SECURITY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS U.S. Embassy Tunis (February 6, 2013)
On February 6, 2013, the leader of the Popular Front, Mr. Chokri Belaid was shot and killed in front of his residence in the Tunis neighborhood of El Menzah 6. Demonstrations, apparently in response to his death, have occurred in central Tunis in front of the Ministry of Interior. U.S. citizens in Tunisia should be aware of the possibility of more demonstrations in response to this incident.
U.S. citizens are reminded to remain cautious and avoid areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens in Tunisia are urged to monitor local news reports and to plan their activities accordingly. U.S. citizens should review the current Travel Warning and Country Specific Information for Tunisia.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and Country Specific Information can be found.
In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries. You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook
or download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Android market, to have travel information at your fingertips for travel information at your fingertips. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
All U.S. citizens in Tunisia are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
The U.S. Embassy in Tunis is located at Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard at 216-71-107-000.