A new Schengen visa application centre has officially opened in Benghazi, marking a significant step in expanding consular services for Libyans in the east of the country. The announcement was made by the Spanish Embassy in Libya, which said the centre will help ease access to visa services without the need to travel to Tripoli.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Consul General, highlighting the importance attached to improving mobility options for Libyan citizens. According to the embassy, the Benghazi centre will operate in a similar manner to the existing visa centre in Tripoli, which has been in service since late 2023 and has already processed more than 8,000 visa applications.
Visa applications in Benghazi will be handled through a centre managed by BLS, the same company currently operating the Tripoli facility. Officials said this approach ensures unified procedures, consistent standards and improved efficiency for applicants across Libya.
The embassy explained that the new centre is designed to serve Libyan residents in eastern regions, reducing pressure on the Tripoli centre and cutting travel time and costs for applicants. This move is expected to be welcomed by students, business travellers and families seeking short-term travel to Europe under the Schengen framework.
In addition to Schengen visas, the embassy confirmed that both Benghazi and Tripoli centres will also begin processing national visa applications in the coming period. This expansion is expected to further enhance the overall quality and scope of consular services available to Libyans.
The opening of the Benghazi centre reflects growing demand for legal and organised travel channels, as well as efforts to improve service accessibility across Libya. The embassy encouraged applicants to follow official guidance and use authorised centres only, stressing the importance of accurate documentation and appointment procedures to ensure smooth processing.
