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TRAVEL REPORT
Libya

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 8 (Ramadan) has been updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Libya

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

While most Canadians travelling to Libya do not experience problems, they should be aware of the potential threat of terrorism in the country. Canadians should monitor local news reports, take appropriate steps to increase their personal security and contact the Canadian Embassy in Tripoli for assistance and advice.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the border areas with Niger, Chad, Sudan and Algeria due to the presence of armed groups and the threat of banditry. Border areas may open and close without warning – however, the majority of the time, they tend to remain closed. Canadians who choose to visit these border areas despite this official warning should be aware that they must be accompanied by an officially sanctioned guide and must obtain approval from Libyan authorities.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

Street crime is on the rise, especially in Tripoli. Theft from vehicles and car-jacking do occur. Muggings and purse snatching are frequent, in particular on beaches. Pickpockets may be active in busy market areas (souks).

Demonstrations

Demonstrations can occur, particularly to mark important anniversaries or political developments. Canadians should closely monitor local news reports, exercise caution, and avoid large crowds.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Libyan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. Libya may refuse to issue entry visas without prior and/or official warning. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Libyan Embassy in Ottawa for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Libya. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians have had difficulties obtaining a visa without a six-month validity period remaining in their passports. The passport should not bear an Israeli visa or border stamp.

The Libyan authorities require an Arabic translation of the ID page (diplomatic passports are exempt). An Arabic stamp has to be obtained from Passport Canada prior to the translation. For clarification on the procedure performed by Passport Canada, consult their Web page. The translated Arabic portion should contain the seal of the translator. Canadians should contact the Libyan Embassy for more information about acceptable translation services and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements. Canadians who do not meet the Libyan requirements may not be able to enter the country. Canadians abroad should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Canada to inquire about the service, as well as they should contact the nearest Libyan embassy to obtain the name of an acceptable certified translator.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Visitor visas are issued at any Libyan Embassy, except in New York. Visas will only be issued to residents of the country where the application is made. A 20-working-day waiting period will apply for the issuance of visas after handing in your passport and application in person at a Libyan Embassy. Mail applications are not accepted. Visitors should confirm this procedure with Libyan authorities. Tourist visas are not usually available to individual Canadians unless they are part of an organized tour group travelling under the auspices of an accredited travel agent in Libya.

Libyan regulations stipulate that anyone originating their travel from Libya must purchase their tickets within Libya. Persons originating their travel from outside Libya can use return air tickets.

Travellers over the age of one are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from an infected area.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Libya - TRIPOLI, Embassy of Canada
Address: Al-Fateh Tower, Tower 1, 7th Floor, Tripoli
Postal Address: P.O. Box 93392, Tripoli,
Tel.: 218 (21) 335-1633
Fax: 218 (21) 335-1630
E-Mail: trpli@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.libya.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Tripoli and follow the instructions. You may also call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited and some medicines are in short supply.

You should drink bottled water only. Most grocery stores carry UHT (ultra-high-temperature) milk, coming mainly from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Europe.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. However, the Canadians of Libyan origin are the exceptions since they run the risk of seizure of their Canadian passport, long interrogations, and possibly, problems leaving the country if they are deemed in violation of this law. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is extremely difficult for a Canadian woman, even if she is a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through a court decision, unless she decides to stay in Libya. Regardless of parental marital status, children of Libyan fathers acquire Libyan citizenship at birth, and must enter and leave Libya on Libyan passports. Canadian mothers taking their Libyan children outside the country need permission from their husband.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2010, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11.

Firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, and currency are subject to strict customs regulations. Harsh penalties may be imposed for criticizing the country, its leadership, or religion.

Homosexual activity and sexual relations outside of marriage are considered illegal.

Foreign visitors should be aware that their passport might be confiscated in business disputes.

You should not photograph military sites or personnel.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

The road system is extensive, but many roads in the south are unpaved and there are only sand tracks in the desert. You should avoid road travel in the southeast region due to the possibility of landmines. Traffic is heavy on the main east-west coastal highway, close to the principal cities of Tripoli and Benghazi. The rate of vehicle accidents is high. Poor driving skills, excessive speeds, and traffic violations pose risks. Rental cars are available but expensive.

In the event of an accident, you should remain calm and, with the help of an interpreter, contact the local police. Local authorities may detain motorists involved in an accident until the court case is settled, if the accident resulted in loss of life or heavy damage. Use luxury, air-conditioned buses for intercity travel. Taxis are available, and fares should be negotiated prior to departure. Minibuses operate between Benghazi and Tobruk. Ferry services are available between Valletta, Malta, and Tripoli.

The border with Egypt is subject to occasional closures. Land border crossings from Niger are prohibited. Overland travellers may face long delays at the border with Tunisia due to heavy traffic at Ras Djedir.

Travel to the desert should be undertaken during the cooler season (November to March) with a knowledgeable guide, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and supplies of food, fuel, and water. A travel agency should be consulted in advance on such arrangements. Access to certain areas requires Libyan authorities to issue a “desert pass.” Access may be restricted for security reasons. You should avoid travelling alone.

United Nations Security Council sanctions against Libya were in force from April 1992 to April 1999. In September 2003, the sanctions were lifted completely. Most airline connections to Libya that existed prior to 1992 have been re-established, including those from the Middle East and Europe. You should contact your airline or travel agent for current information.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The economy is primarily cashed-based. ABMs are not readily available. The currency, the Libyan dinar (LYD), is non-convertible outside the country. Travellers must adhere to the correct rules regarding currency declarations and exchange rates. Only U.S. dollars, euros, British pounds, Swiss francs and Tunisian dinars can be converted into dinars. Visitors importing U.S. dollars may have to fill out a declaration form at the airport to prove that the currency was imported legally. U.S. dollars can be exchanged legally at official exchange counters or banks, but travellers will have to provide their declaration form.

Severe penalties can be imposed for transactions with unauthorized currency dealers. Retain currency exchange receipts to present upon departure. Visitors should ensure they have sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay. Traveller's cheques are not accepted. Credit cards can be used to purchase an airline ticket as well as in some large hotels (check before you leave).

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from November to March. Temperatures can reach 40 °C between June and September. The desert area can be extremely hot during the day with cool nights. You should follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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