A slimline country perched on the Mediterranean coast, Tunisia has been attracting tourists since the 1960s. However, appalling terrorist attacks in recent years have tarnished Tunisia’s holiday-friendly image, causing British tourists to stay away from the once bustling resorts.
But is it safe to travel there? A suicide attack targeting a police bus provoked the Government to declare a state of emergency in November 2015.
This has been extended a number of times, most recently on 12 March 2018 – by another seven months.
Essentially, the declaration grants emergency powers to police in the fight against terrorism, in a country which unfortunately has been a hotbed for it.
In June 2015, a shocking terror attack took place at the tourist resort, Port El Kantanoui, only six miles north of Sousse, killing thirty-eight innocent tourists as they relaxed on the beach. Among them, 30 were British holidaymakers.
This event marked the deadliest terror attack to ever take place in Tunisia, swiftly causing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to slap down a travel ban for British nationals.
In response to the cruel and callous attack, many tour operators pulled out of the country, sparking a demise in the country’s tourism industry which was once popular with sun-deprived Britons.
The ban was lifted by the FCO in July 2017, however a state of emergency remains in effect across the country.
“Since the terrorist attack in Sousse in June 2015, which targeted tourists, the UK government has been working closely with the Tunisian authorities to investigate the attack and the wider threat from terrorist groups”, the FCO informs.
“But terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia,” the advice continues.
“Security forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other places. You should be vigilant at all times, including around religious sites and festivals.
“Follow the advice of the Tunisian security authorities and your travel company if you have one”.
Therefore, you should be mindful of this whilst travelling in Tunisia. You also need to avoid certain areas.
The FCO advises against all travel to:
- The Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila
- The militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
- Within 20km of the rest of the Libya border area north of Dhehiba
- The town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area.
As well as this, the FCO advises against all but essential travel for British nationals to:
- Areas south of, and including, the towns of Nefta, Douz, Médenine, Zarzis
- Within 30km of the border with Algeria south of, and including, the town of Jendouba (this area includes the archaeological sites of Bulla Regia and Chemtou)
- The governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla
Officials also warn against a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation. As a result, additional security measuring which restrict electronic devices on-board planes have been in place from flights departing in Tunisia to the UK since March.
“You should co-operate fully with security officials,” warns the FCO.
Tunisia is currently enjoying a resurgence in tourist numbers, with the country setting itself a target to welcome 8 million in 2018.
Travel operator, Thomas Cook, recently announced it is resuming flights to Enfidha from Birmingham, in a bid to kickstart its holiday programme for this year in the North African country.
Therefore, despite some travel restrictions, going to Tunisia is safe provided you exercise caution, are vigilant at all times and follow the advice of security authorities and tour operators.
