Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens-Demonstrations and Temporary Closure to the Public

September 20, 2012

Demonstrations are possible in the vicinity of the United States Embassy in Tunisia on Friday September 21, 2012. The Embassy, including the Consular Section and the American Citizens Services (ACS), remains temporarily closed to the public. Updates concerning the availability of public services at the Consular Section will be posted on the Embassy website. For questions about routine services, please send an email to consulartunis@state.gov.

U.S. citizens in need of life-or-death emergency services should call the Embassy at 216-20-337-541.

U.S. citizens should 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 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, where the current Travel Warning for Tunisia, Travel Alerts, the Worldwide Caution, 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 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 from other countries, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. 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). By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.