Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Canada
News Release
Situation in Libya
Civil unrest and violent demonstrations have been taking place in many cities throughout Libya, particularly in the eastern part of the country, including Benghazi, Derna, Baida, and Tobruk. Clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in deaths and injuries. Canadians should avoid public gatherings and all demonstrations as they may become violent without warning and monitor local media reports.
Canadians should consider leaving by commercial means if it is safe to do so. The Tripoli International airport remains open but flights and services may be disrupted and the airport may close on short notice. The Benghazi airport is now closed. Canadians are advised to check the status of their flights prior to departing for the airport.
The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Libya due to civil unrest, demonstrations and the potential threat of terrorism in the country.
The Government of Canada will provide an evacuation flight out of Tripoli on Friday, February 25 to Rome, Italy. Canadians should limit their movements to daylight hours and should not attempt to reach an evacuation point overnight. The Government of Canada is currently investigating departure options for Canadians in the Benghazi area and will provide information as soon as it becomes available.
Canadians should closely monitor the security situation, take appropriate steps to increase their personal security, limit their movements to daylight hours, contact the Embassy of Canada in Tripoli for assistance and advice, and register their presence in Libya with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
In order to expedite evacuation arrangements, the Emergency Operations Centre will be calling all Canadian citizens currently in Libya who are registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to inquire about their travel intentions.
The number of Canadians registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service as being in Libya currently stands at 352. A total of 247 have expressed their intention to leave Libya.
Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be affected by the unrest in Libya should contact DFAIT’s Emergency Operations Centre at by calling toll-free, 1-800-387-3124 or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
Canadian citizens in Libya requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian embassy in Tripoli at 218 (21) 335-1633, or call Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Emergency Operations Centre at 613-996-8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.
The Government of Canada continues to monitor the situation.
Travel Resources and Warnings
- Travel Report: Libya
- Assistance for Canadians in Libya
- Security Situation in the Middle East and North Africa
- Foreign Travel: Assistance to Canadians once you are abroad
- Registration of Canadians Abroad
Information on the Region
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