There was no change to the advisory level. The “Crime” and “Unrest” risk indicators were added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise Increased Caution in Tunisia due to terrorism, crime, and unrest.  Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

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.
• Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, and Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate due to terrorism.
• Mount Orbata area in the Gafsa governorate due to terrorism.
• The desert south of Remada as it is a military zone.

Advisory summary

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Tunisia are not allowed to travel to the following locations without prior coordination with the Tunisian government due to safety risks:

• 16 km of both the Algerian and Libyan border
• Mount Chaambi National Park
• Mount Salloum
• Mount Sammamma
• Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate
• Mount Orbata in Gafsa governorate
• The military zone south of Remada

U.S. citizens in Tunisia are strongly advised to take the same precautions and not travel to these areas for any reason.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Tunisia. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Tunisia. Terrorist groups and individuals may attack, and may do so without warning or a pre-meditated target. There is a country-wide state of emergency in effect. It gives more authority to security forces to maintain civil order. It allows the government to focus on fighting terrorism.

Crime

• Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
• Violent crime can occur and is more common after dark. Do not walk or drive at night. 

Unrest

There is high risk of violence and armed conflict in the Desert South of Remada. It is a military zone and requires special government permission to enter. For more information review the section on risks in specific areas.

Risks in specific area | Level 4: Do Not Travel

Border with Algeria

Do Not Travel within 16 km of the Algerian border due to terrorism, except for the cities of Tabarka and Ain Draham.

• Terrorist groups are present within 16 km of the Algerian border.
• U.S. government employees working in Tunisia need special authorization to travel within 16 miles of the border area of Algeria due to safety risks. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Border with Libya

Do Not Travel within 16 km of the Libyan border due to terrorism.

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Libya.  

U.S. government employees working in Tunisia need special authorization for travel to Libya due to safety risks. Events in Libya continue to affect security in the Tunisian-Libyan border. This includes areas such as Ras Jedir and Dehiba, and the cities of Ben Guerdan and Medenine.

• The border with Libya is frequently closed to all traffic with short notice for extended periods.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, and Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate

Do Not Travel to Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, and Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate due to terrorism.  

All U.S. government employees must follow U.S. embassy travel restrictions for travel to this area.

• Terrorist groups are present in the mountains of Western Tunisia near the Algerian border.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Mount Orbata area

Do not travel to Orbata Mountains in Gafsa in West-Central Tunisia due to terrorism.

All U.S. government employees must follow U.S. embassy travel restrictions for travel to this area.

• Terrorist groups are present in the mountains of Western Tunisia near the Algerian border.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

The Desert South of Remada

Do not travel to the Desert South of Remada, as it is a military zone.

All U.S. government employees must follow U.S. embassy travel restrictions for travel to this area.

• The desert south of Remada is a military zone. You must have special authorization to enter the military zone.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Tunisia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Exercise caution when using public transportation, due to safety and security concerns.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Avoid staying overnight outside of the main cities and tourist locations.
• Review the Country Security Report for Tunisia.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Tunisia.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.