According to Libya Expeditions, Libya’s leading tour operator and travel adventure specialist, the groundbreaking trade and investment agreement inked between Libya and the U.S. on Thursday has resulted in Libya lifting all visa restrictions on U.S. citizens traveling to the country.

Ryad Sunusi, Libya Expeditions Founder & CEO, sees the latest pact as a milestone in U.S.-Libyan relations. “We fully support the reform policies of Seif Islam and the full normalization of U.S.-Libyan relations, including the full lifting of visa restrictions on U.S. citizens for travel to Libya.”

“Effective immediately, visas are being approved for U.S. citizens for travel to Libya. We are pleased with the new developments and giving the opportunity to U.S. citizens to return to Libya and explore this magical and scenic land.”

Libya, long shrouded in mystery, has earned a cult reputation in recent years among adventure enthusiasts and the discerning cultural traveler. Long a crossroads of ancient civilizations, Libya is an incredible land of majestic classical ruins and awe-inspiring desert landscapes and is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Roman ruins of Leptis Magna and Sabratha; the Hellenic ruins of Cyrene; the desert town of Ghadames; and the Rock-Art Sites of the freakish Tadrart Akakus.

Libya Expeditions, Libya’s largest tour operator, welcomes cooperation with U.S. travel agencies and operators wishing to add Libya as a destination to their itineraries, and offers a range of tours including cultural tours, school trips, and desert expeditions.

Libya recently announced an ambitious strategy to attract 1.5 Million tourists annually by 2012; and to that effect, loosened tourist visa procedures so visas for most nationalities can be obtained on arrival.

Top countries sending tourists to Libya are Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the UK.