Yesterday as I flew into Tripoli, I talked with a number of different business travelers heading to Libya. I had been recently told that one must have a Libya Visa stamped in their passport before arrival in Tripoli. Yesterday, I learned that this is not the case.
Visa Letter Confirmation
One of the men had a letter from the immigration department and his host business stating that the visa had been approved. The letter from the immigration officials in Libya was written in Arabic with his name and passport number and the visa approval number. This man was questioned upon departing from Tunisia by the airport staff, but they quickly let him on the plane once they saw he had the visa approved. Upon arrival in Tripoli, he went to the visa office on the right and was granted a visa.
Letter from Company
The other traveler, did not actually have the visa approval letter, but just had an official company letter of invitation. I was sure he was going to be stopped, however, this was not the case. The man was questioned more intensely by the airport staff in Tunisia, however, was able to get on the plane. Did he talk his way on? Did he have a previous expired visa? Had he traveled to Libya numerous times in the past? I am not sure why…but they let him on the plane. He too went to the visa office in the Tripoli airport and was given the visa.
Still unclear in my mind
Recently we have had a number of travelers looking to come to Libya on business and pleasure. Up to this point, the law seems to be unclear. One thing I do know…It is possible to get a visa upon arrival at the Tripoli airport! It seems easy if you have the approval letter from immigration in Libya…You may even be able to chance it on a company letter…but I would not recommend that.
The time is coming when travel to Libya will open and the visa situation will be clear. This is the time to start planning your trip to Libya.
