Last Updated:
November 13, 2007 18:17
EST
Still Valid:
November 15, 2007 21:10
EST
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1. RECENT UPDATES
The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.
Section 4 (new requirement) has been updated.
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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Libya
Canadians travelling to Libya should exercise a high degree of caution, especially when travelling on routes near the Niger, Chad, and Sudan borders. These regions are notorious for armed highway bandits, or "coupeurs de routes". You should carry travel documents at all times.
Regional Warning(IDW10)
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the border areas with Chad and Sudan. The border between Libya and these countries continues to be closed.
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 in a foreign country, 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
It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. 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 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.
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.
Violent crime is lower than in most Western countries. However, armed carjackings and theft from vehicles can occur. Beaches are also the frequent sites of muggings and purse snatchings. Pickpockets may be active in busy market areas (souks).
Demonstrations can occur, particularly to mark important anniversaries or political developments. Canadians should closely monitor local news reports, exercise caution, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations violence may occur.
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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Libyan authorities and was valid on July 17, 2007. 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 and International Trade 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. The passport should not bear an Israeli visa or border stamp.
The Libyan authorities require that the ID page in the passport be translated in Arabic and bear an Arabic Stamp sealed by the Canadian authorities, which can be obtained from Passport Canada, before obtaining a visa. For Canadians in Libya, the stamp can be obtained at the Embassy of Canada in Tripoli (cost is 12 CAD$ or 15 LYD). For those in transit, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Canada to inquire about the service; if unavailable, send the passport to the Embassy of Canada in Tripoli, along with a return courier charge.
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.
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.
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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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. LOCAL 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, 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, 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.
The Department publishes a booklet entitled 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.
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. LOCAL 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.
The economy is primarily 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).
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 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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8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy season extends from November to March. Temperatures can reach 40 °C between April 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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9. 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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10. 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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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. See Canada's Health Portal.
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: 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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12. ANNEX
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