Genvisec advises that business travel should continue to Tunisia obeying security procedures and avoiding non recommended areas. Certain categories of traveller will require enhanced security. Due to the recent events we do not advise you visit for leisure purposes.

 

We advise against all travel to:

 

the Chaambi Mountain National Park area

the Tunisia-Algeria border crossing points at Ghardimaou, Hazoua and Sakiet Sidi Youssef

the militarized zone south of, but not including, the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba

within 5km of the Libya border area from north of Dhehiba. Essential travel only to the Ras Ajdir border crossing with Libya.

 

We advise against all but essential travel to:

 

areas south of, and including, the towns of Nefta, Douz, Médenine, Zarzis (including the Tunisia-Libya border crossing point at Ras Ajdir)

within 30km of the border with Algeria south of, and including, the town of Jendouba (this area includes the archaeological sites of Bulla Regia and Chemtou)

the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla

 

 We do not advise you travel to the interior of Tunisia (desert areas) at this time.

 

  Political situation

 

Tunisia has experienced unprecedented political and social change since its revolution in January 2011. Legislative elections took place in October 2014, and Beji Caid Essebsi became the country’s first democratically elected President in December 2014. A new government was approved in parliament on 5 February 2015.

 

Demonstrations sparked by political, religious or economic tensions may still occur. They can happen at any time and anywhere. Most protests are peaceful but some have affected key services and there are occasional incidents of violence and damage to property. There have also been incidents of protest on major roads designed to cause traffic delays and disruption. While demonstrations are not normally aimed at foreigners, international events can trigger anti-western protests.

 

You should keep up to date with developments, avoid all protests and places where large crowds gather and follow instructions given by the security authorities, your tour operator or hotel.

 

Border areas

 

There is a heightened Tunisian security presence at the borders with Libya and Algeria due to cross border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya. Border crossings are sometimes closed temporarily without notice. Recent events in Libya have seen large numbers of refugees crossing into Tunisia, leading to significant delays. Some violent incidents have occurred. In December Libyan Operation Dignity forces carried out air raids on the Libyan side of the border close to the Ras Ajdir crossing point.

 

Chaambi mountains

 

We advise against all travel to the Chaambi Mountain National Park area where Tunisian Security Forces continue to conduct security operations. Security personnel have been killed and severely wounded in attacks and by booby-trap explosives in this area.

 

Crime

 

Incidents of mugging, pick pocketing, bag-snatching and petty theft occur. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Where possible, avoid carrying all your important documents, money and other valuables in the same bag. You should remain alert to potential confidence tricks.

 

Personal attacks are rare but they do occur. Harassment of foreign women, including uninvited physical contact, is a regular thing in holiday areas, most bars in tourist areas are crowded with men and there is a culture of female sex tourism to Tunisia that may increase unwanted attention for some women.  Four cases of sexual assault were reported to consular staff in Tunisia in 2014. Women should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in their home country and should avoid going to places alone outside of secure holiday resorts.

 

Rail travel

 

Rail travel is generally safe but there is a risk of petty crime on trains.

 

Road travel

 

Driving standards are erratic. There is very little lane discipline and often confusion about the right of way, especially at roundabouts. There are few pedestrian crossings and traffic lights are sometimes ignored. Take care when driving in towns as pedestrians tend to walk on the roads and have the right of way. Take particular care when crossing roads on foot, even where there is a signal allowing you to do so.

 

Roads are generally of a reasonable standard although large pot-holes can appear quickly following heavy rain.

 

You may come across military or police security checks. If you do, approach slowly, don’t cross boundaries without permission and be prepared to present photo ID if asked.

 

Demonstrations can occasionally affect road travel.

 

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Tunisia is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. See Travelling during Ramadan

 

In the coastal holiday resorts the dress code is very much like any European city or tourist area, although topless sunbathing on beaches may cause offence. If you’re visiting the main cities, religious sites or more remote areas of Tunisia, you should dress more modestly.

 

There have been some reports of fringe groups seeking to impose their interpretation of Islamic dress and behaviour on others through violence against individuals. While the primary target of these groups has been Tunisian nationals and businesses serving and selling alcohol outside the main tourist areas, this behaviour could affect foreigners. Attacks in tourist areas have been rare, but you should be aware of the potential for such acts to take place on beaches and in restaurants and cafes especially during religious holidays. The Tunisian government has stated that it will seek to prevent any such violence.

 

Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offences. The possession of even a small amount of ‘soft’ drugs could result in a prison term.

 

You can’t remove antiquities from Tunisia without first getting permission from Customs authorities. Failure to get permission could result in lengthy delays on departure, a fine and/or imprisonment.

 

Carry a form of photo ID at all times (eg a copy of your passport) and be prepared to show this to uniformed security officials if asked to do so.

 

British nationals wishing to buy property in Tunisia have often been advised to do so through a Tunisian ‘friend’ on the basis that it is illegal for foreign nationals to purchase property in Tunisia. If you are considering purchasing property in Tunisia, you should consult a local lawyer who will be best placed to offer advice. Don’t make private arrangements, which may be illegal and could result in large financial loss.

 

Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Tunisia and sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.

 

Avoid taking any photographs near sensitive political or military sites

 

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Tunisia is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

In the coastal holiday resorts the dress code is very much like any European city or tourist area, although topless sunbathing on beaches may cause offence. If you’re visiting the main cities, religious sites or more remote areas of Tunisia, you should dress more modestly.

 

There have been some reports of fringe groups seeking to impose their interpretation of Islamic dress and behaviour on others through violence against individuals. While the primary target of these groups has been Tunisian nationals and businesses serving and selling alcohol outside the main tourist areas, this behaviour could affect foreigners. Attacks in tourist areas have been rare, but you should be aware of the potential for such acts to take place on beaches and in restaurants and cafes especially during religious holidays. The Tunisian government has stated that it will seek to prevent any such violence.

 

Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offences. The possession of even a small amount of ‘soft’ drugs could result in a prison term.

 

You can’t remove antiquities from Tunisia without first getting permission from Customs authorities. Failure to get permission could result in lengthy delays on departure, a fine and/or imprisonment.

 

Carry a form of photo ID at all times (eg a copy of your passport) and be prepared to show this to uniformed security officials if asked to do so.

 

Foreign nationals wishing to buy property in Tunisia have often been advised to do so through a Tunisian ‘friend’ on the basis that it is illegal for foreign nationals to purchase property in Tunisia. If you are considering purchasing property in Tunisia, you should consult a local lawyer who will be best placed to offer advice. Don’t make private arrangements, which may be illegal and could result in large financial loss.

 

Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Tunisia and sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.

 

Avoid taking any photographs near sensitive political or military sites

 

Money

ATMs are widely available though they don’t always work. Almost all ATMs will accept Visa cards, and many (including Bank of Tunisia and BIAT) will also accept Maestro cards for cash withdrawals. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels although there are often problems getting authorisation for Mastercard purchases.

 

It is strictly prohibited to take Tunisian dinars out of the country.

 

Terrorism

A terrorist attack took place at the Bardo Museum in the centre of Tunis on 18 March. Twenty-one tourists were killed. Tunisian security forces continue to carry out counter terrorist operations following this incident.

 

Terrorists continue to threaten attacks in Tunisia and the Ministry of Interior has previously warned of threats to industrial and tourist sites. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should be especially vigilant at this time and follow the advice of Tunisian security authorities and your tour operator.

 

Terrorist attacks have increased in Tunisia since 2013. In October 2013, there were failed attacks at a hotel in Sousse and the Bourguiba Museum in Monastir. Since then, members of the Tunisian security forces have been targeted in terrorist-related incidents at various locations, mainly near border areas including in the Chaambi Mountains.

 

Health

There’s no provision for free medical attention for foreign nationals. All doctors’ fees, medication and hospitalisation in private clinics have to be paid for on the spot. These costs can be quite high. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you’re bringing prescription medicines, carry a note from your doctor confirming that the medication has been prescribed for an existing condition. If you have any specific concerns about taking certain types of medication with you to Tunisia, contact the Tunisian Embassy.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 190 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

 

Visas

 

Foreign passport holders don’t need a visa for visits of up to three months. On arrival, security checks are sometimes carried out on foreign passport holders who were not born in the country. This can take a few hours and you will need to be patient until clearance is given. These types of checks rarely take place on departure.

 

Passport validity

 

For stays of up to 3 months your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

The Tunisian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs)

 

Tunisian authorities accept  ETDs for entry to and exit from Tunisia. If you’re leaving Tunisia on an ETD, make sure you have a copy of the police report about the loss/theft of your full validity passport to present to the Immigration Officer.

 

Dual nationals

 

Dual Foreign-Tunisian nationals should enter and leave Tunisia on their Tunisian passports.