Libya is open for business and, with only a few exceptions, the country is stable. Benghazi Airport is open and Tripoli Airport will open on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. The new government is still finding its way, but the Gaddafi government is no longer legitimate.
So as of today, September 19, 2011, no visas are required because the rebel government has not re-opened embassies overseas, although I expect this to change soon. The U.S. State Department still carries a travel warning on its web site, and states that a 'passport and visa' are required, but this information is woefully out-of-date (as usual).
Royal Jordanian Airlines began flying to Benghazi a few days ago, and soon air service will start up to both Benghazi and Tripoli, probably from Malta, Turkey and Egypt, followed by service from Continental Europe.
I visited Libya for five days in April 2011, by using an Egyptian taxi to drive in from Seloum, Egypt to Benghazi and I had a most remarkable and safe time, even though I got very close to the fighting in Ajdabya. The Libyan people were very accommodating and friendly -- I was invited to dinner about 10 times when people I found out I was an American.
Libyans know the history of bad blood that has existed between the U.S. and Gaddafi for decades, and any visitor to Libya will discover a friendly, almost euphoric, people who have thrown off the shackles of a brutal dictator, and who are looking forward to a bright future.
I will post some photos and storied about my trip, and I hope to be going back in a few weeks.
Kevin Hughes
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