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Security Update Libya.
For those who might be interested, the security situation in Sirte on the coastal route has just taken a turn for the worse. Rumours are rife in the town of an impending battle here between various katiba brigades and the coming to head of differences between the NTC and Security Council (who are assumed to have Al Qaeda links). All foreign organisations (at least the demining outfits) are leaving the town tomorrow (11-06-12) as we have been advised that our safety cannot be guaranteed.
Reports are circulating of large numbers of technical vehicles converging on the town especially from the Benghazi direction. This is the third time we have had this kind of warning and nothing has come of previous warnings. However, last week 5 'rebels' were reported to have been killed at a check point on the outskirts of town in mysterious circumstances. Travelers wishing to use the coast road in the coming days should be aware of this and make any decisions accordingly. Will update if anyone needs further info. Cheers, CJ. |
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RR. |
Thanks Cam. Still in Misrata? I was surprised to see many salafists in Sirte in march. They were taking care of the university, among others. I spoke to commander Ali Safrani. Do you know this guy? Liker many other in Sirte he was openly supporting al Qaida.
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Thanks for the update
Looks like it may have started already BBC News - Libya unrest: UK ambassador's convoy attacked in Benghazi Plus more of the same in Kufra BBC News - At least 16 killed in two days of Libya clashes Ch |
Not looking too good at the moment here in Libya. Apart from the events taken place in Sirte over the last few days, there has been a marked increase in general criminality this year. We've had 4 vehicles stolen in the last 3 months, thankfully 2 were recovered. This is more prominent in the east, especially in Benghazi.
Here is the local coverage of the events in Sirte; Foreign NGOs ordered out of Sirte | Libya Herald Definitely there is a power struggle brewing and it's epicentre may turn out to be the Sirte area. Gert, we're all back at 'home' in Misurata which is the most stable area on the coast. There is support of AQ in Libya, but a lot more against their activities, but as you can imagine their support is rooted in the belief that AQ has the strong arm necessary to bring all the different factions into line. I may have met commander Ali, but Libya has as many commanders as South Sudan has brigadiers: a lot! We were stopped at a checkpoint and asked way we were leaving Sirte when there was so much work to do. We produced our Get Out of Town, Now! letter from the Security Council, which I'll probably have framed when I get home. Safe travels all. CJ. |
recent Libya transit
I've just been notified of another recent overlanders' transit of Libya, about a week ago so they were either lucky or it's not as bad as was predicted despite this report and this near Ghadames. It's still far from plain sailing.
New Tunisian reg: no foreign vehicles can pass out of Rad Ajdir into Libya, but with persuasion it got done at the Dehibat-Wazin crossing to the south (even though visa collection was at Ras). The recently announced tourist visas are now only available at airports. A business visa cost 500 LD. A guide was not mandatory, but wisely the couple above chose one one anyway. RAC carnet does not include Libya at present, but there's no office at Wazin to issue the local Libyan version. An update on Egyptian entry from Libya coming soon. A new border post has been built and may open soon (which curiously, matches the news with the Sudan border on Lake Nasser). Ch |
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I can't go to this report about transit of Lybia... BTW it's not very easy to find infos about what's going on in this country and to fhave a clear idea if it is enough safe for us... (I'm planning to drive along coastal road in March 2013 to reach Egypt then Sudan). RR. |
I fixed the link, Ro.
My feeling is that currently tourists aren't a target as they are in other places, but also a certain amount of luck is required. Depending on how things develop, I would do as they did: take a guide to help with the border and subsequent checkpoints, even if you don't actually need one - and unless you know better, drive the 1000km from Leptis to Cyrene in a day. Ch |
Thanks,
RR. |
Hi all,
Arriving in Libya in late January 2012 we were advised by our Libyand guide to get a business visa in London (we never considered applying for one at the border) and forget Ras Adjir as too risky for being too close to the hotbeds of tension in the coastal towns betweeen the border and Tripoli. I suppose the situation has not changed much since. As for safety, we only experienced one situation in Sirte which was mildly unpleasant. Everywhere else our guide had no problem processing us quickly through checkpoints with a friendly wave of hand. Actually, it was a lot worse in Egypt. What has changed is that while we were greeted everywhere with a smile and handshake as long awaited guests, now we have seen a number of rather sinister incidents: capture of the international criminal court officials, shelling of the UK ambassador's convoy and explosion outside the US consulate. This shows that at least Western officials are no longer immune from hostility. Whether Libyans' attitudes towards Western tourists are changing, or some radical grups are getting out of control, we can only speculate. It certaily does not bode well. |
Update.
So the 'Show-down in Sirte' never materialized, however tensions remain. We have decided not to return there and have closed down our office in the town permanently. It's just not worth the hassle. For people interested in going into the town, there's not much worth seeing except for the destruction of the town and the sewer where Gaddafi was captured. Apart from that, I wouldn't recommend staying in the town itself. Be very careful about showing GPS units in the Sirte area.
Meanwhile in Misurata, the International Committee of the Red Cross, has relocated all their expat staff to Tripoli after a bomb attack and RPG attack on their office compound on separate occasions. Also they experienced a similar attack in Benghazi. I think this is highly unusual for Misurata and I think some misguided individuals have got the wrong impression of the activities of the Red Cross. I have never felt threatened during my time in Misurata and it continues to be my home away from home in Libya. There are still a few military checkpoints along the coastal route. I would recommend that you have an Arabic translation of your vehicle documents with you. As for a guide, if you stay on the coastal route there is not real reason for a guide apart from acting as a translator. If there is a legal requirement for a guide, the lads manning the check points won't know about that & the police never stop anybody anyway. The biggest threat facing visitors to Libya is the driving habits of the locals. Libyan motorists will take the shortest route to where there are going and if that means driving up the wrong side of the motorway or going against the flow on a roundabout, then so be it. Roman ruins, Leptis Magna and Sabratha are open to visitors and Bub Al Azizizya (the Gaddafi compound in Tripoli) is also open, although it's a bit smashed up these days. There is even a travel agent opened up down the road from us here in Misurata. Also visit a museum/memorial here in Misurata that shows many of the equipments used during the siege of Misurata, including a Scud missile and carrier. Generally, the security situation has improved. However there are some sensitive areas where due care should be exercised. Safe travels all. |
Thanks for the update Cam, much appreciated
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business visas and travel to southern Libya
After finding a decent way to get a business visa for an acceptable fee given the alternatives (which are almost non-existant) I'm till planning the Italy to Tunisia ferry and then overland thru Libya to Egypt. All this Turkey RoRO to Egypt ports for 900$ is too much. Egypt ports have to be worse for import hassels versus the Libyan border??
You post encourages me as this will work. Am i pushing things to think of travel besides blasting the coast road in a week or so? Ghat? Going mid to late November on a 5-6 month eastern route trip south to CT and looking for others to ride with, esp the northern challenges. Thanks! |
Sorry jimosse, I can't tell you much about Ghat although you might be pushing it to get down there and through to Egypt in a week. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to get into the desert as much as I would like.
I have driven the coastal route from Tripoli to Benghazi often in the last 6 months and can confirm that you should make that route without any problems these days. The further south you go, you will run into more obstacles. Most likely these obstacles will be well-meaning Libyans looking out for your safety. However tensions are still high in the Bani Walid, Sabha & as mentioned earlier, Sirte areas. For those looking to transit Libya quickly, take the coastal route but by-pass Benghazi via the Ajedabiya-Tobruk road. Hotels are expensive and not easy to find. If you want to free camp in the desert, be very cautious where you do it and be aware if anyone is watching you. Libyans are normally very hospitable and if you are invited to a private home, by all means take the opportunity. Usually there is a separate room for visitors however male and female visitors are usually entertained in separate rooms. Western females are afforded a 'special' status and can sometimes pass between the mens world and the womens world in traditional, gender segregated Libyan society. Good luck with the visa! |
Hi Cam and thanks for these reports
" Good luck with the visa!" Do you mean it's not so easy to get it? RR. . |
Hi roro,
I've read reports here on the HUBB that getting a visa can be quite a ball ache. We get ours in Malta, but I don't know if that will help many overlanders as it's not really on the way to Libya. And just when I finished saying that security is getter better in Libya: BBC News - Libya blasts: Two killed in Tripoli car bombings With this is mind, people wishing to transit Libya at the moment should do so quickly and quietly. I can't recommend the country for full on tourism just yet. Cheers, CJ. |
Southern Libya
Cam
Just to clarify, I was thinking of a week for the coast run, leptis magna is a prime goal, but I have a month on a business visa and Algeria or other Saharan adventures are out of reach. I'm solo on a moto so I'll stick to sealed roads. My 2007 Lonley planet, as does Chris Scott s book show the direct run south as unsealed. I found one outfit willing to supply the paperwork for a business visa, as tourist visas for independent travel are not being issued, for 250euro, another for 400usd. 160 euros for bike and me from Genoa to tunisia on Grimaldi lines. I'd return to the north coast for Egypt entry. What do you know of food, fuel, and other travellers issues going south. And you made a comment about 'showing GPS' in a previous post, what was that about? Thanks! |
Hi jimosse,
Sorry I can't give you more information on travel in the south. I have not been and we don't hear much about it. Be sure to update us if when you find out. Maybe the people who arranged your visa will be able to give you more specific information? The Sirte Security Council got an idea into their heads that we were using our GPS to make readings to pass onto NATO for further airstrikes!! Faced with this kind of ignorance, we didn't even try to explain things like the existence of Google Earth as we were sure that would somehow be considered further 'proof' of our spying activities. We just left them to dream on. Safe travels. When will you be around? CJ. |
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Myself and Clare will be doing that route mid november too, on a couple of bikes and it would be great to meet up along the way! :D |
hey fellow travelers
Sent you a PM about my travel plans. do you have a Libyan visa lined up? What about travel to Ghat in the SW and those areas that Scott mentions (L3,L4,L5). u got any info? I'm still not at all sure it's possible even with a business visa? does anyone know? |
jimosse,
I've been asking around here and anyone knows anything about Ghadamis and Ghat, which probably means: no news is good news. However, you will probably see higher military presence in Sabha. One thing is for sure and that is you'll be the first guy on a bike there in ages. People are telling me that the road to Ghat is still tarmac. Bon voyage! Don't forget to let me know when you'll be in country. Cheers, CJ. |
Hi Jimosse
Travelling with business Visa? Wonder how You will manage trought the road controls ( now plenty and more more as before, at least one every 10 miles ) . Wait for news after coming back. Cheers with Mirinda ( We still have) Budrinna |
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How? Pretty simple - smile and wave to the guys at the checkpoints. They are really nice people and have other things to do than bother with checking visas. :clap: |
Hi Ruman
Its seems You read too much newspapers , came here and see :For sure we are always nice people and for sure you will have always to smile. Wait for your visit and for Your report that will be higly appreciated. Budrinna |
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I may have posted this email already, but to save looking, here it is again. ... We crossed Libya from Tunisia 1 week ago. We were in touch with Tidwa Tours before travelling and they were going to get us tourist visas but these are now only available at airports so we had to have a business visa 500 LD. With this we were told we did not need a guide but chose to have one anyway given the potential turmoil still in Libya. Our biggest problem to start with was getting out of Tunisia at Ras Ajdir as we were told they did not allow foreign vehicles through this border and did not have the stamp available to stamp us out. We therefore had to drive to Dehibat where with a bribe the car was easily stamped out. Our next issue was that our Libyan visas were at Ras Ajdir where we were supposed to drive back to, but were told wecould now not re-enter Tunisia. We managed to get a stamp in our passports to enter Libya anyway (with the copy of visa) but then had a lot of officials saying it was not possible. Somehow, our guide managed to plicate them. We had to spend the night at the border as the temporary plates would not be ready until the morning. We did not use our RAC carnet as they will not include Libya at present, and could not buy one as there is no office available. Once in Libya we travelled from Nalut to Leptis Magna. There were a few road blocks but they generally just waved us through. A lot of people waved, shouted 'free Libya' and held up the victory sign. We camped in the grounds of the youth hostel for free at Leptis Magna. We drove to Cyrene the next day and had several more road blocks, a few more time consuming were they had to register us as visitors but again they were friendly, apologetic and we did not encounter any problems. We crossed into Egypt on 15th June. We could not get our license plate deposit back as it was Friday and no one was working from accounts! I don't know if we were just lucky not to have encountered any problems but our general feeling for the country was friendly, happy and looking to the future following the revolution. It is an amazing country, well what little we saw of it, and I hope it will soon be easier for other overlanders to use this route freely again. RT |
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I already have. I did travel across Libya twice in 2012 with a business visa. My short report must be still out there on the HUBB. Like the other foreign visitors writing here I found Libyans very freindly and the country being no longer a police state you often depicted in your posts. I find the tone of your post patronising and uninformative. Give us useful information, latest news and analyses based on facts. Rumors are pretty useless here and create false impressions. |
bier
What You say is Your very own singular and personal impression because as said here we are all always happy . About latest news actually be informed that there are in Tripoli two bikes (three italian peoples) waiting the ok from their agency to head to aegyptian border. Budrinna gives always official and responsible news . If You travel as a tourist you need tourist visa, tircks and loop hole are not our informations you must know if you read us that never went and goes out from this point and that infos taken once upon the time in Africa , specially those times are not of our interest to report. This is said to anlyse the fact because as they are because as already said we no more involved in travelling assistance. By the way be also informed that last month ,in Italy has been issued a law for theirs national tralvellers, tourists travelling in place regardless advises given by their foreign affair , discording to the local laws , or out of a relaible purpose (tourismo not included) compelling them to pay all expence in case of thei rescue. Of course this will seem informative, and we agree with You , this is a type of news you [want] us to report because our intention is not to discourge tourism. Will read your report to learn more. Cheers . |
All,
I have found the Libya info very useful. I am taking part in a trip from UK to Dubai via Libya, Egypt and saudi in 3 weeks. Our website is Destination Dubai 2012 ANY tips greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance. Geoff |
I too have crossed Libya to Egypt from Tunisia & back during the Gadaffi era & also early in 2012 (post Gadaffi).
Each time I have been in Libya I have found the people genuinely friendly & pleased to see you............even more so this year, and that goes for the soldiers manning the many checkpoints and border posts as well. As for tips, I can only say (especially if you are on 2 wheels) take care with the Libyan style of driving:thumbdown:, dont read too much into Budrinna's posts, & most of all ENJOY, its just a shame that you will be passing through such an interesting country so quickly. Andy |
Geoff
Very interesting trip. Your website is not clear how you are planning to get into Libya. Via Malta or Sicily? This doesn't sound right. Anyway, avoid Ras Adjir and go south to Dehiba. Hotels in Libya are still a problem - prices went up but accommodation is even more basic. If you can avoid spending the night in Tobruk, try a funduq in M'Said before the border. Sirte is worth a visit but do not expect a warm welcome, unlike most of other places to the east (Adjdabya was great). Wild camping was never a problem, only once we were approached by the local militia who were just curious why we were there. On arrival in Egypt watch out for the kids from the UNHCR refugee camp at the border nicking stuff. It makes sense to get a fixer for a tenner (GBP, not EGP) to navigate you through the organised chaos. And be prepared to have one bag with your private belongings inspected on an x-ray machine, even though all your other bags can go unchecked. Hope it helps. |
Thanks Roman,
We will be going Sicily, Tunisia and then into Libya. Dehiba sounds far more promising by all accounts!!! Thanks for the heads up with the kids. Do you have any heads up for a border fixer in Egypt or is it a case of find one there? Thanks mate |
Geoff,
At the Saloum border post you don't look for fixers - they will be looking for you. Just pick one who seems to act agreeably and has some English. There will be a small crowd following you anyway but you should ignore them. Do not let them touch your paperwork, only take you from one official to another and help you with filling out the forms. BTW, say hello from us to the fat man dealing with your carnet. You may also bump into a young officer dealing with you visas who speaks reasonable English (the rest of them don't or can't be bothered beyond "welcome to eezheep"). His office is next to the desk where they check your name in dozens of books listing undesirables (they once tried using computers but the last NEC broke down some twenty years ago). All in all, if you are lucky, you may get through this rigmarole in three - four hours. And when you get the last document stamped and think the worst is over, you are wrong - you have only entered the country! :welcome: to Eezheep! - |
Has anybody got news depending the availability of tourist visas and a price ?? How hard is it to obtain visas in Cairo or Karthoum ? Would be in Cairo in about 2 month.
greetings from Nairobi chris |
As I understand it, tourist visas are only issued to fly-ins with organised tours - and there aren't too many of those at the moment.
Expensive business visas with 'fake' invites may be a loophole, but I presume some government ministry sanctions it and it's what has worked so far. And anyway most overlanders are engaged in swift and edgy transits rather than tourism in the pre-revolution sense. See this thread for transit visa in Cairo - it took some persistence, I believe. Ch |
Hi Geoff - I suppose with all that backing behind you -you had somebody 'arrange' to get your Libyan visas?
Would be interested to know how you obtained them though, as am going through the process of trying to get one myself, for travel early November, although I am doing my ride fairly unsupported, mostly self funded, on a Honda XR125L (about 5 to 6 times quicker than my pushbike that I was using until a gammy knee got in the way) Can't say the London consulate was teribly helpful - was advised to sort it out when I got to Tunisia! - but think the girl on the phone didn't quite get it - so have sent them a nice letter, along with letters of endorsement from my supporters - Federation Aeronautique Internationale, International Gliding Commssion, British Gliding Association (Patron Duke of Edinburgh), Royal Aero Club of Great Britain (president Duke of York, patron HM The Queen) -see if it gets me anywhere. My contact in Libya given by the FAI doesn't seemed to have worked out as well. ps Chris: phone number has changed for London consulate- is now 020 30069 890 - press button for visa section - general enquiries get's you nowhere apart from an answer machine. Don't know if fax number has changed -forgot to ask- sent letters by post. Temhu agency was quoting 195 quid for a business visa + £55 when you got to border for plates etc. - but no gaurantees of wnat may happen at Tunisian side of border - believe some people had difficulty with the northern crossing point? Stated that the travel and transit visa's where only available for 3/4 weeks - seems there was a reversal of policy by someone, somewhere. Chris P. Don't know about the Egyptian border- or coming into Libya that way - just hope I don't get stung as badly as the guys going through the ports from Turkey. Seem's that there are quite a few people trying to get through Libya over next few months- be great if we could all assist each other with contacts etc. Ride and Glide: Africa Cape to Cape? (still a work in progress) |
Hi Paul,
Tourist visas to Libya have been stopped recently and although they will come back on line (Libyan Airlines have opened a route to Manchester today!!) nobody knows when so we have had to go through the expensive Mission visa route. It seems any of the tour companies are pretty standard in their fees for visas but we have been dealing with Basha who have been really good. They dont have a website but i will check with our guy there to see if he minds me putting his email address up. Any more tips or info from anyone would be gratefully received. Geoff |
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According to BBC thay have been banned from flying to EU countries until November: BBC News - EU bans Libyan airlines over safety concerns Their website says nothing about the Man route (latest news is dated 05 January 2011) and does not show any available flights. What's the story? |
Here you go mate, as of today it says:
Libyan Airlines restart flights to Manchester | Libya Herald |
Just be informed by a UK based Visa agency (who didn't really inspire me with confidence, as I seemed to know more than them just through looking through these forums) that the Libyan embassy (consulate) are advising not to travel through Libya, until at least after December. Just wondered, before I finaly commit to the expensive Business Visa route, is it really that bad and how everyone else was getting on, with plans for travelling through the country?
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Hi Paul,
Just replied to your PM mate. Geoff |
Think the Libya situation needs to be watched carefully - BBC News - US ambassador 'killed in Libya'
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Dear all,
On the 22nd we are going to depart on a motorbike expedition form UK to Dubai via Libya, Egypt and Saudi (Visas sorted) for Help for Heroes. If there is anyone on here that is currently in Libya or Egypt that could let me have a current brief on the situation that would be extremely useful. Thanks in advance. Geoff |
Hi Geoff,
I'm currently in Tripoli and can report that it is pretty much business as usual for us, for now. Depending on what develops over the next few days we are expecting to carry on our operations as usual with a few security measures put in place. We will not travel between our operational areas for the next couple of days. We have offices in Zintan and Misurata. Our fuel reserves are dusted off and food/water supplies have been checked. Seems like some idiots have done some real damage in Benghazi and much of our national staff believe this to be seriously bad for the new state of Libya. An effective local security force could've stopped the situation well before it escalated but the police in Libya have no real power/authority. Anyway, have a look at some of my previous posts in this thread, which should bring you up to speed security-wise, at least you'll be up to date on my opinions on security. What is your itinerary? I'll be glad to help out where I can mate. Cheers, CJ. |
Hi CJ,
Many thanks for the info. We are currently working on a couple of contingency plans at the moment to see what we can come up with as we have had Libya visas suspended for our our safety!! I will give you an update when i can. A week to go and now gone a bit manic!!! Thanks mate. Geoff |
Hey guys, what with all the unrest now flaring up in North Africa and the Middle East we are looking at various other options to getting into Africa. The initial route was through Tunisia then Libya then Egypt into Sudan. What other alternative routes are there for getting into Africa if the proverbial shit hits the fan?? Do people on the ground in Libya still believe it to be safe to travel, and if so what are the best routes (This all depending on whether visa are suspended!) Thanks :)
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There's still the ferry from Turkey? - but expensive and it appears the Eygptian customs will rip you off, when you get there.
Suppose you could fly in - but mega expensive with anything more than a bicycle. (My original plan - when I was intially travelling by bicycle before my knee gave in - everything goes tits up just put bicycle and me on a plane and bypass country) - can't do that with motorcycle. For me I have decided that my limited funds are best spent travelling parts of the world where I am not taking the gamble of spending £'000s just for bloody paperwork i.e. carnet, visas, to maybe see it go up in smoke. For me north eastern Africa is off the cards at present for travelling through by any motorised means, I'm just not that rich! |
Air ship to Kenya?
Fellow Saharan hopeful travellers:
I'm afraid i'm loosing the drive for Libya and Tunisia and the easy ferry from Genoa with this recent wave of violence. Driving the 3000 km to the Turkish ferry and then Egyptian port import hassles isn't in my plan either. Damn. I just started looking at flying a bike on Qatar Air Cargo from Milan to Nairobi. They have daily flights (air cargo), and $500 for a pax ticket. Has anyone sipped to Kenya and how hard and expensive was it? i will report on the shipping cost when i get one. Maybe things will calm down by the time i leave in mid November, but the trend is not promising. Chris Scott, what would you do??? |
I would take the Turkey-Egypt ferry option because from there to Kenya will be the best part of your trip - or certainly the part you remember best...
Although I have not done it, but the time you get to Kenya I suspect the real adventure will largely be over, it gets expensive and is a bit of a parade down to the Cape. Because Libya would have been a lot to pay for a tense transit, you're not missing too much there apart from saying you did it. Ferry immigration at Alex or wherever can only be a day at worst, assuming it is a regular ferry and not a cargo ship. It's always been slow with Egypt but it's not actually dodgy, just bureaucratically convoluted but once you're in, you're in. Then there is only the Wadi Halfa dance... I think the current anti-west protests will calm down by Nov, but will recur or get stirred up periodically. It seems to me that the Libya attack, for example, was far from spontaneous. I very much doubt you will encounter any hostility - in fact most probably quite the opposite. Flying cargo to Nairobi may well be as much hassle and expense as Egypt from what I have heard. I think I'd sooner fly into Cape Town (less hassle) and do a big tour as far north as you like, but that's not the same as a full lap down from Cairo. Stick with that plan then when you get to Marsabit you can pat yourself on the back and say you did it! What about ferries to Israel from Cyprus or Greece, then Sinai into Egypt? I suspect an Egyptian land border may be better than a port and as it's been there lately, they may even wish you hurry you through. Ch |
Skip Egypt if possible, with all the ripp-off charges and duties. We got properly shafted in Aswan. Some Dutch have gone to Israel, Jordan then Saudi and chase down to Jeddah and then ship over to Port Sudan.
My bikes are in Cairo and I need to get them out of there to Europe so I am also still looking for a way out. Read up on a story of shipping out of Egypt at Port Said and it was no joke for the people and cost. |
One useful point of contact if you still consider Libya is Libya Travel & Tours Libya Travel & Tours http://www.libyatravelandtours.com contact x libyatravelandtours.com
They have been very helpful for us (although we have not actually used them yet, just planning the route north as we are still in Tanzania) & the costs don't seem to be any more then the ferry to Turkey. An option worth exploring? |
Two foreinghers , one briton and one form new zeland found dead near Sabratha.
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... and south Cyrenaica seems to be in full turmoil ...
Tensions in Kufra following desert kidnapping | Libya Herald At least one dead in Kufra communal clashes | Libya Herald Sudanese hostages freed in south Libya | Libya Herald Tensions rising in Kufra | Libya Herald Jalu digs for safety | Libya Herald On a brighter note, it seems that there are plans to start issuing Tourist Visas at Tripoli Airport again (I know, of not much use to overlanders, but at least a step ahead...): Libya to start issuing tourist visas | Libya Herald |
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Libya is presently not safe for tourists, and the situation is not improving.
We are no longer helping with tourism visas. We are still facilitating for business/government and NGO clients, but in combination with a personal security detail (with them for the duration of their stay in the country). Safe travels, Sam. |
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Our local media reports: In Libya, three Europeans working for Italian construction company disappeared in city of Zuwara west from Tripolis. Libyan media speculate that they the Italian, Macedonian and Bosnian citizen were kidnapped. Government in Italy and Bosnia already confirmed this news.
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It seems that the security situation in Libya worsens. A few days ago Libyan smugglers attacked and killed 21 Egyptian border guards: Gunmen kill 21 Egyptian military border guards near Libya | Reuters
and now fighting at the Tripoli airport: Heavy clashes erupt over Tripoli airport, at least four dead | Reuters |
Leave Libya now warning
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All hell is breaking loose, it seems. Worst every day! :(
Western governments tell nationals to leave Libya; Germans and Dutch closing embassies | Great people and beautiful country (was there back in 98)! Let's hope they get their act together sooner than later! RN |
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That being said, the situation within Libya does not look too promising, unlikely things will get any better until one side or both runs out of firecrackers, but that will take awhile... |
Thank you both, Chris and Andrasz, for the detailed explanation. Basically, I was confused by the information of the local media which reported that the incident took place on the border between the two countries. I was looking for the exact location, but I did not find it. In particular, I forward information within the meaning, warning travelers to avoid the above-mentioned areas. Well, now the security situation in Libya is disastrous.
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Algeria and Egypt are planning to send troops into Libya.
The Algerians are already there from what I hear. |
Where have you got these infos?
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If you keep your ear to the ground you hear things...
Sisi's first foreign trip as President was a short and rather low-key visit to Algeria. I don't think it was just to discuss World Cup results with Bouteflika. |
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(I'm speaking about Algerians now in Lybia) Except if this is confirmed by a "reliable" media, for me, it's only speculations... But it can be true (like a lot of other speculations). RR |
Let's just say I have heard it from a well connected source who usually has more insight into what's happening in Algeria than the media channels.
Of course I'm not in a position to be able to confirm or deny this rumor, but it does sound plausible. However the operation is likely to only affect the immediate border zone, I doubt that the Algerian military would want to get involved with the intra-militia squabbles. |
Well apart from rumours in Djanet and Sebha it is in the media
Libye : Probable intervention militaire d’Alger ou du Caire - Actualité - El Watan foreigners are leaving Libya en masse BBC News - Diplomat to oversee mass Filipino evacuation from Libya Algerian army also made a deal with Tunisia and have sent thousands of soldiers into Tunisia (Mount Chaambi) http://www.elwatan.com//une/l-engage...266833_108.php |
Aaah, the rumour seems more reliable....
RR. |
Hello everyone,
I have bad news, people we know in Tripoli are now letting us know that it's starting to go full scale gunfights in the city. Bombings/RPG attacks and further. Not evrywhere and not all the time. In the more eastern part all the big cities are getting hammered. So Libya is going the bad way. sakke |
Libyan friends of mine who are in touch with their relatives in Libya say it is getting worse everyday and fighting is everywhere. some have even cancelled their holidays to Libya because of the security problem.
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Below, a map posted a couple of weeks ago by
https://twitter.com/Morning_LY And, from the same site, looks like MBM has a new enemy in Libya (AQIM and IS are adversaries) Hard to believe Thoughts from Libya - Shifting Sands just a year ago. |
It'll be a very long time before we can go back on holiday to Libya... :(
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Inch'Allah
Budrinna |
Report and pics from southern Libya
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Reuters: Two Serbian embassy staff members were abducted in Sabratha, Libya
Two Serbian embassy staff seized in Libyan 'ambush' | Reuters |
Libya's Quiet War: The Tuareg Of South Libya [Video link]
https://news.vice.com/video/libyas-q...of-south-libya
Libya's Quiet War: The Tuareg Of South Libya In remote southwest Sahara, the indigenous Tuareg tribe — variously used and discriminated against by former strongman Muammar Qaddafi — fight for their place in a post-revolutionary Libya. Living deep in Libya's desert near large oil fields and lucrative smuggling routes, hundreds of miles from Libya's capital, the Tuareg find themselves impoverished and isolated on this prized land. Nowhere is this felt more than in the oasis town of Ubari. Here the Tuareg are pitted against former neighbors in a proxy battle for assets and power, backed by government and international interests. VICE News travels to meet the Tuareg on the front lines of Ubari and the border town of Ghat, to find out what is really happening in this rarely visited land. |
Algeria preparing for foreign intervention along the 1232 kms border with Libya
Alerte rouge à la frontière algéro-libyenne - Actualité - El Watan |
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Thank you for posting.
Sent from my SM-P350 using Tapatalk |
Linky : 3 foreign workers kidnapped in southwestern Libya - World - CBC News
"The abduction of the engineers was carried out by a small outlawed group," Ghat is just across Djanet, in Algeria http://i.cbc.ca/1.3769243.1474310957...ghat-libya.jpg |
Just read where these three guys were released unharmed in a CBC news report
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Question about security issue
Hi fellow riders...i am planning a summer trip from Italy to Tunisia and then pass to Libya.
I would like to ask if its safe enough to pass Libya for Egypt or better by pass it. Thank you a lot! |
I have not heard of any independent travellers crossing Libya since 2014. After that it became too dangerous. For the moment tourism is finished and there isn't even a unified state called 'Libya' anymore.
https://sahara-overland.com/libya-2/ |
Traversing Northern Libya (Tunisia -> Egypt)
I've been researching on to traverse Libya with the hope that in late 2017 things might be better than they were last year.
So far, 2016 was 8 times deadlier than 2017. Although the year is not over yet, it seems things have improved. Has anyone on this forum had any real-life experience with crossing Northern Libya in 2017? I'd like to take a bus (or some other ground transport) across Northern Libya. :scooter: When I asked one expert about it, he wrote the email below.... Quote:
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What Tidwa are saying is what we all know: despite the troubles, journalists and similar can get 'business visas' to visit the Tripoli area where one of the governments is based. (My impression of Tidwa has been a good one, compared to other agencies.)
So if it's just a matter of getting a Libyan stamp in your passport, that is easily done. If, as your sig suggests, you are trying to either end your trip there, or cross Libya from one country to another, land borders may be another matter. Even journalists don't try that as things stand. I've lost track who controls the Tunisian and Egyptian borders (let alone the ones down south), but you can be sure it's not the same outfit. |
I had business dealings in Libya prior to Ghaddafi's death and visited several times. Two points about this; the visa cost has skyrocketed! My Libyan business partners (predominantly from Benghazi) are still adamant that it's too dangerous to return. Many of my former Libyan acquaintances are doing business from outside the country. My main partner there is saying he'll never returned having been kidnapped and held blindfolded for 3 months, initially picked up with his two small children at their school gate!
Not an ideal situation! I'd be very, VERY cautious! |
Just for you to know, talking with the Lybian embassy in Madrid two weeks ago, they Highly recommend not to go. I was trying to cross Lybia from Tunez to Egypt, but there are now 3 different goverments on the route, and the whole area is unsafe. Talking with a couple of lybian locals, they say the same thing, it's much better to avoid that cross.
Now I'm managing to get to Israel and Egypt through Sinai. |
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