Security travel advice for Tunisia

Tunisia Travel Advice

Tunisia Travel Advice

Tunisia is a culturally vibrant and strategically significant country in North Africa, renowned for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and progressive social policies.

As one of the region's more stable nations, Tunisia holds a unique standing due to its blend of Mediterranean and Arab influences, which is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and arts. Its coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and proximity to Europe make it a crucial hub for trade and tourism, further bolstering its influence in North Africa.

Tunisia is currently under a state of emergency, which has been in effect since 2015 following a deadly terrorist attack on presidential guards. This measure has been regularly extended, and most recently, President Kais Saied extended it until December 31, 2024. The state of emergency grants additional powers to security forces, allowing them to maintain public order and respond to threats more effectively, particularly related to terrorism and security concerns.

Travelers are encouraged to adhere to local laws and customs, as Qatar enforces strict regulations, particularly concerning behavior, public decency, and respect for Islamic traditions. For additional details on understanding and navigating Islamic culture, please refer to the Guide to Islamic culture.

Visiting Tunisia FAQs

Hire a bodyguard in Tunisia

If you are interested in hiring a bodyguard for your travel to Tunisia, please see our page for Bodyguard Services in Tunisia.

Key Information for Tunisia

Tunisia

Emergency Services

Police emergency: 197
Tourist Police: 126
Fire emergency: 198
Medical emergency: 190

Note: While some emergency services staff will speak English, some, particularly in rural areas, may not.

Tunisia

Country Overview

Current Threat Level: High

Capital City: Tunis
Official State Language(s): Arabic (Tunisian Arabic)
Official State Religion(s): Islam
State Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND, د.ت)
Current Capital Time:

How safe is Tunisia?

The security environment in Tunisia is defined by increased vigilance due to ongoing regional tensions and a persistent terrorism threat. This situation has led authorities to enforce stringent security measures, especially in regions susceptible to unrest.

Tunisia has faced intermittent incidents involving extremist groups, prompting the extension of its state of emergency. These security concerns highlight the need to address both domestic and cross-border threats. The country has thus prioritized enhanced counterterrorism measures and close surveillance of public areas and border zones.

In recent years, terrorist activities have escalated, with some attacks directly targeting tourists. This trend suggests the potential for future incidents, underscoring the importance of remaining alert, particularly near religious sites, and adhering to local security advisories for safety.

Please note

Health Emergencies in Tunisia

Insect-borne diseases such as Leishmaniasis, West Nile fever, and other insect-borne diseases are common. Use insect repellent and ensure your accommodation is insect-proof.

Typhoid, hepatitis, rabies, and other infectious diseases are present. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes.

Dogs infected with rabies are common in Tunisia. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey, or other mammal, seek medical help immediately. Rabies vaccines are usually available throughout the country.

Aside from petty crime, Tunisia’s political landscape has been marked by tensions and occasional protests. Political decisions, such as the concentration of power in the executive branch, have stirred public unrest and raised concerns over democratic processes.

These factors contribute to an unpredictable security environment, especially in urban areas.

Crime in Tunisia

Most visits to Tunisia are generally free from criminal incidents, with theft being the most commonly reported issue. To minimize the risk, visitors are advised to avoid displaying expensive items, refrain from leaving belongings unattended, and carry only essential valuables in public spaces. It’s also worth noting that criminals sometimes employ distraction techniques, such as confidence tricks, to facilitate theft.

Regarding personal safety, incidents of sexual harassment and assault tend to increase during the summer. Reports include occurrences in crowded public areas at night as well as in quieter locations, such as parks and beaches, during the daytime. Exercising caution and staying alert, particularly in these settings, can help enhance personal safety.

Global Travel Advisories

FAQs for visiting Tunisia

You can find the following embassies in Tunisia for the UK and US:

British Embassy
Rue du Lac Windermere,
Les Berges du Lac,
Tunis,
1053,
Tunisia

Telephone: +216 7110 8700
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]

United States Embassy
Les Berges du Lac,
Tunis,
1053,
Tunisia


Telephone: +216 7110 7000
Email: [email protected]

All visitors must have an "in date" passport, with an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Tunisia.

UK and US Passport holders can visit Tunisia for 90 days without a visa, however, on arrival in Tunisia, border officials have the right to ask for:

Your contact details
Your onward or return travel tickets
Proof of a hotel booking or other accommodation details

Tunisia is setting up an e-visa service and we will update these details once more information becomes available.

Tunisia has experienced several terrorist attacks, with extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS attempting to exploit political instability.

Security forces prioritize counterterrorism efforts, particularly in mountainous areas near the Algerian border, which serve as hideouts for militant groups.

Here is the list of significant terrorist attacks in Tunisia over the past decade, arranged in latest-to-earliest order:

June 2024 – Twin Bombings in Tunis: Two suicide bombers attacked police stations in Tunis, resulting in the death of one police officer and injuries to several civilians. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks, indicating their continued presence in Tunisia.

May 2023 – Djerba Synagogue Attack: An attack occurred during the annual pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue, resulting in several casualties. This incident highlighted ongoing risks to religious sites and tourist areas.

September 6, 2020 – Attack in Sousse: Attackers armed with knives targeted National Guard officers in Sousse, killing one and wounding another. Security forces killed three assailants in response, and ISIS later claimed responsibility.

June 27, 2019 – Twin Suicide Bombings in Tunis: Coordinated bombings targeted police stations in the capital, leading to the death of one officer and multiple injuries. The Islamic State was responsible for the attacks.

October 29, 2018 – Suicide Bombing in Tunis: A female suicide bomber detonated an explosive device on Habib Bourguiba Avenue, injuring 20 people. This was a rare instance of a lone female bomber with suspected ties to local extremist groups.

March 7, 2016 – Ben Guerdane Attack: An assault by ISIS-affiliated militants on the town of Ben Guerdane near the Libyan border resulted in 58 deaths, including 36 attackers, as they attempted to establish a foothold in Tunisia.

November 24, 2015 – Tunis Bus Bombing: A suicide bombing on a Presidential Guard bus killed 12 officers. This attack was attributed to ISIS, targeting government security forces.

June 26, 2015 – Sousse Beach Attack: A gunman opened fire on tourists at a beach resort near Sousse, killing 38 people, primarily British tourists. ISIS claimed responsibility for this major attack on tourism.

March 18, 2015 – Bardo Museum Attack: Gunmen attacked the Bardo National Museum in Tunis, resulting in 22 fatalities, mostly among foreign tourists. This marked one of the first major ISIS attacks in Tunisia.

These incidents illustrate the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in Tunisia, affecting a range of targets from security forces to tourists and religious sites. Despite significant counterterrorism efforts, these attacks underscore ongoing challenges in ensuring security.

It is advised that visitors to Tunisia are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations. You should check with your local health professional prior to your departure, if you are unsure.

You are required to pay for all medical treatment in Tunisia and this is often demanded before treatment occurs. Medical costs can be expensive, so you should ensure that you purchase adequate travel insurance. Services in the main cities tend to be good and resourceful, however rural areas may vary.

To prevent any illness, personal hygiene must be paramount, the local water supply avoided at all costs and bottled water inspected prior to consumption. There have been a number of cases of bottled water being refilled with tap water and re-sold, which has led to avoidable illnesses.

Public transportation in Tunisia is affordable and reasonably well-connected, particularly in cities like Tunis. Buses and trains link major cities, while shared taxis known as "louages" provide flexible intercity travel. In Tunis, light rail services (TGM) and metro lines connect various parts of the city and suburbs, making it convenient for urban commuting.

Although public transport is reliable in urban areas, it can be crowded, especially during peak times, and services are less frequent in rural regions.

Road conditions in Tunisia are not up to Western standards and drivers can be erratic and ignore road regulations. Pedestrian crossings are sparse and road users often have little regard from them. You should be extremely cautious as both a driver and a pedestrian.

It is highly advised that you do not drive after dark, as many vehicles do not have sufficient light and/or reflectors, making them difficult to see at night time.

There are a number of Police and military check points throughout the country. Travellers should ensure that they have either passport or proof of ID with them, when travelling by road. Road conditions can vary and the standard of driving in Tunisia is, as with other countries in the region, quite poor.

How to find us

Our closest office

In 2017, Intelligent Protection opened an office in Paris, to better serve our clients across Western Europe.

Intelligent Protection International - France
12-14, Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées,
75008, Paris,
France
Telephone: +33 1 82 888340 or +33 1 53 531411
Email: [email protected]

Please note

Disclaimer

You are responsible for your own safety abroad and for making the decision to travel. The information contained in this Travel Advice for Tunisia is provided for information only.

Whilst care is taken to ensure that this country brief is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, it is provided on an “as is” basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Intelligent Protection International Limited does not assume responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

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