Tripoli

Getting In and Around

Visas: Libya has begun opening its borders more widely. In July 2010 it announced that it would be issuing visas to Americans again, after a brief moratorium on visa granting, and the United States embassy opened a visa office in the country for the first time since 1980. One caveat: You must register with an officially sanctioned Libyan tourist company. Often the tour company will help you with the visa application, as there are only a handful you are allowed to use.

Libya also requires biometric information, so all visa applicants must visit the Libyan embassy for fingerprinting. You must contact the embassy to learn all the requirements; be prepared to provide evidence of insurance, hotel reservations, and proof of a round-trip flight. Difficulty has occurred in the past over a requirement that all travelers have an Arabic translation of their passports. That may no longer be necessary, given the new movement to allow visitors, but it is still recommended.

In sum: Contact the Libyan Embassy well before you would like to travel to the country, in order to begin the visa application process.

Transportation: If you book your trip through an agency, your tour company will organize any transportation. The primary forms of travel are automobile and motorcycle. Even if you find yourself alone with a vehicle in Libya, be aware that there are certain parts of the country to which you are not allowed to travel, such as the Tibesti region, in the southeast.

Safety and Security

You will usually be accompanied when you are in Libya because you must be with a tour company. You should feel safe most of the time. As is appropriate for travel in any country, especially cities, be alert about your person and belongings.

On the road, be aware that Libyan drivers tend to go very fast. Always slow down at the checkpoints to prevent any negative exchanges with the armed checkpoint guards. Make sure that you are legally allowed to visit the part of the country you are trying to visit. Carry identification.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has created a security ratings system called the Ibrahim Index, wherein scores are based on each country’s quality of government. Before traveling to Libya or anywhere on the continent, check the index and do your research.

The Top 3: Local Advice

1. The cultural and tourism center of Tripoli is the medina, which provides traditional shopping, mosques, restaurants, and bathhouses.

2. The major university of Libya is located in Tripoli, Al-Fateh University.

3. Tripoli is presently experiencing a major construction boom, which is partly due to the increased expectation from tourism, now that the country has begun accepting more visas from western visitors.

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