Foreign Affairs Canada publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

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, all Canadian citizens of Libyan origin travelling to Libya must have their Libyan passport for presentation at the border or port of entry. If they present their Canadian passport, they risk having problems, beginning with the seizure of their Canadian passport, long interrogations, and problems leaving the country.

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.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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 (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). 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. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.

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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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

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

Libya - TRIPOLI, Embassy of Canada
Address: Al-Fateh Tower, Tower 1, 7th Floor, Tripoli, Libya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 93392, Tripoli, Libya
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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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Libyan authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on May 1st, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries 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 country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the People's Bureau of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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. Ideally, the passport should contain a standard Arabic translation of its main elements. The passport should not bear an Israeli visa or border stamp.

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

Visitor visas are issued at any Libyan People's bureau, except in New York. Visas will only be issued to residents of the country where the application is made. A 10-working-day waiting period will apply for the issuance of visas after handing in your passport and application in person at a Libyan bureau. 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.

On August 15, 2005, Libya announced that all visitors to Libya, irrespective of nationality, should be in possession of a minimum amount of foreign currency equivalent to 500 Libyan dinars. The Libyan authorities have requested that passengers prove that they meet this requirement to an immigration officer on arrival in Libya. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in instant deportation and a fine to the airline.

There are a number of exceptions to this regulation. They are for visitors:

- who obtained a visa for an official mission;
- who obtained a visa for study on a government course;
- who are in possession of an official government invitation;
- who are joining a Libyan resident, provided the resident undertakes to bear the cost of the visitor’s stay and medical treatment; and
- who are travelling in tourist groups arranged by tour operator or travel agency where expenses have been covered before arrival.

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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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 visa requirements for this and other countries, 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 may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries 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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9. MONEY

The economy is cashed-based. ATMs 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 and euros 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. GENERAL INFORMATION

Libya (capital: Tripoli) is located in northern Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Tunisia, and Algeria. Tourist facilities are not widely available. Hotel reservations may not be honoured if there is a sudden need to accommodate an important official or business delegation. The official language is Arabic.

Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to this country. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site. You may also e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7500.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

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 Medicine Program 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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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited and some medicines are in short supply. You should drink bottled water only. Milk is unpasteurized, and water and milk should be boiled. However, most grocery stores carry UHT (ultra-high-temperature) milk, coming mainly from Egypt and Europe.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. 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.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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