Travel Alert - Tunisia

Tunisia | July 8, 2011

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for unrest in Tunisia.  While unrest has diminished in general terms since early 2011, spontaneous and unpredictable events, such as work stoppages and demonstrations, still occur.  A state of emergency remains in force and curfews can be re-established on short notice.  The U.S. Department of State continues to advise U.S. citizens currently in Tunisia to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security.  Conditions for overland travel in the interior of the country have improved.  Travelers should assess local conditions and routes when making travel plans, as conditions can quickly change.  This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert for Tunisia dated April 11, 2011, to update information on the security situation and travel within Tunisia, and expires on October 8, 2011. 

U.S. citizens should be aware of international humanitarian response operations underway in southern Tunisia, particularly at the Ras Jedir border crossing, where over 300,000 persons have crossed so far to escape the unrest in Libya.  While the vast majority of Libyans have been repatriated, nearly 6,500 refugees are in camps near the border pending resettlement or repatriation.  

Demonstrations have degenerated on several occasions into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage.  While demonstrations have not been directed toward foreigners, U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security.  The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse.

Government security forces, including the police, Army, and National Guard, are visibly present throughout Tunisia.  Travelers should heed directions given by uniformed security officials, and should always carry a copy of their passport as proof of nationality and identity.  Security personnel, including plainclothes officials, may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance.  It is against Tunisian law to photograph government offices and other sensitive facilities.  Suspicious incidents or problems should be reported immediately to Tunisian authorities and to the U.S. Embassy

Embassy is located in the Les Berges du Lac suburb of Tunis.  The Embassy telephone number is 216 71 107 000 and the Embassy fax number is 216 71 963 263.  The Consular section can also be contacted by email.

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.

Updated information on travel and security in Tunisia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Tunisia, as well as the Worldwide Caution.