Tunisia Travel Advice

Most visits to Tunisia are trouble-free, but all travellers should be aware of the current political and security situation, restrictions imposed, and the impact of the situation in neighbouring Libya.

Tunisia is no longer experiencing the widespread unrest that occurred during the events of January 2011 and most visits are trouble-free. Public order is maintained in most places, including the main tourist coastal areas, but all travellers should be aware that spontaneous and unpredictable events such as political and industrial protests, including unofficial roadblocks still occur throughout the country.

While most forms of protest pass without incident there is the possibility of injury if you are caught up in an event that does not pass peacefully.  A protest in Gafsa (south west of Tunisia) on 28 March resulted in two deaths and several injuries and on 9 April in Tunis a small number of protesters and police were injured following violent clashes between protesters and the police.

Future demonstrations are likely and we recommend that British nationals avoid all forms of demonstration.

A State of Emergency still exists and curfews or other temporary movement restrictions may be imposed or changed with little or no notice. You should observe instructions given by local security authorities and/or your tour operator and are advised to carry a copy of your passport, or other form of photo ID, at all times as proof of nationality and identity.

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. See Safety and Security - Terrorism Section.

The border with Libya is open but the security situation remains tense and there are regular clashes between groups of informal economy traders and black market traders and the authorities in towns close to the border. Border crossing points are occasionally temporarily closed without notice.

218,347 British nationals visited Tunisia from 1 January - 30 November 2011 (Source: Tunisian National Tourist Office). Most visits are trouble free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. The majority of consular cases occur in Hammamet and Sousse.

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.See General - Insurance.

Source: Foreign & Commonwealth Office