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5/23/2010 Possible Development in Libyan Tourist Visas for Americans

5/23/2010 Possible Development in Libyan Tourist Visas for Americans

U.S. Embassy Tripoli Warden Message—Possible Development in Libyan Tourist Visas for Americans

May 23, 2010

This warden message announces a possible development in Libyan tourist visa issuance for American citizens.

Late last week, several Libyan tour agencies were reportedly contacted by the Libyan Ministry of Tourism-equivalent, and told that Libyan tourist visas for American citizens would henceforth be available, following the same procedures by which European tourists obtain visas (namely, through tour agencies, rather than applications by individuals at Libyan embassies abroad). We have received oral confirmation from Libyan officials of this very positive development, but have not yet seen any written confirmation.

We wanted to inform the American community of what we have heard to date, and once we have obtained more detailed information about the availability of tourist visas for Americans, and the procedures for application, we will disseminate that information to the American community of Libya. American citizens who wish to explore this reported new method for obtaining tourist visas may wish to contact a Libyan tour operator for further information.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in the Ben Ashour neighborhood on Jeraba Street behind the former Libyan-Swiss Clinic. Our phone numbers are 021-337-3100 during business hours or 091-366-2696 (after-hours number for emergencies involving American citizens only).

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's website and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs' website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those both residing and traveling abroad.  U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information.  The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.