED when you come from Egypt. Hurts a lot to loose 350USD per person on this, but we're discussing it with LTT....:( |
The warning signs were there - sorry if you have lost out though.
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Now in Cairo
Folks
We are now safely in Cairo having driven across Libya from Tunisia. As requested, I have put a summary below. You can read the full details in our blog: aimlessinafrica.blogspot.com Jill at contact@libyatravelandtours.com obtained Business Visas for us. These are probably a bit better for overlanders, as you do not need to have a guide. The cost was $ 400/person. We picked up our visas at the Libyan embassy in Tunis. The process seems to be that the administration in Tripoli sends a fax with a reference number to the embassy where you want to collect your visa. Unfortunately we were given an incorrect fax number for one of our visas and this took a couple of days to sort out. You queue at the side of the Libyan embassy in Tunis and talk to the people through an open window. You do not enter the embassy. With the correct fax number the process is simple and straight forward. You need to complete the application form in ARABIC and hand over 2 x passport photos and TD 45. About 1 – 2 hours later you have your visa. Day 1 We passed through the Tunisia formalities with little delay. On the Libyan side there were some questions about our sponsor, so we showed the email from Jill with the details. If there were any further hassles we would have asked them to phone Jill. They also wanted to know where we were staying in Tripoli etc . After ~ 30 min we were on our way. We elected to get the carnet signed in case the Egyptian side asked about it. This took ~ 60 min, as they did not know what it was and it was not in Arabic. Still, it was finally signed. We stayed in Sabratha at the Hotel Tellel Complex, a resort on the beach, LD 180 for dinner, bed & breakfast. If you were a little braver than us, there were plenty of places to camp on or near the beach on the way to the hotel. Day 2– 16/10/12 We visited the Sabratha Roman ruins. Then we had a very hard time finding a bank to get money. Finally, just before the ring road in Tripoli, the Amen bank had working ATMs and currency exchange. We did not stop in Tripoli We visited Leptis Magna ruins and camped at a clearly marked camp site near the entrance. TD 10. Day 3– 17/10/12 We drove to Benghazi. A lot of the hotels were full, so we strayed at the Hotel Juliana, LD 220. The braver folks could drive a km or so off the Sirte – Ajdabaya road and camp. Day 4– 18/10/12 We visited Cyrene and drove along the coast to Tobruk. The drive from Marsa Susah to Darman along the ocean was wonderful. There were plenty of places to pull off the road and camp on a secluded beach/ocean view. There also seemd to be a few resorts, one advertising RV facilities. Near Tobruk we visited the Knightsbridge War Cemetery. We stayed at the Al Masira hotel, LD 135 Day 5– 19/10/12 On the way out of town we visited the Tobruk War Cemetery. We then drove to the Libyan border. Immigration was competed in less than 60 secs. Getting the Carnet stamped took 60 min! This is probably because they had not seen one before and did not have the stamp at the outgoing border post. Overall The Libyans we met were friendly and super generous. They invariably went out of their way to assist us in any way. That said, they are the world’s worst drivers, total maniacs. We did not feel there were any security issues and we always felt safe. However, we stayed in hotels or secure areas at night and did not wander after dark. This added to the cost. |
The border TO LIBYA FROM EGYPT is really cloesed it seems.
After multiple emails with LTT they agreed to pay us back 50% of the fee as this border is closed for us already for a few months. Honestly, it still hurts to have lost 175USD on this per person, but 50% back is better than nothing. I have to say LTT is a professional business, but they should think about their product a bit better .... and pay back 100% if it turns out that their 'product' doesn't exist. From TUnesia no problem, we've bumped into multiple travellers who drove that way through Libya without big problems, with b.visa's from LTT. |
We saw people passing through the boarder from Egypt to Libya. But, no overlanders.
The queue of trucks on the Egypt side heading into Libya was huge, ~ 20 - 30 km long. However, cars seemed to bypass the trucks and and go direct to the border post. We did this on the Libyan side. Did you have a local fixer when you went to the Egyptian boarder post?? The local facilitator made a huge difference to our transit from Libya into Egypt. But, we are old & retired! The LE 200 for this was money well spent on our part. Maybe it is just Business visas or non Egyptians/Libyans who are stopped?? We found LTT to be good and very responsive. The incorrect fax number was a bit annoying, but for any long time overlander, just a blip. |
yes, LTT is responsive....
But: if you read the whole topic, you'll find out EGYPT closed the border for non-Libian/Egyptian passport holders! Hence the trucks... |
please do any of you expearenced guys know if one can cross from libya to egypt at el
SALLOUM in 4x4 |
lisrona4,
I'm not quite sure about the point of your question. Sollum is (the only) official crossing pint on the main road connecting the two countries along the Mediterranean coast, so any vehicle can cross. However I have heard of conflicting reports recently on whether the crossing is open or not. In any case, your biggest worry would be getting Libyan visas and security in Cyrenaica, not whether a 4x4 can cross... |
Above posts moved to this thread where aimless describes his experiences in mid October a couple of posts up
There may be more detail on his blog: Aimless In Africa: Libya I get the impression L to E is less difficult than the other way at the moment, (providing you can get into L in the first place). Ch |
we are thinking of taking your route to egypt next april 2013 . you have giving a lot of detail and it will be a great help to all travelers ....thanks ,,,all info. welcome
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I am also looking at the possibility of this route through libya also. We are departing from UK beginning of April 2013 in a 4x4, and will be essentially driving non stop through Europe to reach N africa, so would be there early to mid april. Have you heard any updated information? Would you be interested in travelling together if dates matched? Dan |
Hi Dan, We are hoping to do the same in February with 3 bikes.
Who are you using to get your business visa through? I have been trying to contact www.libyatravelandtours.com (and Libya Adventures which i think is run by the same people?) who aimlessinafrica used, but i have had no luck getting through. |
Hi everybody
We (me and Andrea) want to go same route in April 2013, too .... So, please stay in contact about the issue with visa and entry We are travelling with a Mitsubishi L300 4WD and are based in the BlackForest in Germany. From there it`s about 500km (straight Autobahn) to the ferry Genova-La Goulette/Tunis. The MS Carthage is operating every Saturday, I took this ferry already twice with a motorcycle. So, maybe we can share the informations, even travel together and see how everything works with the border crossings Thomas & Andrea </title> <meta name="description" content="" ></meta> <meta name="keywords" content="" ></meta> <base href="http://miles-to-ride.com/formvista/site_local/themes/miles-to-ride/"></base> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8 PS: I got an email (31.10.2012) from Jill in Tripolis asking $ 400.- for the letter plus the visa fee from embassy, which can be picked up in Tunis .... Hi Thomas! Thank you for your email. My name is Jill Wilson, and I am an American working as a Sales Representative for Libya Travel & Tours here in Tripoli, Libya. We'd be happy to help you plan a trip through Libya, from border to border. Unfortunately, I don't believe there are transit visas available...at least not that I've heard of. I think your only option right now is to travel through Libya on a business visa. The Ministry of Tourism in Libya had started issuing tourist visas again, but they have actually been suspended at the moment, AND unfortunately they are ONLY for issue at the Tripoli Airport. Again, with that said, you would need to enter on business visas, which is what the other "overlanders" have done. The cost of a one month business visa is US$400 each for the visa letter of invitation from a host company here in Tripoli on our end PLUS whatever the Libyan Embassy charges you to get the actual stamp in your passport at the Libyan Embassy of your choice. Also, although we have had clients successfully get their visa stamps in Tunis, it can be one of the trickier embassies to work with...so if you have the option of getting the stamp somewhere else, we might recommend that. We can only guarantee the paperwork coming from here in Tripoli...what happens at the embassies and at the border is unfortunately out of our control, so please realize that. In order to get the visas, we would need scanned copies of your passports, a signed letter of indemnity saying we are legally not responsible for what you do while in Libya, and FULL payment to our US office. It takes us about 7-10 days to get the visa paperwork done on our end. We would then have to have the information faxed to the Libyan Embassy closest to you and you would need a few days on that end to get the visas processed in your passports. **Also, keep in mind that once the visa is stamped in your passport, you must enter Libya within 30 days! Once you enter Libya, the visa itself if also valid for 30 days. Would you like us to arrange any hotel bookings for you along the way? Hope this helps! I'll look forward to hearing back from you soon as to whether or not you're interested in having us help you plan your trip. If you can give me more specifics, I can then help you on some more specifics on pricing. Have a great rest of your day! Jill Wilson Sales Representative Libya Travel & Tours |
libya
we contacted the lady in the travel agency about libyia visa last week she said they were not doing them anymore because they thought the business visas were unsafe. so we are now shipping 2 4x4 in container to capetown and it is only costing a little more and no hassel in egypt . we may ship back from port sudan ....
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@ Tom-Traveller;
The statement given to you by the tourist agency remains a bit vague when it talks about where you can pick up the visa after the invitation was granted. Since I conclude that you are a German National living in Germany I do not expect that you get your visa stamped into your passport in Tunis - you will have to go to Berlin (probably even twice and not once). |
Hello guys,
Full payment to US office? Never heard of a Libyan agency requiring that, nor a letter of indeminity. That's the American, not the Libyan way of doing business. My advice is to contact Alarbi Suleiman on: info [at} saharastars /dot\ com +21 8914191652 I have travelled with him many times. He can arrange for you a business visa, meet you at the border, sort out the paperwork, get you through the road checkpoints and look after you all the way. Great guy! :thumbup1: |
Hi,
I think that most Libyan embassy's are operating these days. At least the one in London one is because that is where we are getting ours done. It might be worthwhile to pop into Knightsbridge if possible and see what they have to say in regards to getting a tourist visa or 3 days transit. I have definitely seen overlanders here in Misurata (2 guys in an Isuzu with roof tent 2 days ago) throughout the last 6 months so it is doable. Forget about banks for money changing, everybody uses the gold shops, of which there are many. We use $US and are getting approx 130 LYD for new $100 bills, you will get a less rate for small bills. Euros/Sterling may also be possible to change but I haven't done so. Best of luck, CJ. |
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Do you think he can arrange the paperwork at Tunisian border and at Egyptian border? RR. |
Hi roro
I and Trumpton travelled with him in February 2012. He will wait for you with the paperwork on the Libyan side of the Tunisian border and leave you before you enter Egypt. |
The latest i have got is from Ben at Tidwa (http://www.tidwa.com/):
Well, in the present time, tourist visas has been suspended by the new Libyan government Recently we are able to provide a Single-entry business visa upon arrival only, this visa is valid for 45 days from the date of issue, and allows the holder to stay one month in Libya. We are able to provide Libyan visas on arrival for American nationalities and for most Europeans, including Eastern Europeans, Australians, Russians, Japanese, New Zealanders, South Africans and Canadians can all apply directly to us for visa on arrival. The way we normally provide Libyan visas: is that we apply for the visa approval to secure the visa for you on arrival at Libyan Tunisian border. After we apply, the visa approval will be released to us about 3 or 4 days before arrival, then we will send you a scanned copy of the visa approval. You need to keep a copy with you while you are travelling, when you arrive safely to the border you will have a stamped business visa on your passport. The cost is 350 Euro for each . Full payment in advance is required. Please note that you need to pay an extra amount of 100 LYD at the immigration office in the border to have your visa stamp. No refund if your visa has been in process. Full amount will be refund if your visa has been denied. If you decide to go ahead with us, then please Make sure your passport(s) does not have an Israeli stamp (or visa). Contains at least two blank pages Must be valid for at least six months when you leave the country. Email us .jpg colour copies of your passport bio page(s) at least ten days before arrival. Transfer via ''Western Union'' the full amount of the visa cost. A bit more expensive than what has been previously found with Libya Travel and Tours, but still cheaper than going via turkey and taking the ferry! Has anyone had any previous experience with Tidwa before? |
That's one of the clearest and most complete explanations of the current Libya visa app process I've read so far.
I wonder if they are actually doing tours in the south as the web page suggests. Ch |
Thanks Arch for these infos.
So, it seems it's possible to get this this visa and cross the borders with Tunisia and Egypt with our own cars... Just waiting reports from some traveller's experience about that. RR. |
Cheers Arch,
As someone has already said, one of the clearest answers yet. I have repeatedly tried ringing the Libyan Embassy for advice but line it is permantly engaged. |
Sorry, I didn't read the report by
aimlessinafrica Now in Cairo posted above, on October, 21th... (I was in Algeria at this time...) About travelling overland and return, it seems that only the return direction will (may be) tricky. RR. |
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Southern destinations are still closed and therefore Ghadames remains unavailable for the time being. But Nafusa Mountain will be okay as long as you will drive back to Tripoli region and not to continue towards Tarhona or Bani Walid. |
Libya December 2012
We crossed Libya Last week, coming from Tunis. We got our visa from Libya Tour and Travels. All emails were answered by Jill and she was really helpful. We paid the agency 400$ each. We paid it on an US account by credit card. After a few days we got the confirmation. We went to the Libyan embassy in Switzerland, filled out another application form and paid 60€ each. The sent us our passports with visa the next day.
Border crossing Tunisia-Libya was fast. They took our passports, stamped the visa and let us through. It took max. 5 minutes. No carnet, no custom, no extra charges. We changed money in Tripolis. There is an ATM on Wheels, parked just at the Martyrs square (former Green square). Stayed in Teba hotel for 50$ for 2. Libya was amazing. Beautiful cities (Tripolis, Benghazi), great sights (Leptis Magna, Tobruk 2nd WW remains), extremely friendly people. We never felt unsafe. We stayed the nights in hotels (Tripolis, Misrata, Sirte, Benghazi, Appolonia and Tobruk). Even Sirte, where the heaviest fightings took place, was safe, had two hotels and really nice people. In Benghazi we met a old guy at the supermarket. He was happy to see European tourists and thanked us for the intervention (I felt bad, since Switzerland did not much to end the Gadaffi regime). He insisted to pay for our groceries. Imagine that in Europe: seeing a foreigner at the supermarket and paying him his food! Anyway, shows how kind some people are. We posted some pictures, the blog is in German, sorry: Crossing East Africa @cam johnson: seems like you saw us in Misrata. We have an Opel, but it's an Isuzu inside. Would have been nice meeting you... Border To Egypt: 5 minutes and one stamp on the Libyan side. 3 hours, 20 stamps, 150€ and long walks on the Egyptian side. We're now on the way to the White desert and we will catch the Aswan ferry on December 24 to Wadi Halfa. Greetings |
Great infos, thanks...
3 hours it's not so long for an Egyptian border! RR. |
Hey asiaonbikes guys,
I drove past you going in the other direction, we turned around but lost you in traffic. Glad you enjoyed Libya, it's not as bad as the news makes out. CJ. |
BBC News - Libya orders borders in south closed
Not really relevant to us yet but like the report says '... it is unclear what this latest decree means in practice because - in the continued absence of a conventional national army - most provinces and cities effectively rule themselves.' Ch |
very interested in this thread as I to am looking to travel this way from Ireland to Zambia, hoping to make the boat at genova Italy for Tunisia around 27 mar 2013 would be great to meet up with other travellers on this part of the journey to help each other iron out problems at Libya Egypt borders
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well done
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Hey just read your complete blog and I wish we would have been with you .... but we will follow next year :D and hopefully everything still works so easy ?c? Take care and have fun in the white desert Greets from the BlackForest Thomas & Andrea </title> <meta name="description" content="" ></meta> <meta name="keywords" content="" ></meta> <base href="http://miles-to-ride.com/formvista/site_local/themes/miles-to-ride/"></base> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8 |
just got mail from jill at Libyatravelandtours that they can not help with visa for Libya at the moment due to problems with the legality of the business visas supplied by their contact .I think they are trying to find a solution but for now no visa possible through them. I hope this problem can be sorted
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Hi i am planning tyo getting the visa of Libya from Tunis this 4th of February. Do you have any idea if the tourist visas are still not issued?
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I am trying to currently organise mine through Tidwa tours...has anyone had any experience with this company? With the recent incident in Algeria, Has anyone had any further information on crossing Libya? |
We used Nuri at Savile Row Travel (office in Henley) who is very well connected and got the visas in ten days, (business grade), we set out from Cape Town on Feb lst for the attempt on the non-stop driving record to London (more on www.africarecordrun.com). Travcour got all our other visas, and also did the courier-work for the Libya visa (Amanda there is great).
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Thanks for the help. I realized that business visa is indeed the only way into Libya. Also that the borders from Algeria to Libya are closed. The other thing is I found this guy that works for a company that had an option to get me an invitation and the visa process will be of 2 weeks and it costs 250$. his email is: majedeforever@yahoo.com As for Algerian situation I am applyiong for my visa from Cote d'ivoire this coming friday and they assured me that everything was chill. I will be in Algeria around the 20th of February. I will update whenever i can, Ill also be updaing live on www.fb.com/saharadreaming |
Fresh infos!
A lot of very fresh infos from Temehu about visas and borders crossing:
Libyan Travel & Visa News RR. |
The UK FCO travel advisory issued the following today:
"We are aware of a specific, imminent threat to Westerners in Benghazi. We advise against all travel to Benghazi and urge any British nationals who are there against our advice to leave immediately." This warning seems to be based on some intercepted intelligence. |
I read somewhere that some of the surviving attackers from the Algerian gas plant had claimed involvement in the Benghazi attack last September.
Maybe it came from them. Ch |
Might be wise to avoid Libya for a bit. The Australian Govt warning also uses the language of the UK and US govts
"We are aware of a specific, imminent threat to Westerners in Benghazi. All Australians in Benghazi should leave immediately." This should be taken seriously. Many media reports are also linking recent events in Algeria and the general activities of the AQIM with jihadists in Libya and Egypt. |
"the border crossing at Ras Jedir remains closed in both directions other than to Libyans and Tunisians"
Foreigners banned from using Egypt-Libya border crossing | Libya Herald |
[QUOTE=Arch;409172]"the border crossing at Ras Jedir remains closed in both directions other than to Libyans and Tunisians"
I think it's not always true but it's difficult to know whenyou can cross or not! See infos from Temehu, I think they reliable: Libyan Travel & Visa News RR. |
Didn't realise this thread was here when I posted the other one!! My bad! Sam and I are vurrently in tripoli and are getting on perfectly fine! The border crossing into libya from Tunisia was pretty amazing really! Where we were held back by sand storms in Tunisia we arrived at the border a day later which happened to be Friday - their day of rest. This meant we could not change or get out any monies because all the banks and businesses were closed! We ended up doing a dodgy deal with some locals on the Tunisian border side for swapping euros for libyan dollars (a border guard went with Sam to even help out! Not only that but he gave us an extra dinar to round up to what we needed!! Such a nice guy!) so before you go, bare the above in mind on timing!
The libyan border took a while to process papers -there was a lot of driving backwards and forwards between posts and then hanging on for an hour during prayer but the guards were SUPER friendly. We were offered seats in a court yard as well as water :) we then found out we needed to pay for two temporary number plates which we didn't have the money for. Originally the border guards said it was not a problem and we could spend a night at his home until the banks were open the next day and we could return to the border and buy them then (140dinars for 2 which you supposedly get back when leaving to Egypt) After about 20mins though we were given them for a two week period only for free! Awesome! The border guards then escorted us to the petrol station about a kilometre or less up the road on the opposite side. You wouldn't recognise it as a petrol station it is absolutely huge building which is a washed out red colour. It looks blooming posh for a petrol station! To fill up our two bikes front tanks (32litres) it cost us 2libyan dinars (less than a pound / euro / dollar!) the border guards tgen presented us with a hot couscous and beef meal along with fanta and oranges!! Yeh it took a while with papers (the Tunisian paper work confused matters) but all in all it was quite simply the most awesome borde crossing ever :) Going to do some updates on our webby today and Facebook about how libya is to travel right now so keep an eye out! We just thought we would update the borde crossing now for you guys :) Email or facebook us (clare ATA chasinghorizons.co.uk www.facebook.com/chasinghorizons) :) |
Thanks Pheebs for your report.
Are you planning to enter in Egypt? RR. |
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Libyan Travel & Visa News : "The spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Magdi al-Arafi, was reported to have announced that the land border with Egypt will be closed for all foreigners, except Egyptian nationals. Foreign nationals who have entry visa to Libya must now travel to Libya by air [1]. ..." RR. |
But this is Libya! The government in Tripoli has no power. The customs officer in charge is the one that decides. If you have visa, they will let you in, I think
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We've heard otherwise about the border so are going to give it a shot (cross Libya to Egypt)... fingers crossed eh!? After much discussion as to whether or not to travel on the bikes we decided to keep it as low key as possible and have bundled them onto the back of a Libyan truck under cover. We are heading off early tomorrow with the aim to stop in Ajdabiya and Torbruq then straight to Alexandria.
We will give you guys updates when we can but this will probably be when we arrive in Egypt :) Stay safe people and keep smiling :) |
So we've made it to Alexandria :)
Crossing Libya from Tripoli to the border was a complete doddle and at no point did we feel threatened or concerned despite the hype. Had we known it would have been okay we would have ridden the bikes as opposed to jumping on a truck. Advice: Prebook all hotels in advance and if you cannot ensure you arrive at your destinations well before sunset and look for a hotel. An ideal travel route we would suggest is: Tripoli - Misrata - Ajdabiya (difficult to find online hotel but there are three odd big ones in the town and near major roundabouts) - Torbruk - Sidi Birrani (Egypt side). The roads between Tripoli and Misrata are very poor so although it seems a short distance there are a fair few check points and you cannot really hammer it through! Ajdabiya - Torbruk is straight through absolutely nothing!! So take food and water for the trip and fill up with petrol beforehand (some petrol stations dotted at the beginning and end but not necessarily any petrol available) Leave Tobruk as EARLY as possible to reach the border. We did spot areas you could wild camp but it is not recommended by locals to be so exposed at night at the moment. Libyan to Egyptian Border: Very simple and painless to cross. If you've had to pick up number plates remember to return and collect any monies you originally paid. Egyptian Entry Border: Absolute nightmare. Preparation suggestions: Monies. Take plenty of Dinars and Egyptian Dollars our beforehand in prep. You will need to pay for number plates (I believe 500 Egyptian Dollars each returnable on exit) and 15US Dollars for visas. Be prepared to bribe. Make your VIN number accessible. Unfortunately our bikes are built in a fashion where half the VIN number is hidden. This caused us 3 or 4 hours of politics and pain as they need to take a rubbing of it to clarify it is your vehicle. Do NOT in any situation leave your vehicle unattended. If you are alone ask a guard to keep an eye on it and leave it away from the crowds but within view and in a lit area. Expect to be grilled. We had it bad because of Sam's Arabic name and inability to actually speak Arabic. Also we had problems because we were with a Libyan Driver. Do not bite if they interrogate, just smile and keep it light. Do not speak about any politics or about Libya. If they ask your opinion just dodge the question and say you are travelling as there are some animosity between the two countries. If female: Cover your hair and dress modestly, you will get a lot of attention. Keep your head down and ignore it. Because we were stuck for 7 hours we ended up caught at night and there are continuous rolling black outs. During one I was groped and pockets were grabbed but I managed to have a successful knee jerk reaction. I was also hit on by a border guard who tried to get in the van with me at a later time when I was alone. It wasn't a good situation particularly when he started tapping his gun on the window. Due to this I would recommend staying in view of as many officials and in a well lit area as possible. If female with fella: let the bloke do all the talking and chasing around. Stay with your vehicle, again in a well lit and visible area. I think no matter what the news states it would be possible for anyone to pass through the border with time and money. Expect the worst and hope for the best! Enjoy it (as much as you can!!) and try not to get too angry at the bureaucracy! |
****thanks Pheebs for your report and happy it was possible for you to enter in Egypt even if it is a nightmare (as usual...:()
RR. |
Ahhh flubbywotsits.
It would seem the border gave us a duff receipt for our number plates. Being all in Arabic we knew no better. Looks like they won't be refunding us for the plates, although we kind of accepted that there was a high chance of that anyway even with a receipt. Really quite a crabby border! |
Crossing Libya
Hi Pheebs,
I’m leaving on 12th April with 3 other to drive from London to Cape Town. Our route takes us into Tunisia on the ferry and then East through North Africa to Egypt. This obviously means crossing Libya. The RAC has stopped issuing carnets for Libya and foreign office advice doesn’t look great however if it’s not a stupid risk we’re very committed to sticking with our original route. I notice that you’ve just crossed Libya and therefore would hugely appreciate any advice you could offer, specifically: 1. What do you do if you don’t have a carnet. 2. How do you obtain a visa (I sense it’s not a great idea to get one from the Libyan embassy in London because the reality on the ground is very different?) 3. Would you be able to recommend a local guide who could help us at the border and through the country if necessary. Thanks so much in advance for any advice you can offer and I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers Harry (and the team) |
Quote:
I think your other questions have answers or leads earlier in the thread. |
Thanks.
Just trying to get as up to date info as possible as things seems to be changing the whole time. |
[QUOTE=Chris Scott;411957]The Libyans do (or certainly did) their own one - though these days they may well not bother for the transit. One less document.
+1!:thumbup1: I just return from 22 countries in west and east Africa Maroco-Cape Town-Cairo, without Carnet. In Egypt I paid for TIP (temporary importation papers)$800 Refundable-Deposit which I got back to the penny when I left Egypt. Lost $70 on exchange from Egypt money to $usd. My route in Africa April 2012-January2013 http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...ed1e3f0a0c.jpg |
The border is indeed closed to foreigners. Unless you have made prior arrangemnts, with the visa in the passport, and an armed escort waiting, it must surely be jusst about impossible to blag your way across. Since David Camerons visit, security measures have increased greatly - in Misrata at night, there are checkpoits every few hundred metres.
www.africarecordrun.com |
That doesn't sound very good although they obviously let you through!
Who arranged your escort for you across the country? |
Tip to toe- I think I replied to you by email :) for all others out there you do not need a carnet for Libya but they will stamp your carnet even though Libya is crossed off!! :)
And again, yes the border was closed to all foreigners but we made it through and believe anyone could with enough time and patience :) Visa wise you can still obtain business ones (a friend has done so in past couple of weeks!) you just need a business willing to write an invitation , will try and get some names and numbers ASAP. |
I'm afraid we don't appear to have received the email.
Yes I understand it is possible to get business visas although not cheap - about £200 is what we've been quoted. Have you just crossed Libya? If so were you accompanied by the tourist police? Did you take a guide and what did you pay him? Information from all those outside the country seems very negative in terms of cost and security so appreciate your views! |
Interesting article on the state of Libya.
RealClearWorld - A Libyan Report Card Prognosis not good for much more than the occasional transit. |
Hmmm.... The depth of the analysis reminds me of the saying, the origins of which are attributed to another Kaplan: "if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail".
That's true: "a band of civilian experts, plus small numbers of special operations forces" can't turn Libya into a stable democracy led by a new strong central government able to monopolize the use of force. Until it happens, the dysfunctional Libayn state is not to be allowed to freely exchange petro-dollars for fancy military technology, like Ghadaffi used to do, only for the wrong reasons and dealing with the wrong people. But they are working on it : Libya to Spend Billions on Defence | Libya Business News. Still, as travellers in occasional transit, we are in greater danger of AK47's than Eurofighters falling in the wrong hands. |
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