Tunisia Travel Safety

General safety

Avoid the crowds that can form at soccer matches, as such events have led to incidents of violence. You should be accompanied by a guide on your travels or use a guide to help plan your travel.

Road safety

Motorists sometimes drive on the wrong side of the road and ignore lane markings. Bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles often operate without sufficient lights and reflectors, and regularly dart in and out of traffic. Pedestrians compound the problem by dodging traffic and ignoring vehicles. Police officers frequently stop cars for inspection, especially rental cars. Driving can be dangerous, particularly after dark. Traffic signs and signals are routinely ignored. Be especially cautious as cars rarely stop at pedestrian crosswalks or stoplights.

Public transportation

Buses are crowded. Rail service is generally safe, fast and efficient. Petty crime occurs on city and inter-city trains. Be extremely vigilant with your belongings at all times. Taxis are available but may be scarce in major cities at peak hours. Most taxis are equipped with fare meters, which should be activated for all trips.

Women's safety

Please be extra cautious in Chaambi Mountain National Park area, Jendouba south of Ain Drahem and west of RN15, El Kef, and Kasserine, next to the Algerian border and Gafsa and Sidi Bou Zid in central Tunisia. Based on the crime situation of the Tunisia, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Crime

Street crime, including theft, pickpocketing, purse snatching and scams, has been much more frequent in Tunisia. Watch out for pickpockets in public places and tourist areas. Ensure personal belongings are secure and carry photocopies of identification documents and your passport at all times. Store the originals in a safe place.

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks and kidnappings have occurred throughout Tunisia. Tourist resorts and attractions, Tunisian military and state institutions have all been targeted, and further attacks cannot be ruled out. Public sites frequented by large crowds, particularly foreigners, such as hotels, shopping centres, tourist sites and restaurants, could also be targeted. You should be particularly cautious in these areas. Attacks could be indiscriminate. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times. Given the threat of terrorism and kidnapping, exercise increased caution, including near tourist facilities and particularly in the Greater South (in all areas south of and including the towns of Douz, Matmata, Mdenine, Nefta and Zarzis), in border areas with Algeria and Libya, the Mount Chaambi National Park and the Jendouba, Kasserine and Kef governorates.

Culture

The country customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively - for women: knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops, men: should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Tunisian culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

The laws of Tunisia prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face imprisonment. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Tunisia.

Illegal drugs

Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offences.

Driving

Both valid national driver licences and International Driving Permits are accepted in Tunisia.