Tunisia

There's a high threat of terrorist attacks in Tunisia. 

Terrorists have targeted:

• tourists
• tourist sites
• government and security forces

Recent incidents include:

• 27 June 2019, two separate bomb attacks took place in central Tunis. An attack on Rue Charles de Gaulle killed 1 police officer and wounded several people. A bombing in the nearby district of El Goriani followed.
• 29 October 2018, a bomb injured 15 security personnel and 5 civilians on Avenue Habib Bourguiba in Tunis.31 March 2018, 2 foreign tourists were injured in a knife attack in the town of El Kef, in northwest Tunisia.
• 1 November 2017, 2 police officers in Tunis were attacked with a knife.
• March 2016, militants in Ben Guerdane killed 12 security officials and civilians.

A current state of emergency gives the police and military extra powers to maintain civil order.

Tunisian authorities have increased security, including:

• security on the streets
• armed guards at tourist resorts
• security screening at hotels

Authorities often arrest and disrupt militants planning attacks.

Targets for future terror attacks could include:

• aviation and government facilities
• commercial areas popular with travellers

Be alert when visiting:

• Western diplomatic missions
• oil facilities
• residential areas
• hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars
• tourist areas, including beaches
• schools, marketplaces, places of worship
• outdoor events

Safety is getting worse in Libya and Algeria. This has led to unstable security in Tunisia, particularly near the borders.

The threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping is high in:

• southern Tunisia
• within 30km of the Algerian and Libyan borders

The military is operating against suspected terrorists in:

• the Kef and Kasserine regions
• Mount Chaambi National Park
• the border with Algeria at El Kef and Ghardinaou

Government security forces engage with extremist groups in these areas. 

To protect yourself from terrorist threats:

• consider the level of security at known terrorist targets and have a clear exit plan
• always be alert to possible threats around you
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor local media and other sources
• take official warnings seriously

If there's a terror attack or threat:

• leave the affected area as soon as it's safe
• follow the advice of local authorities
• avoid gathering in a group.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

There's a high threat of kidnapping.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

If you travel to an area where there is a threat of kidnapping:

• seek professional security advice
• have effective personal security measures in place.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Demonstrations and civil unrest often occur due to economic, political and social issues.

In January 2018, economic tensions caused protests.

Strikes can happen at short notice and may affect essential services.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid  all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings
• monitor local media and other sources
• avoid activities on days of national or commemorative significance
• be alert during the Friday prayer period
• follow the advice of local authorities
• carry your passport at all times

Be prepared to change your travel plans in case of civil unrest.

If you're affected by transport disruptions you can contact your:

• airline
• travel agent
• travel insurer

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Petty crime in Tunisia includes:

• theft
• scams
• pickpocketing
• bag snatching

Thieves sometimes steal high-value items from vehicles and hotel rooms.

Women may be harassed, including unwanted physical contact and comments.

Take care when travelling alone or at night.

Don't leave valuables in a parked vehicle or unsecured in a hotel room.

To reduce your risk of crime:

• be alert to pickpockets and bag snatchers, particularly in tourist areas
• be wary of friendly strangers
• be alert to possible scams.

More information:

• Advice for women
• Scams

Tunisia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• earthquakes
• dust and sand storms
• heavy rains and flooding

Flash flooding can block roads, particularly in the south.

During a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor the media and other local sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Tunisia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medications are
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases including leishmaniasis and West Nile virus are common in Tunisia.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• rabies
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Swimming in fresh water may expose you to parasitic diseases, such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis).

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

If an animal bites or scratches you, get medical help straight away.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Standards of medical facilities in Tunisia's major centres are generally good. Medical services in smaller cities and rural and remote areas are limited.

Most staff in hospitals speak French, not English.

Hospitals or doctors need payment before they'll treat you, even in an emergency. Even with proof of insurance, you may be required to pay up front.

You may need initial treatment or assessment at a public hospital before you can go to a private clinic.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

There is a decompression chamber at the Naval Base in Bizerte in north-east Tunisia.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences include mandatory prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Penalties for some offences, such as murder and rape, include the death penalty.

In Tunisia, it's illegal to:

• live or stay as an unmarried couple
• try to convert a Muslim to another religion
• take photos of or near government buildings, military sites, other infrastructure
• import or export Tunisian dinars

LGBTI travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal.

Avoid public displays of affection.

If you're the victim of a same-sex sexual assault, you may be charged and imprisoned.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting local customs

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Tunisia. Take care not to offend.

If you're visiting religious sites or remote areas of Tunisia, avoid wearing short-sleeved garments or shorts. 

Women may be harassed, particularly if they're unaccompanied.

During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and in the presence of people who are fasting.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

If you're a dual national, you may need to complete national service in Tunisia.

Check with the Embassy or Consulate of Tunisia before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

If you're visiting Tunisia for 90 days or less, you may be eligible for a visa exemption.

For other types of travel, obtain a visa before you arrive.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You can contact the Embassy of Tunisia for the latest details.

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. It can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). It's illegal to import or export Tunisian dinars.

Declare all foreign currency on arrival in Tunisia. Keep the declaration receipt for departure.

You can exchange foreign currency for TND at authorised banks or dealers. Make sure you keep receipts.

When you leave Tunisia, you can convert TND into foreign currency if you declared the amount on arrival. Keep receipts for your customs declaration.

Limits on foreign currency imports and exports can change at any time.

There's a heightened security presence at border crossings due to the deteriorating security environment in Libya and Algeria.

Crossings may close at short notice. Tunisian security forces control access.

Consult with local authorities and read the travel advisories for Algeria and Libya before deciding whether to travel.

Travel to desert areas

You need permission from Tunisian authorities to travel to certain desert areas in the south. You must have a licensed guide.

Before travelling into the Sahara, the National Guard’s Tourism Brigade recommends you register your travel details at their offices in Douz, Tozeur or Tataouine.

Driving permit

To drive in Tunisia you need an International Driver's Permit (IDP).

You must obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

For longer stays, contact the Ministry of Transport (French) about local licences.

Road travel

You're nearly 5 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Tunisia than in Australia.

Driving in Tunisia can be hazardous due to:

• poorly maintained vehicles
• poor local driving practices
• poor road lighting
• bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles without lights or reflectors
• animals on the road in rural areas

Locals often ignore:

• traffic signs and signals
• pedestrian crossings and stoplights
• lane markings

If you plan to drive in Tunisia:

• learn the local road rules
• make sure your vehicle has all required safety equipment
• avoid driving outside cities after dark

Military or police security checks on roads are common.

If you encounter a security check:

• approach checkpoints slowly
• don’t cross boundaries without permission
• be prepared to show photo ID if asked

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Avoid using motorcycles due to poor road safety standards.

Your travel insurer may not cover you when riding a motorcycle.

Always wear a helmet. Make sure your passenger does too.

Taxis

Taxis touting for business outside the airport, hotels and tourist attractions often try to charge high prices.

If you need to travel by taxi:

• use licensed taxis or reputable limousine services
• get your hotel to make a booking
• make sure the driver uses the meter.

Public transport

Buses can be crowded. Petty crime occurs on buses.

TRANSTU, the Tunis Transport Company, manages buses and the light railway in Tunis.

The national transport company SNTRI and Trans-Tour buses travel to remote areas of Tunisia.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Rail travel

The railway network connects:

• major cities in the north, including Tunis, Bizerte and Beja
• east coast towns of Sfax and Gabes

Petty crime occurs on city and inter-city trains. Always take care of your belongings.

Sea travel

Regular ferry services operate between :

• Sfax and the Kerkennah islands
• El-Jorf and Ajim on Djerba Island

International cruise ship services visit Tunis and other towns.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the Aviation Safety Network website for details on aviation safety in Tunisia.

Security screening at Tunis-Carthage International Airport has increased.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 198.

Medical emergencies

Call 190 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 197 or 193, or go to the local police.

Emergency service operators speak Arabic and French.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Tunisia. The Embassy of Canada in Tunis provides consular assistance to Australians in Tunisia.

Canadian Embassy, Tunis

Rue de la Feuille d’Erable, Berges Du Lac 2
Tunis, Tunisia
Phone: (+216) 70 010 200
Fax : (+216) 70 010 392
Email: tunis.consular@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/tunisia-tunisie

You can also get consular assistance from the Australian High Commission in Malta.

Australian High Commission, Malta

Ta'Xbiex Terrace
Ta'Xbiex, Malta
Phone: +356 2133 8201
Fax: +356 2134 4059
Email: consular.malta@dfat.gov.au
Website: malta.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Malta
Twitter: @AusHCMalta

See the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia