Current information
There is still an increased risk of terrorist attacks in Tunisia. The Tunisian security forces have increased their presence in the tourist areas since June. The Tunisian Ministry of the Interior has significantly strengthened the officials of the tourist police and set up mobile security posts that will be in operation in the summer months at tourist attractions, beaches and public places.
Travelers are generally advised to keep themselves informed about the latest travel advice and the media on the development of the situation. In general, gatherings of people should be avoided, also in public places and in front of tourist attractions, as well as during Friday prayers around the mosques, and the instructions of the security forces should be followed.
Country-specific safety information
On March 7, 2016, attacks on facilities of the Tunisian security forces in Ben Guerdane resulted in firefights in which over 50 people were killed, including civilians. Several people were injured. Due to the continued tense situation, particular caution is advised when traveling to the city and the region around Ben Guerdane.
An attack was carried out on security forces in downtown Tunis on November 24, 2015. There were several fatalities. The state of emergency that was subsequently imposed by the government was again extended until mid-February 2017. Increased police checks are to be expected. However, this does not involve any restrictions on freedom of movement.
In March and June 2015, attacks on the Bardo Museum in Tunis and a beach hotel in Sousse / Port El Kantaoui had killed several people, including German tourists. Since further attacks, including those targeted against foreigners, cannot be ruled out, travelers throughout the country are advised to exercise particular caution and vigilance and to follow the situation and official announcements carefully.
Travel to the mountainous regions near the Algerian border, in the area from El Aioun to Kasserine, should be avoided because of possible armed conflicts. In the west of the country, extra caution is generally advisable beyond the main traffic routes. An increased military and police presence in these regions is to be expected.
Tourist trips and other, non-essential trips to the area south or south-east of a line running from the border with Algeria via Tozeur – Douz – Ksar Ghilane – Tataouine to Zarzis are not recommended.
Due to the risk of kidnapping in the south of the country and especially in the desert regions of Tunisia, the Federal Foreign Office advises against taking tours – including organized trips – into the Tunisian desert.
Parts of the southern border area with Algeria and an approx. 20 km wide strip along the entire border with Libya are restricted military areas and therefore not accessible . These areas can only be entered after obtaining a permit from the responsible governorate. Please also note the general information on the region (see below).
Due to the temporary full closure of the Tunisian-Libyan border crossing Ras Jedir for entry and exit by land, travelers are advised to inform themselves about the current situation at the respective border authorities. As there can be air strikes on militias on the Libyan side, it is urgently advised to stay away from this border crossing.
All travelers have the opportunity to add themselves to the Federal Foreign Office’s crisis prevention list (external link, opens in new window http://elefand.diplo.de). If necessary, safety instructions are sent about this. In particular, travelers who are not part of a package tour group are strongly advised to make use of this option. Package travelers may be informed about the security situation in the country of travel through the tour operator.
Terrorism
As a country located in Africa according to aristmarketing, the Tunisian government continues to make extensive efforts to protect tourists from the risk of terrorist attacks. However, in view of the continuing terrorist threat, the Federal Foreign Office advises greater attention, especially in the vicinity of tourist attractions and religious places of worship as well as on symbolic dates, such as high religious and other holidays, e.g. B. Eidh al-fitr, end of Ramadan.
Travel over land
Traveling by land, especially inland, should be planned for safety reasons and due to the increased risk of traffic accidents so that the destination can be reached before dark. Branch lines should be avoided.
General information about the region
In particular with regard to the border area with Algeria and Libya as well as the south-west and south-east of the country, the Federal Foreign Office urgently advises you to also observe the general information on the region: In the North African and the countries bordering south of the Sahara, the risk of Islamist and criminal terrorism is growing Assaults. Both criminal gangs and Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQM) are currently looking specifically for foreigners for the purpose of kidnapping. There have also been recent kidnappings in Algeria, Niger, Mali and Mauritania. There are no signs of effective countermeasures against this terrorist group. As current information confirms, further kidnappings of Western nationals can be expected there at any time.The Foreign Office strongly advises against traveling to remote areas of the Sahara and its peripheral areas that are not adequately secured by an effective police or military presence.
The Federal Foreign Office expressly draws travelers who intend to continue their journey to Algeria to the travel and safety information on Algeria.
Crime
The crime rate in Tunisia is comparatively low. Nevertheless, there are occasional attacks on tourists. Individual travelers are advised to pay more attention. The number of drug-related drug addictions has also risen. When visiting old towns as well as in train stations and trains, caution against bag theft and trick theft and all offers and requests, even in hotels, should be met with healthy skepticism. It is common practice that in hotels, in addition to the official contractual partners of tour operators, private agencies also offer advertising for excursions and activities that often do not offer legal protection and are not subject to quality control. There are also cases of money card crime in Tunisia; counterfeit money is also in circulation.