Libyan visa at Ras Adir?

[Redhouse]

This post probably only belongs in "Trip paperwork" (I've already posted it there) but I just want to draw attention to it here as well:

The Dutch LandCruiser club claims in their "Sahara field guide" that it is now possible to get your visa at the Libyan border with Tunesia (Ras Adir). They organise group trips to Libya so should know. Also the info is very recent (March 2005).
Can anyone confirm this? Do you know if you still need an invitation letter and/or Libyan guide to meet you at het border?

Thanks!

[ursula]

- Can anyone confirm this?
you can get the visa (a stamp/tampon/Stempel for 35 Euro) at the border but only if you have an invitaion letter from an agency

- Do you know if you still need an invitation letter
yes you do

- and/or Libyan guide to meet you at het border?
yes you do

Ursula



[This message has been edited by ursula (edited 05 April 2005).]

[roro]

Thanks for these very accurate infos .

RR .

[Kuno2]

> Ursula is 100% right.

> The visa is called "border-visa". such is not new but is available since many years!

> But there are some remarks, you really should take into cnsideration:

>>> If you travel by plane to LY and you are not in possession of the "invitation" - the airline will smile to you but not let you enter the plane.

>>> If you have such invitation but the person at the check-in does not recognize it...

>>> If all is ok but the representative of the LY-Travel-Agency is not at the border, you have the great pleasure to return with the same plane you came.

>>> Everything is possible. But if you have the visa STAMPED INTO YOUR PASSPORT, you know at least that you will not have THIS PROBLEM.

(BtW: 6 Weeks ago I saw a group turning back at the airport because they did not have the invitation with them...)

Cheers, Kuno

[Chris Scott]

Interesting news Kuno, but we are talking about Ras Ajdir land border, no - not an airport where one would not expect visas to be issued on arrival.

As you say tho, a visa prior to arrival at Ras Ajdir or at any int border is one less thing to go wrong.

Ch

[ursula]

as far as I heard the visa at the border was given without problems for Germans and French during the last months

Ursula

[Kuno2]

@ Chris

Border = Border.

The only thing is that the example I wrote about was something I have experienced bymyself just a few weeks ago.

However; if you are told to turn back it might be preferable at the airport of departure than in RAS AJDIR after you had already a long journey.

[desertfox5]

As far as I am informed, travellers need a so called "visa permission" issued by the Libyan Immigration Authority. It doen't matter if you enter via land or air.
The procedure requires first to deliver to the Libyan agent all necessary biodates and preferably a copy of the passport. Than the Authorities issue the visa permission and w i t h that document travellers get the visa at entry.
Best wishes, cheers

[petelewis]

Hi,
OK - so let me get this straight (ish) ... from this post I gather that you can go to the Libyan border (land border that is), with a letter of invitation from a libyan tourist agency (?? a fax from their office confirming the details etc ??) and get a visa at the border.
A confirmation that I'm understanding this right would be appreciated ....

Also a further question ... what about the arabic translation of your passport ? Can this be done at the border also, or does this need to be done before arrival ???

Thanks

Pete

[petelewis]

Hi,

Just read the updated country info on SO website, so that's my first point clarified. However, would still like answer re. arabic translation.

Thanks

Pete

[desertfox5]

Hi,
translation since Oct last year not anymore required.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy the day

[Kuno2]

Correct:

Arabic translation is not mandatory any more. However - it is for sure NOT BAD to have it since "foreign languages" are not spoken everywhere...

But: Since you will not travel without a guide such should (SHOULD!) not be a big problem.