Tunisia

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution while travelling in Tunisia because of the unsettled security situation, the risk of further civil unrest and the threat of kidnapping and terrorist attack.

There is a risk of retaliatory attacks against Western targets in Tunisia following the French intervention in the conflict in Mali in January 2013. Terrorist groups in the region have declared their intention to increase attacks and kidnappings targeting Westerners.

Over the past year a number of suspected terrorists have been arrested throughout Tunisia. The presence of extremist elements in Tunisia, as well as the deterioration in security in neighbouring countries such as Libya, poses a general threat to foreign travellers. You should maintain a high level of awareness regarding the security environment.

Al-Qa'ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has made threats against a range of targets in Tunisia, including government, industrial and commercial buildings and tourist sites.

In planning your activities, consider the places known to be terrorist targets. These include government facilities and commercial areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as, but not limited to, Western diplomatic missions, oil facilities, residential areas, hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, market places, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas. A number of tourists and foreigners have been killed in past attacks.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Tunisia, due to the unsettled security situation and risk of further civil unrest. You should pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for new information about safety or security risks.

Australians should be aware of the potential for spontaneous and unpredictable events, such as political and industrial protests. You should follow the local and international media for information concerning the safety and security environment in Tunisia, avoid all protests and take particular care during the period surrounding Friday midday prayers.

Increased public disturbances and protests and labour strikes have followed the assassination of a leading opposition figure, on 6 February 2013. We advise you remain alert to all security developments and follow the instructions of the security forces.

On 14 September 2012, violent protests in front of the US Embassy in Tunis resulted in death and injury to protesters, and significant damage to the US Embassy and nearby American school. Australians in Tunisia should be aware of the possibility of further protests linked to external developments.

Since 18 December 2010, protests and political unrest have occurred in locations across Tunisia, resulting in deaths, injuries and extensive damage to property. While elections were conducted peacefully on 23 October 2011, the potential for civil unrest remains. Protests may erupt into violence with little or no warning..

Australians should carry their passports at all times and comply with the instructions of the security authorities.

Australians in Tunisia should register online and with the Canadian Embassy in Tunis (for contact details see below under Where to Get Help).
A State of Emergency remains in place across the country. You should be aware that authorities may restrict travel or enforce local curfews with little or no notice. It is important that you observe instructions given by local security authorities and/or your tour operators or hotels.

Border with Libya: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the areas bordering Libya due to a rise in the number of security related incidents. The security situation in this region remains tense and border crossing points are occasionally closed without notice.

Border with Algeria: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to areas bordering Algeria because of the threat of kidnapping and ongoing military operations against suspected terrorists.

Since 30 April 2013, Tunisian authorities have been undertaking military operations against two groups of suspected terrorists in the Kef and Kasserine regions, including Mount Chaambi. The operations apparently include de-mining of homemade explosive devices.

In February 2008, two tourists were kidnapped in the south of Tunisia, close to the border. They were released in October 2008. AQIM claimed responsibility for this incident. We recommend that you do not cross the border with Algeria.

Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you are comfortable travelling to these areas close to the border with Algeria knowing that you could be caught up in a kidnapping attempt. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to this part of Tunisia, you should exercise extreme caution and consult with the local authorities for advice on particular routes and destinations. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.

Permission from Tunisian authorities is required to travel to certain desert areas bordering Algeria and you must be accompanied by a licensed guide. We recommend you use a reputable tour operator for any travel into desert areas of Tunisia.

Petty crime, such as pick pocketing and bag snatching, occurs in urban areas, particularly in markets. Theft from vehicles is common.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Foreign exchange transactions must take place at authorised banks only.

You should declare all foreign currency upon arrival in Tunisia and retain the declaration receipt for departure. Tourists are expected to make foreign exchange transactions at authorised banks or dealers and to retain receipts for dinars obtained. Prior to departure from Tunisia, a maximum of 3,000 Tunisian dinars may be converted back into foreign currency, but documentation proving the purchase should be kept for customs declarations. Tunisian law prohibits the import and export of Tunisian dinars.

Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our air travel page for information about aviation safety and security.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Tunisia and you should take care not to offend. If you are visiting religious sites and remote areas of Tunisia you should avoid wearing short-sleeved garments or shorts. Open displays of affection between members of the opposite sex may cause offence. Women may be harassed, particularly if they are unaccompanied.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Australian/Tunisian dual nationals may be required to complete national service obligations if they visit Tunisia. For further information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Tunisia before you travel.

Our Dual Nationals page provides further information for dual nationals.

Tunisia is in an active seismic zone. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Dust and sand storms occur frequently in Tunisia.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children page.