UK opens full visa service in Libya

From Thursday, the UK  re-opened a full visa service in Libya, after the previous service closed in February 2011. From 5 April 2012, Libyans will be able to apply for their UK visa at the Visa Application Centre in Tripoli. Speaking about the re-opened visa service, FCO Minister for North Africa Alistair Burt said: "I am delighted that Libyans wishing to travel to the UK can now apply for their visa in Tripoli".   "This move will further enhance the growing relationship between our two countries and will promote stronger political, economic and cultural ties. There has been sustained progress in all these areas over the past six months and I am confident this will continue. Better transportation is an important driver of this, and I look forward to the resumption of direct flights between the UK and Libyan as soon as possible".   Libyans will be able to apply for the full range of visas - including business, education, family visits or tourism.  Libyans who wish to transit at a UK airport need to apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV), unless they are travelling to or from the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.