Travel to Libya to the Ancient City of Tripoli
Libyan Visa Requirements, Hotels and Sightseeing in North Africa
Oct 19, 2009
Libya, like so many African countries, has a history of being conquered and colonized by one nation or another for centuries, including Phoenicians, Greeks, Berbers, Turks and Italians.
Historical artifacts to be seen in museums as well as Roman ruins bear testimony to this fact, and bear silent witness to these past invasions.
Travel to Libya – Is it Safe?
Travel in Libya is very safe, criminals are treated very harshly and so crime is minimal. However, it is wise for Western women to cover up, wearing very modest clothes, remembering that this is a strict Muslim country where exposing bare flesh is considered indecent.
Libyans are traditionally warm and hospitable people and tourists are regarded with friendly curiosity.
The risks of driving at night are due not due to bandits but to bad driving, road lighting and camels crossing in the dark, and for this reason it is best to avoid driving at night time.
Libya Visa Requirements
A tourist or business visa to enter Libya is a requirement for nationals of USA, UK, Canada and European nations, in fact only a few countries are exempt from visa requirements. A Libya visa can be obtained at an embassy in the country of residence of the applicant, typically a tourist visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue and costs in the region of $150.
Hotels in Tripoli
In Tripoli, the largest hotel is Corinthia Hotel which is the hotel of choice generally for international tourists to this part of Libya. It is situated next to the old city (The Medina or "Al Souq Al Qadeem").
Other hotels are Bab-Al-Bahr, Al-Kabir, and El-Mahari. Several smaller hotels have opened around town, such as Zumit Hotel which is an old, beautifully-renovated hotel, next to the Old Roman Arch in Bab-Al-Bahr.
Hostels in Tripoli are cheaper than hotels and are generally clean and well maintained.
Sightseeing in Tripoli
There is a lot to see in this pleasant harbor town with its laid back and calm atmosphere such as:
Clean, white beaches: Tripoli's beaches are on the western side of the city with safe changing facilities, restaurants and cafes.
Tripoli's National Jamahiriya Museum: This museum houses one of the best collections of classical art in North Africa.
Leptis Magna: Roman ruins found approximately 180km from Tripoli. These ruins are considered by historians to be the most impressive and best preserved examples of Roman and Greek civilization in all of North Africa. A UNESCO world heritage site, the once prosperous Roman African city contains relics of temples, colonnaded streets, baths and swimming pools, arches and monuments.
Food in Tripoli is of very good quality and because of the Italian influence, Italian food is popular in many restaurants and is not expensive. However, there is not an enormous variety of food and alcohol is banned.
More North African Travel Articles that may Interest the Reader
Egyptian Nile Cruise Holidays: Best times and ways to cruise the Nile, Egypt.
UNESCO World Heritage Site at Lalibela, Ethiopia: Article looks at the monolithic, subterranean churches carved out of rock at Lalibela
Red Sea Scuba Diving Holidays: What the diver can expect to see at one of the best dive sites in the world.
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