{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"LY","advisory-state":2,"has-advisory-warning":1,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Libya","url-slug":"libya","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 17:07 ","advisory-text":"AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL; see also regional advisories.","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against non-essential travel to Libya due to the fragile political situation and the threat of terrorism in the region. <\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
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Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to Benghazi, Bani Walid and the regions of Sabha and Kufra due to the unpredictable security situation and the risk of terrorism.<\/p>\n
The Embassy of Canada in Libya’s ability to provide consular services to Canadian citizens in Benghazi, Bani Walid, and the Kufra district is extremely limited, due to continuing political instability and violence.<\/p>\n
Consult the Security tab for more information.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
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<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. 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. The Government of Canada will assist you 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 your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will 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 is high.<\/p>\n
There is a heightened risk of terrorism throughout Libya, including in Benghazi. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.<\/p>\n
Benghazi saw an increase in attacks in July and August 2013. On August 6, 2013, a car explosion killed the vehicle’s owner. Five people were wounded in a bomb blast at a police station on August 2, 2013. On July 29, 2013, several explosions were reported in the downtown area, killing one person. The previous day, two explosions targeted court houses, resulting in significant damage and injuring more than 40 people.<\/p>\n
Other major attacks in Benghazi include: A car bomb caused severe damage to the building housing the joint honorary consulates of Finland and Sweden, private commercial offices and a number of apartments on October 11, 2013. No casualties were reported. On September 11, 2013, a powerful car bomb exploded near the Foreign Ministry building, injuring several people. On May 13, 2013, a car bomb exploded at the Al Jallah hospital, killing several people and injuring many others. The U.S. Ambassador to Libya and three diplomats were killed following an attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi on September 11, 2012. A British Embassy convoy was hit by a grenade on June 11, 2012, injuring one person. An IED exploded at the gate of the U.S. Consulate on June 6, 2012. On May 22, 2012 a grenade attack targeted the International Red Cross offices and an explosion hit a column of UN vehicles on 10 April, 2012. These events highlight that the situation continues to be unstable and problematic.<\/p>\n
Clashes, which include indiscriminate shelling, between pro-government militia and Gaddafi loyalists were reported in Bani Walid in October 2012. Exercise extreme caution and avoid affected areas.<\/p>\n
Ongoing clashes between various armed groups have been reported in the regions of Sabha and Kufra.<\/p>\n
There is a heightened risk of terrorism throughout Libya. In 2013, the French military assisted the Malian government in efforts to repel armed rebels. Terrorist groups in the region declared their intention to increase attacks and kidnappings targeting Westerners. While the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali has been supporting the transitional authorities in stabilizing the region since July 2013, citizens of countries supporting the intervention are still at particular risk, but all travellers should exercise increased vigilance in the region.<\/p>\n
Libyan security forces discovered a car laden with explosives near a hotel in Tripoli on July 29, 2013. The embassy compound of the United Arab Emirates was the target of an attack on July 25, 2013. An explosion occurred close to the Corinthia hotel and Tripoli Towers, near the British and Canadian embassies, on July 23, 2013. No injuries were reported following these attacks. On April 23, 2013, an explosion occurred in the Hay Al Andalus Area of Tripoli, in front of the French Embassy, injuring two people. Maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness, exercise caution, monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities.<\/p>\n
The political situation remains fragile and could change rapidly. Violence broke out in Tripoli on November 15, 2013 when a Misratan militia based in Tripoli opened fire on protesters demonstrating the presence of militias in the city. Prime Minister Ali Zeidan was seized from his residence at the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli on October 10, 2013 and released a few hours later. Intermittent clashes have been occurring between armed groups in and around Tripoli since June 25, 2013. In May 2013, armed groups seized control of several government buildings in the capital. These groups continue to pose a security risk.<\/p>\n
Since the beginning of the Libyan revolution in February 2011, falling rounds from celebratory gunfire have caused fatalities and injuries. Despite a reduction in these types of incidents, you should remain indoors in the event of any celebratory gunfire.<\/p>\n
There have been significant spontaneous demonstrations throughout Libya following the assassination of a political activist on July 26, 2013.Follow the security situation closely through local media reports, take appropriate steps to increase your personal security and limit your movements to daylight hours. Avoid public gatherings and all demonstrations, as they may become violent without warning.<\/p>\n
There is a general threat of kidnapping in Libya. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.<\/p>\n
You may face heightened risks at the border areas with Niger, Chad, Sudan and Algeria due to the presence of armed groups and the threat of banditry. Borders may close on short notice.<\/p>\n
With the exception of the official land border crossings to Tunisia and Egypt, visitors and residents are not permitted to travel in the interior or to border areas without an officially sanctioned guide or specific permission from the Libyan authorities.<\/p>\n
Demining operations are ongoing in the south of the country; however, significant quantities of unmarked landmines remain. The risk of encountering unexploded ordnance and indiscriminately laid landmines is high in all areas where fighting occurred. Exercise caution in these areas.<\/p>\n
Flights may be cancelled on short notice. Check the status of your flight prior to travelling to the airport and avoid travelling after dark.<\/p>\n
The road system is extensive, but many roads in the south are unpaved and there are only sand tracks in the desert. 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.<\/p>\n
The rate of vehicle accidents is high. Poor driving skills, excessive speeds, and traffic violations pose risks. Rental cars are available but expensive.<\/p>\n
In the event of an accident, remain calm and 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.<\/p>\n
There have been recent incidents of vehicle ambush and carjacking resulting in injuries.<\/p>\n
Use luxury, air-conditioned buses for intercity travel.<\/p>\n
Taxis are available. Negotiate fares prior to departure.<\/p>\n
Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Libyan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Libyan Embassy<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Libya, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country.<\/p>\n You may have difficulties obtaining a visa without a six-month validity period remaining in your passport.<\/p>\n Your passport should not bear an Israeli visa or border stamp.<\/p>\n Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Libya.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Required Visitor visas are issued at any Libyan embassy, except in New York. Visas will only be issued to residents of the country in which the application is made. Expect a 20-working-day waiting period after submitting your passport and application in person at a Libyan embassy. Mailed applications are not accepted.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tThere is a risk of polio<\/a> in this country. Be sure that your vaccination against polio is up-to-date.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Passport<\/h3>\n
Visa<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required<\/p>\nChildren and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Polio<\/summary>
Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>