Libyan invitations

[Jasper]

Renate,

Are you still offering services for Libyan visas? Me (Brit) and Dutch wife are looking at wanting to cross from Tunisia around start March 2002.

Jasper

[Charles M]

My wife and I are hoping to go to Libya early next year from Tunisia and drive through to Niger.

We have been trying to get an invitation and have come up against the need for a group of four people before an application can be made.

We have made most progress with Arkno Tours who are promising to sort us out albeit at a cost (www.arkno.com).

Has anyone had any experiences with Arkno Tours (good or bad) or know of any other trustworthy agencies that it would be better to deal with? Seems high risk sending large amounts of money to Libya with no guarantee of receiving anything in response!

Equally, is there anyone who would like to form a group to make an application. I understand there is no compulsion to travel together subsequently or even enter Libya at the same time.

Love to hear any experiences/suggestions

If you want to contact us offline, email address is joandcharles@hotmail.com

[Chris Scott]

Although I've never used them, I've had Arkno recommended to me by an Italian friend who's used them many times. (I think Arkno have an Italian connectiion/owner).

Would you mind bringing us to to date with what the Libyans want and how much to give us a visa? Does one still need to pay a guide in another car whatever for every day in Libya?

Chris S

------------------
Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com

[Charles M]

Thanks for your input Chris.

Here are our experiences, but as you will see, still at an early stage.

We contacted the Libyan Embassy in London and were told that we had to make applications through a tour agency. A UK agent, referred to us by the Embassy, (unfortunately don´t have his contact at the moment) told us that applications needed to be made as a group (minimum four people) - but don´t necessarily have to travel together. We were also told the Ambassador had recently changed but he said it was too early to know the implications of this.

We have since been in contact with other agencies and as I said, made most progress with Arkno. They are asking for US$100 for visa application, US$200 to fix paperwork for the car at the border and an undisclosed amount for a guide while in Libya.

Arkno also want an application from four people. However, given that all the people do not have to travel together there appears to be an opportunity to put make up the numbers with people that may decide they don´t want to go to Libya after all.

We are getting mixed messages on whether we need a guide the whole time we are in Libya or not. Arkno say they will be able to provide a guide for only some of the time but get the feeling this is not standard.

Hope this is helpful and stimulates comments from anyone else who has had experiences trying to get a Libyan visa

Charles

[Chris Scott]

Sounds promising. The US$100 for visa application plus US$200 to fix paperwork for the car at the border sounds about right. Getting fixed up at the border (all docs and plates ready and waiting) speeds things up immensely.

>We are getting mixed messages on whether we need a guide the whole time...
I think we paid $100 a day early last year (it wasn't compulsory then but I wanted one for back-up) - now it may be up to 100 quid - which is the min. rate in Algeria now (not that you need one there)

Chris S

[ChrisC]

Hi

I met with Jamal form Arkno Tours yesterday at the World Travel Market, he confirmed that each application will only be considered once it contains 4 names!! Although he insists that you do not have to travell together.
$100 for paperwork per person amd $200 for the car - although I will work on this and let you know. At present you can only enter from Tunisia or possibly Egypt.
He said that a guide is not required although I have my doubts.
I have Arkno's contact details inc phone No.s if you need them give me a call.

regards ChrisC

[This message has been edited by ChrisC (edited 15 November 2001).]

[POB/London]

Hello.

Looking for an update of this situation. Next May/June (2003) 2 of us will be travelling by motorcycle in this region, and our idealistic plan is to go from Tunisia into Libya and then on to Egypt.

I understand I will have to be "invited" to travel into Algeria and Libya, but do I still need to pay a guide? And what has happened with the Embassy in London (where I live)? Please could the people with good contacts e-mail me? I need to get the paperwork sorted asap.

The only other option for us, if Libya is a no-go, is heading MUCH further south via Niger and Chad, or possibly trying to hop from Tunisia to Alexandria (missing most of the point of our journey!)

HELP!

[harmattan]

hi there ... i am planning to go to libya from tunisia late dec. and would be interested in applying as a group, if anyone is trying to get four names for the application.
thanks, n.

Guys

See my 26th august New Subject entry "Libya"