Middle East and North Africa

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Tunisia.  Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by British expatriates and foreign travellers.  You are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to your personal security whilst you are in Tunisia.  For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

There is a risk of kidnap in Tunisia from terrorists operating in the area of the southern Tunisia/Algeria border, and we advise caution when travelling in such areas.  Tourists must seek permission from the Tunisian authorities to enter certain desert areas bordering Algeria and the southern military zones and must travel with licensed guides and/or military escorts. We advise that such trips are undertaken with a reputable tour company.   On 22 February 2008, two Austrian tourists were kidnapped in the south of Tunisia, close to the border with Algeria.  The tourists were released in October 2008.

You should be aware that the long standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

The Tunisian authorities announced that they had disrupted a terrorist group on 3 January 2007, in the area of Grombalia (south of Tunis), 12 of the group were killed and 15 arrested. There have been some indications that the group may have been intending to attack tourist hotels.  

There have been no bomb attacks in Tunisia since April 2002, when a group of German tourists died in a terrorist suicide car bomb attack outside a synagogue on the island of Djerba, which resulted in 19 deaths.  An Al-Qa’ida spokesman later acknowledged responsibility for the attack.

Crime

There is little violent crime in Tunisia but you should watch out for petty criminals such as pickpockets, particularly in crowded market places.

There are periodically incidents of bag snatching in tourist areas and you are advised to ensure that bags are kept close to your person at all times.  Where possible, you should avoid carrying all your important documents, money etc in the same bag.  You should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings - as you would do in the UK.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Tunisia Country Profile

You should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as the violence between the Israelis and Palestinians, has across the Arab world and the potential risk of public disturbance in response.

You should follow news reports and be alert to developments that might trigger public disturbances.  You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

Local Travel

You are advised to travel with a reputable tour operator or an approved local guide if you plan to travel in the southern border areas with Algeria. Tourists have to obtain permission from the Tunisian authorities to enter certain desert areas on the borders with Algeria and the southern military zones and must travel with licensed guides and/or military escorts – you should seek advice from a reputable agent.  See Travel Advice: Algeria for more details.

Road Travel

Driving in Tunisia is more erratic than in Europe.  There is little lane discipline and pedestrian crossings are ignored. You should take particular care when crossing roads, even where there is a signal allowing you to do so.  Driving tends to be fast, even in towns.

Roads are of a reasonable standard although large pot-holes can appear quickly following heavy rain.  There are three motorways in Tunisia, running from Tunis to Bizerte in the north, to Sousse on the coast and west to Beja.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Rail Travel

Rail travel is generally considered safe, but you should ensure that you remain vigilant against petty criminals at all times.