By Sami Zaptia.
London, 17 December 2019:
Turkey has eased its visa requirements for Libyans. Previously those over 65 did not need a visa to enter Turkey. Libyans holding a valid Schengen visa could apply online for a Turkish visa.
The new easier procedure means Libyans under 18 and over 55 no longer need a visa to enter Turkey.
Turkey reintroduced visas for Libyans in 2015 as the security situation in Libya deteriorated. Previously Libyans did not need a visa to travel to Turkey.
It restarted issuing visas from the capital Tripoli in 2017 where previously they could only be applied for from its consulate in Misrata.
The move is seen as part of the wider move of closer relations by the Turkish government and the internationally recognized Libyan government in Tripoli led by Faiez Serraj.
On 7 Nov. 7 Turkey and the Serraj government agreed two separate and controversial Memorandums of Understanding. The first was on military cooperation and the the second was on the maritime boundaries of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The latter allowed Turkey the right to drill for oil and gas in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Following the military cooperation deal, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey would consider sending troops to Libya if the Serraj government made such a demand.
https://www.libyaherald.com/2019/09/26/turkey-agrees-to-reduce-age-range-for-libyans-requiring-an-entry-visa/
https://www.libyaherald.com/2017/04/14/turkey-to-issue-tourist-visas-from-tripoli-embassy/
https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/06/03/turkey-to-issue-libyans-with-visas-on-arrival-in-turkey-report/
https://www.libyaherald.com/2015/08/25/turkey-to-require-libyans-to-have-visas/
