Libya bans issuing of visas-on-arrival to five Islamic nationalities

In a letter copied to Libyan Airlines, Afriqiyah Airways, Libyan Wings, Med-Avia and Buraq, Mitiga Passport Control head Mustafa Buazza said any airline which flew restricted nationalities into Libya without a visa would be held responsible for returning them to their countries of origin.

No reasons were given for the restrictions or why the five nationalities were targeted. Muazza also advised the affected foreign nationals that all pre-issued Libyan government letters of authority to travel first and pick visas on arrival had been nullified.

However, he said the changes would not affect those who already had valid Libyan visa stamps on their passports. Further, Libyan government departments would still be allowed to authorise specified foreign national to enter the country and obtain visas on arrival.

It remains unclear which of the three Libyan governments is authorised to issue visa waivers to enable visits by the affected foreign nationals.