Published: January 27, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Tunisia Travel Advisory and Tunisia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Tunis:
1053 Les Berges du Lac, Tunis.
Tel: +216-71-107-000
Hours of Operation: 0800-1700, Monday-Friday 0800-1700.
OSAC Country Chapter
The Tunis Country Chapter currently meets every two months for formal presentations, and irregularly for social gatherings.
Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions.
Tunisia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Tunisia due to terrorism.
Do not travel to:
- Within 16 km of the Algerian border due to terrorism, except for the cities of Tabarka and Ain Draham.
- Within 16 km of the border with Libya due to terrorism.
- The Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, and Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate due to terrorism.
- The Mount Orbata area in the Gafsa governorate due to terrorism.
- The desert south of Remada due to the military zone.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tunis as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Tunisia.
Reliable crime statistics are difficult to obtain, but violent crimes involving the use of firearms (e.g., assault, homicide, armed robbery) are rare. Armed robberies are not common and typically involve a knife rather than a gun. Violent and nonviolent crimes (e.g., robbery, residential break-ins, financial scams, vehicle theft, petty drug offenses) occur in Tunis and other large/tourist cities. Incidents of assault, vehicle theft, and vehicle break-in have occurred against both Tunisians and foreigners. There is no evidence American citizens are being targeted, other than for perceived affluence. Residents in affluent neighborhoods make attractive targets for those seeking crimes of opportunity. Perpetrators continue to choose targets that offer a high reward with minimal effort. Incidents of sexual assault and harassment occur throughout Tunisia and have been reported with increasing frequency within the expatriate community.
If an assailant displaying a bladed weapon or threatening violence confronts you, attempt to de-escalate the situation by immediately turning over your valuables. Be aware of distraction techniques (e.g., a staged fight or an intentional bump). Be wary of unsolicited offers of assistance, and refuse offers that sound too good to be true. Travel in groups, especially in remote areas and during nighttime hours.
Tunisia is largely a cash-based economy. Credit cards are gaining acceptance at establishments in larger tourist cities, and there are ATMs in many places in the capital. Vendors may require additional identification, such as a passport, for use of a credit card. ATMs are commonplace in cities and towns, on the street, in retail outlets, and at some gas stations. Traveler’s cheques are not generally accepted for purchases. Inquire about the policy of the bank, hotel, or store before seeking to cash a personal check. There have been muggings at ATMs. Protect your PIN. Try to use an ATM attached to a bank branch. Even though the Embassy has not seen a high level of credit card fraud among U.S. citizens, authorities report numerous financial scams.
It is common for individuals to ring doorbells at private residences to ask for alms, offer gardening/housekeeping services, or request money for medicine/cab fare/assistance/food.
Most reported criminal incidents against foreigners are crimes of opportunity (e.g., pickpocketing, purse/phone/jewelry snatching, petty theft). The selection of foreigners as targets tends to focus on those who appear unfamiliar with their surroundings or who dress expensively, wear Western-style clothing, or draw attention to themselves by not speaking the local language. There have been cases of young men on motor scooters targeting expatriates, attempting to snatch valuables during both day and night. Snatch-and-grab tactics include speeding by an unsuspecting pedestrian on a scooter and grabbing a dangling purse or cell phone. Use extra caution in high traffic tourist areas (e.g., public beaches, medinas, central market area).
Violence is often associated with soccer matches, to include vandalism and physical assaults of police, security forces, and rival fans. The area of West Le Kram in Tunis is particularly well-known for theft.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Tunisia.
A general threat of kidnapping exists, not only directed at Westerners, but also against Tunisian nationals. Practice good personal security awareness and stay alert to local events and security developments within the country.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tunis as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Tunisia, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
A state of emergency put in place after a 2015 terrorist attack in Tunis continues with an unknown expiration date. The Tunisian government expanded its counterterrorism efforts in 2016, particularly after several high-profile terrorist attacks. The most recent terrorist attack took place in May 2023 when a national guardsman killed six people and injured at least eight others near the Ghirba Synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba.
Terror threats from established terrorist organizations still exist in certain areas along borders with Libya and Algeria, including but not limited to Kasserine, El Kef, Jendouba, Sidi Bouzid, and Gafsa. Police and military operations are effectively disrupting terrorist cells. The capacity of al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and ISIS-affiliated terror groups is greatly diminished, but still consider additional security measures and mitigations when traveling to these areas.
As is the case worldwide, threats from lone actors and isolated groups inspired online are the most likely and most difficult threats to mitigate in Tunisia. Employ personal protective measures to avoid becoming a target of opportunity for these groups.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tunis as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Tunisia. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Despite calls by major political parties to boycott the election, in October 2024, Tunisia’s President Kais Saied secured his second term. The president is directly elected for a five-year term and may be reelected only once. The election marked the third presidential election since President Ben Ali was overthrown in 2011 following widespread protests. Tunisia’s 2022 constitution instituted a bicameral legislature with a lower house, called the Assembly of the People’s Representatives, and an upper chamber, called the National Assembly of Regions and Districts. Members of the legislature are elected by regional and district councils; the length of their terms is not constitutionally specified.
Protests & Demonstrations
Throughout 2024, hundreds of Tunisians demonstrated against a crackdown on opposition voices, high unemployment, rising inflation, migration from sub-Saharan Africa, and the October presidential election.
Numerous protests and demonstrations take place annually throughout Tunisia. A permit is required, and normally the police are measured in their response and seldom overreact. Police will use non-lethal force to disperse crowds demonstrating without authorization or who become violent.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
In some instances, demonstrators protesting the Israel-Hamas conflict have expressed anti-American sentiment. Under normal circumstances, the relationship between the United States and the Tunisian government is strong and very positive. Similarly, the Tunisian population generally holds a positive impression of the United States.
Law Enforcement
Report crimes immediately to the nearest police officer/station. Hotel desk clerks, store owners, shopkeepers, and taxi drivers can direct you to a police officer or summon one for you. U.S. citizens should also report criminal incidents to the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, either by sending an e-mail to: TunisACS@state.gov or by calling the main switchboard at +216 71-107-000. In an after-hours emergency, please call +216 71-107-000, press 0 and ask for the duty officer.
Emergency lines: Police: 197, Fire Department: 198.
There are no private security firms known to have trained personnel who can provide executive protection services to visiting businesspersons. The Interior Ministry (MOI) does not allow its police officers to act in this capacity while off-duty. The U.S. Embassy is unaware of any private security or law firms licensed to conduct private investigations in Tunisia.
The Ministry of Interior is responsible for law enforcement. The ministry oversees the National Police, which has primary responsibility for law enforcement in the major cities, and the National Guard, which oversees border security and patrols smaller towns and rural areas. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Military courts, with civilian judges nominated by the president and approved by the Military Judicial Council, have authority to try cases involving only military personnel and civilians accused of national security crimes or crimes involving members of the security or armed forces, including “insulting” the armed forces or the president (given his role as commander-in-chief).
Police Response
Tunisia’s police and military forces have increased their effectiveness in recent years. Tunisian police are capable and professional with varying levels of capacity, including some highly skilled specialized units with the ability to respond to crises and critical incidents. Many senior police officials have received advanced training in Western Europe or the U.S. In an effort to maintain Tunisia’s image and protect its tourism industry, the police are responsive to visitors in need of assistance. The police presence is particularly high in tourist areas and other areas foreigners frequent.
Police conduct random traffic stops and often set up after-hours checkpoints at roundabouts or on main thoroughfares. Insulting or arguing with police is illegal; police have imprisoned people for doing so.
Foreign visitors detained by the police should remain cooperative and patient. This will assist in expediting a quick resolution to arbitrary police stops. U.S. citizens taken into custody should immediately request that the police inform the U.S. Embassy of their whereabouts.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Tunisia, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Tunisia.
The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court, although security forces do not always observe these provisions. The law provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court. Human rights organizations express concern that the government uses its powers under the state of emergency to place citizens under house arrest with limited evidence or foundation for suspicion. The length of pretrial detention remains unpredictable and may last from one month to several years, principally due to lengthy criminal prosecution procedures, judicial inefficiency, and lack of capacity.
The law provides for the right to a fair and public trial, but the judiciary does not always enforce this right, and local and international rights groups reported that authorities frequently did not follow the law on trial procedures. The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government has taken some preliminary steps to implement these laws.
Cybersecurity
Tunisia has robust programs in IT education/training overall, and expertise in cybersecurity is relatively strong. The Communications Technologies Ministry, along with Tunisia's regulatory agencies, works to protect against cybersecurity risks; a new cybersecurity legal framework is currently under development. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (especially those involved in financial/banking activities) should take particular care to mitigate cybersecurity risks as piracy and hacking incidents are known to occur. Huawei equipment is common in public/private network infrastructure, which raises cybersecurity concerns.
Tunisian men have been known to target U.S. women online in communications that often turn romantic and result in an invitation to travel to Tunisia. Single women 40 years of age and older are typical targets. The Tunisian man is usually in his twenties. Once in Tunisia, a common scenario involves the man and his family pressuring the U.S. national into marriage. His goal is to then have the target submit a petition for his immigrant visa. Maintain caution if traveling to Tunisia to meet someone you have met online.
Underground promotors have sold tickets online, and held events, without obtaining proper permits. U.S. citizens are surprised when police raid the illegal event they are attending. Verify the legitimacy of online promotors with local authorities and trusted local establishments.
Import/Export Restrictions
Depending on the legal status of non-residents, temporary entry of materials and personal belongings is permitted. Companies and individuals should verify regulations applicable to their specific status before attempting to bring items into Tunisia. Imports of explosives and military- and security-related equipment are tightly controlled and only allowed under license. Narcotics and pornographic items are strictly forbidden. Possession of pornography is illegal and can lead to imprisonment.
Satellite phones, radios, GPS, personal tracking locators (PTLs), and drones will be confiscated at the airport, ports of entry, or if found in your possession while in Tunisia and can result in prison time or a fine.
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
Import of currency is prohibited. Visitors must declare cash brought into Tunisia in excess of TND 10,000 (or foreign currency equivalent). They must declare amounts above TND 5,000 if they wish to export that amount upon departure.
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:
Export of Tunisian currency is prohibited. Up to TND 3,000 may be re-exchanged into foreign currency upon departure from Tunisia with the original exchange receipt. Visitors may only export up to TND 5,000 (or foreign currency equivalent) if that amount was declared upon arrival.
Tunisian law prohibits the export of foreign currency from Tunisia as payment for imports prior to the presentation to a bank of documents confirming shipment of the merchandise to the country.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
