Libya

[gvdaa]

Just returned from a trip with my family to Libya. It seems about the the only country in the real Sahara that is still safe (As long as you are prepared to pay for the guide). Visa at the border without problems. Many Italians. Almost met no other nationalities, except some Germans in teh Rotel truck.

[Knight of the Holy Graal]

Hi, dude!

Just tell me one thing: which is the way you followed? Did you only drive along the coast road or also throughout inner Libya?

I ask you this because it's my understanding a guide is not necessary if you follow the coast road, and I'm planning a motorcycle ride to that Country.

Thanks!

[gvdaa]

We went to the south and the north. If you are lucky you can get transitvisa without guide on certian embassys in Africa, I think. But I have no experience myself. It seems a gamble. And will maybe take loads of time.

[WarthogARJ]

I also plan to transit Libya on the coastal road from Tunisia to Egypt on an East coast trans-africa trip.

I know a French guy who did this in 2008(?) and he got a transit visa from Marseilles consulate without any guide. I'm not sure if he had an invitation letter: I'll check.

I called the Brussels consulate a few weeks ago (to get details for the Dutch consulate) and they do issue transit visas. However when I went to the Dutch embassy in The Hague, they said I needed a letter of invitation. Even for a transit visa. And said even if they gave me a transit visa I would have problems at the border without a letter.

So I think you are looking for trouble if you show up at the border without a letter. I am going to see if I can get a nominal one day or so deal thru an agency (so then they make money) and then they give me a letter. And then I just ride the coastal route from Tunisia to Egypt.

Comments/ideas welcome.
Alan

[Knight of the Holy Graal]

Hey, Alan.

Thanks for your info.

Well, my and my girlfriend's idea would be to visit Tunisia entirely and then Libya only for 3 or 4 days maximum (Sabratha, Tripoli & Leptis Magna, I mean riding only on the coast road).
Then, back to Tunisia and ferry back to northern Italy where we live.

So, the transit visa is not the one for me, unfortunately, cuz we'll be bound back to Tunisia after Leptis.

What a mess, my friends...

[Budrinna]

Dating yesterday Libya has suspended tourist visa to Shengehn countries .
Neverless the Country will be prisent at the 30th edition of BIT, the International Tourism Fair in Milan, scheduled for February 18 - 21.

Budrinna

[priffe]

Originally Posted by Budrinna

Neverless the Country will be prisent at the 30th edition of BIT, the International Tourism Fair in Milan, scheduled for February 18 - 21.
Budrinna

If their visas aren't recalled

In fairness I think the brits should also be kept out of Libya!

But Qadafi will change the rules again, with no notice.
Must be a nightmare trying to run a business built on tourism in Libya.

[Budrinna]

Nightmare ?
Westerday the AZ flight returned back with all passengers boarded , resident included , Let us say travel with surprise it sounds better.

Budrinna

[priffe]

Originally Posted by Budrinna

Let us say travel with surprise it sounds better.
Budrinna

No problem. Our 'surprise' came at the border last year when Q. changed the rules the same day - only groups of 4+ would get in. Us two plus one brit (Harry at Across-then-up ) were turned back. Two days later the rules were reversed again, and Harry sneaked in (don't read his review of Libya if you really want to go there) but we were already headed for Algeria.

[Richard Washington]

Originally Posted by priffe

In fairness I think the brits should also be kept out of Libya!

Don't be too hard on the Brits - its a rare bit of good luck! They were only kept out of Schengen because of the UK's position on ID cards. Plus of course the recent bonne politik with the release of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi. Those two things aside and the UK is fresh out of diplomacy that might open any doors in North Africa.