June 3, 2010

This warden message confirms that Libyan tourist visas are now being issued to American citizens.

The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli has received formal confirmation from the Libyan government that U.S. citizens can now receive Libyan tourist visas, using the same procedures utilized by European tourists.  To date, our understanding of these procedures is that U.S. citizens must apply for tourist visas through licensed tour operators, who will file the necessary paperwork for the visa with the Libyan authorities. We have not yet received information from the Libyan authorities as to whether Arabic passport translations are required for American tourists (most European tourists now travel to Libya without the passport translation).  Through licensed tour agencies, tourist visas can be obtained for U.S. tourists within 4-15 days. Once the tourist is in Libya, he/she must obtain a registration stamp in his/her passport from the Libyan tourist police; a procedure that can also be handled by tour agencies.

Note that these new procedures apply only to tourist visas and should not, under any circumstances, be used for business travel to Libya.  Using a tourist visa to travel to Libya for business purposes contravenes Libyan law, and places the traveler at risk of arrest.

Once we obtain more detailed information about the procedures for application for tourist visas to Libya, we will disseminate that information to potential visitors by updating our Country Specific Information for Libya.  American citizens who wish to explore this new method for obtaining tourist visas should contact a Libyan tour operator that deals with European travelers for further information as all applications will need to go through a licensed operator in Libya.

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.