Tunisia Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Tunisia due to terrorism, crime, and unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Tunisia are not allowed to travel to the following locations without prior coordination with the Tunisian government due to safety risks:

• 16 km of both the Algerian and Libyan border
• Mount Chaambi National Park
• Mount Salloum
• Mount Sammamma
• Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate
• Mount Orbata in Gafsa governorate
• The military zone south of Remada

U.S. citizens in Tunisia are strongly advised to take the same precautions and not travel to these areas for any reason.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Tunisia. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Tunisia. Terrorist groups and individuals may attack, and may do so without warning or a pre-meditated target. There is a country-wide state of emergency in effect. It gives more authority to security forces to maintain civil order. It allows the government to focus on fighting terrorism.

Unrest

There is high risk of violence and armed conflict in the Desert South of Remada. It is a military zone and requires special government permission to enter. For more information review the section on risks in specific areas.

Do Not Travel to:

• Within 16 km of the Algerian border due to terrorism, except for the cities of Tabarka and Ain Draham.
• Within 16 km of the border with Libya due to terrorism.
• Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, and Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate due to terrorism.
• Mount Orbata area in the Gafsa governorate due to terrorism.
• The desert south of Remada as it is a military zone.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park
• the designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila

This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces.

In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba
• Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata

Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya.

In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma but excluding Zarzis, the C118 road and all areas in Medenine Governorate north of the road.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Tunisia.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Tunisia

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia.

Security forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other places. You may be at higher risk in and around:

• religious sites, tourist sites and festivals
• government buildings
• public transport networks and vehicles
• businesses with western interests
• areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather, or any crowded area

The terrorism threat comes from both established groups and self-initiated individuals.

A formal state of emergency has been in place since a terrorist attack against a police bus took place in 2015. The security forces are visibly present in many parts of the country, including at the entry points to some towns and cities.

Despite some improvements in border security, there remains continuing instability and violence on the border with Libya. Tunisian security forces have been the primary target in terrorist-related incidents, mainly in border areas including in the Chaambi Mountains. See Regional risks.

In 2023 a number of terrorist attacks were planned and carried out by self-initiated individuals possibly influenced by terrorist organisations.

Recent significant attacks include:

• in 2023, a National Guard officer was stabbed in the Goulette area of Tunis
• in 2023, a police officer was stabbed and killed outside the Brazilian Embassy in Tunis
• in 2023, a fatal shooting took place on the island of Djerba, at a Jewish pilgrimage site, with 3 security personnel and 2 civilians killed, and 10 injured
• in 2022, 2 security officers were injured in a knife attack near a synagogue in central Tunis
• in 2021, police shot and wounded an assailant who attacked them with a knife and axe in front of the Interior Ministry in central Tunis
• in 2020, a suicide bombing targeting a police patrol in Tunis killed one police officer and injured 4 others
• in June 2015, 38 foreign tourists were killed, including 30 British nationals, in a terrorist attack at Port El Kantaoui near Sousse
• in March 2015, 21 tourists were killed, including a British national, in a terrorist attack at the Bardo Museum in the centre of Tunis

This section has safety advice for regions of Tunisia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park
• the designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila

In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata

There is a heightened Tunisian security presence at the border with Algeria. See Algeria travel advice.

Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma but excluding Zarzis, the C118 road and all areas in Medenine Governorate north of the road.

There is a heightened Tunisian security presence at the border with Libya due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya. Border crossings are sometimes closed temporarily without notice. Some violent incidents have occurred. See Libya travel advice.

Risk level

Tunisia - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Tunisia due to the countrywide risk of terrorism.

Regional risks

Regional advisory - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the following areas, due to recurring anti-terrorist operations:

• the area within 20 km of the Algerian border, except for the highway P7 to/from the Malloula border crossing and following tourist towns, where you should exercise a high degree of caution: Aïn Draham Chebika Mides Tabarka Tamerza
• the area within 30 km of the border with Libya
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the mountain ranges and surrounding forests of the following mountains: Chaambi Mghila, which extends into the governorate of Sidi Bouzid Sammama Selloum

• the cordoned-off military zone south of the town of Remada in the governorate of Tataouine

Regional advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to the presence of a military zone, the risk of terrorism and the limited cellular coverage:

• the Delegation of Remada
• Mount Orbata

This advisory excludes areas less than 20 km from the Algerian border and 30 km from the Libyan border where you should avoid all travel.

Demonstrations, strikes and civil unrest

Demonstrations and strikes occur occasionally, particularly to denounce the deterioration of economic, political and social conditions in Tunisia. They sometimes lead to civil unrest and clashes with the security forces. Although demonstrations take place throughout the country, they are mainly concentrated in downtown Tunis.

Strikes in transportation and public services occur occasionnally. Rail, sea, air and public transport services could therefore be affected. There are reports of shortages of fuel and certain foodstuffs.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism.

On May 9, 2023, a shooting took place near the Ghriba synagogue on the island of Djerba, resulting in several casualties. This attack took place despite an increased presence of security forces as part of the annual Lag Ba'omer pilgrimage.

Terrorists have previously targeted resorts and tourist attractions, as well as government and military installations. Individuals suspected of terrorism or arms trafficking have been captured in various parts of the country, including Tunis. The presence of extremist groups and regional instability pose a threat to the safety of foreigners, religious sites and tourist facilities. Security forces are on constant alert and conduct anti-terrorist operations throughout the country to prevent attacks.

Despite the preventive efforts of security forces, terrorist acts could occur at any time. Targets could include :

• government buildings
• schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks;
• public places such as tourist attractions, stadiums, restaurants, bars, cafés, shopping malls, markets, hotels and other places frequented by foreigners.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be especially vigilant at:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections.

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Zones with military presence

The Tunisian authorities have designated certain areas as “ military operations zones ”, where the army patrols to counter terrorist threats and attacks. These zones mainly include the central-western mountain ranges in the governorates of Kasserine and Kef, including :

• Mount Chaambi
• Mount Mghila
• Mount Selloum
• Mount Sammama

Avoid all travel to fenced-off military zones such as the area south of the city of Remada, in the governorate of Tataouine. The Tunisian armed forces could arrest you if you enter without prior authorization.

突尼斯现有黄色（中风险）地区15个，其他地区为蓝色（低风险）。具体如下:

黄色地区：江（让）都巴、卡夫、卡塞林、加夫萨、杜泽尔、克比利、坦塔维、梅德宁、马赫迪亚、凯鲁万、贝加、加贝斯、斯法克斯、西迪·布齐德、西里亚纳等15省。外交部提醒在突尼斯上述地区人员密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。