Tensions are ratcheting up in the Middle East. On April 19, Israel reportedly launched a retaliatory attack on Iran, in response to missile and drone attacks on Israel on April 13. The UK Foreign Office has not changed its advice on travelling to Tunisia as a result, but it does caution tourists that the situation is “changing fast”, and that it’s more important than ever to get travel insurance and check that it provides sufficient cover.
Tunisia is currently in a state of emergency. The status was imposed by the country’s government following a suicide attack on a police bus in 2015, and has been extended several times. Most recently, it was extended to December 31, 2024. While safety issues in the past decade have prevented it from matching the levels of popularity enjoyed by regional neighbours Egypt and Morocco, it has plenty of cultural appeal and has long been a favourite with travellers.
The UK Foreign Office believes most of the country is safe to travel to, although it warns against travelling to areas near its borders with Libya and Algeria. If you’re thinking about visiting Tunisia, here’s what you need to know.
What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Tunisia?
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travelling to several regions in Tunisia, all of which are around its borders.
It advises against all travel to:
• the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammama and Mount Mghila
• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dehiba
• within 20km of the Libya border area north of Dehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and the immediate surrounding area
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It also advises against all but essential travel to:
• within 75km of the Libyan border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the border with Algeria south of Kasserine governorate
• within 30km of the border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata
The rest of the country is considered safe to travel to, although there are still safety considerations to bear in mind (more below).
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Has Tunisia been affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Tunisia is further away from Israel than the southern parts of Italy, including Sicily, so geographically it’s not affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, the country has close ties with Palestine, with its president, Kais Saied, calling for support for the Palestinian people. Within Tunisia, there have been rallies in support of Palestine.
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The Foreign Office has warned that protests are occurring with little warning “and can sometimes become violent”. They have been concentrated around the capital, Tunis, and other major cities, typically near government buildings and outside Western embassies. The Foreign Office advises: “Avoid all protests, and move away from gathered crowds. Keep up to date with developments through the media and follow the instructions given by the Tunisian authorities as well as your hotel and tour operator, if you have one.”
Is it safe to travel to Tunisia right now?
There have definitely been safer periods in Tunisia’s history. The country is currently in a state of emergency, which means an increased security presence, with checkpoints in place. This was imposed after a a suicide attack on a police van in 2015, and has been extended multiple times. It was most recently extended until the end of 2024.
The UK Foreign Office says that terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in Tunisia, and warns that there have been a number of attacks in recent years, including several in 2023. The places particularly at risk of being targeted are crowded areas, government buildings, transport networks, businesses with Western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather.
In addition to terrorism, the threat of kidnapping is real, particularly near the borders and in more remote parts of the country. There are also incidents of mugging, pickpocketing, bag-snatching and other petty theft.
What are Tunisia’s entry requirements?
British citizens do not need a visa to enter Tunisia for tourism purposes for visits of up to 90 days. If you intend to stay for longer, you’ll need to get a suitable visa.
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Your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in Tunisia, but it doesn’t need any additional validity beyond this. If you’re a dual national of the UK and Tunisia, you should enter and leave the country on your Tunisian passport.
When you enter Tunisia, you may be asked to share your contact details and travel information with the authorities, including evidence of your hotel reservation. If you cannot supply this, you may be denied entry or experience delays.
The UK Foreign Office says that some British nationals of south Asian descent have also been delayed, temporarily detained, or denied entry into Tunisia by immigration authorities. You can report this to the British Embassy Tunis on +216 71 108 700, but it cannot interfere with border control measures implemented by Tunisian authorities.
Is Tunisia safe for female travellers?
In addition to the general safety concerns mentioned above, the Foreign Office says that harassment of foreign women has increased in the capital Tunis; this has included in busy public places at night, and in quieter public parks and on beaches during the daytime.
You should stay vigilant and use caution.
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• What can women do to stay safe while abroad?
Is Tunisia safe for LGBT travellers?
Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Tunisia and those who are prosecuted could face prison sentences of up to three years. LGBT activism does exist in the country, and there is an underground community.
• Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?
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• Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now?
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