A new era has dawned for Libyan travellers wishing to discover the treasures of Jordan. The Hashemite kingdom has just made it easier for Libyan nationals to enter its territory, thanks to visa exemption.
This decision, taken by the Jordanian Ministry of the Interiormarks a turning point in relations between the two countries. Gone are the red tape and long waits for the precious sesame. From now on, Libyans will be able to set foot on Jordanian soil with just their passport.
The move comes at just the right time for Jordan's tourism sector, which is seeking to revive after the difficult years of the pandemic. By opening its doors wide to Libyan visitors, Jordan hopes to attract a new clientele, eager to discover its emblematic sites such as Petrathe Dead Sea or the desert of Wadi Rum.
Royal Jordanian back in service
Another encouraging sign is that the airline Royal Jordanian has announced the resumption of its flights to Libya. This decision, which goes hand in hand with the easing of entry conditions, should facilitate travel between the two countries.
In concrete terms, Libyan travellers will now be able to stay in Jordan for a maximum of 90 days. A period long enough for them to explore the country's riches in depth, from the capital Amman to the shores of the Red Sea, via the ancient remains of Jerash.
Against this backdrop of openness, the Jordan Pass has become an essential tool for Libyan travellers wishing to explore the Hashemite Kingdom. This tourist pass, the key to discovering the country's wonders, comes into its own with visa exemption. Not only does it offer entry to over 40 tourist sites, including the not-to-be-missed ancient city of Petra, but also free visa fees (for eligible nationalities) for stays of more than 3 consecutive nights.
A strong diplomatic gesture
In addition to its economic benefits, this decision also has a significant political dimension. By exempting Libyans from visa requirements, Jordan is sending a strong signal of its desire to strengthen ties with Libya.
This rapprochement comes at a time of rapid regional change. While several Arab countries are seeking to normalize their relations with neighboring Syria, Jordan seems intent on playing its own game by turning to Libya.
Jordan may be opening its doors wide to Libyans, but not all countries are. Libyan passport holders still face numerous travel restrictions around the world.
According to the Global Passport Power Rank 2024Libya's passport ranks 86th in the world in terms of freedom of travel, on a par with those of the Palestinian Territory and Sudan. Libyan citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 52 countries and territories.
Conversely, many countries continue to impose strict restrictions on Libyan travelers. This is particularly true of the United States and Canada, where obtaining a visa remains an obstacle course. The same applies to the European Union, where Libyans must systematically apply for a Schengen visa before their departure. More surprisingly, some countries go so far as to categorically refuse entry to Libyan nationals. This is the case of Bangladesh, which is on the blacklist of countries barring Libyan passport holders from entering their territory. |