Seasoned travellers know the importance of checking passport and visa requirements when planning trips abroad. But even veteran globetrotters could not have been prepared for the surprise Libyan authorities sprang on a shipload of visitors last week.

Passengers on the P&O British liner Artemis were not allowed to land in Tripoli because their passports did not carry an Arab translation. The requirement was introduced just two days before, with no official announcement. Airline passengers were also turned away, sparking strong protests from carriers. Even Libyan tourism officials attending a global travel conference in London were not aware of the development.

Artemis passengers, on a 25-night cruise from Southampton, moved on to their next destination, Malta, earlier than planned.