How safe is Tunisia for travelers?

Terrorism

• There is a threat of terrorism, countrywide. Attacks have targeted resorts and tourist attractions as well as government and military sites.
• On 9 May 2023 a shooting took place near the Ghriba synagogue on Djerba, during the annual pilgrimage and despite an increased security presence.
• Governments advise against all travel to several areas: within 20 km of the Algerian border, within 30 km of the Libyan border, the governorate of Kasserine including the Chaambi, Mghila, Sammama and Selloum mountain ranges, and the closed military zone south of Remada.
• The coastal tourist strip is not one of those areas, which is the distinction the advisories are actually drawing.

Crime

• Theft is the main risk, often set up with a confidence trick as a distraction.
• Reports of sexual harassment and assault rise in summer, in busy areas at night and in parks and on beaches during the day.

Demonstrations

• Demonstrations and strikes happen, mostly in downtown Tunis, and can turn violent or block traffic.

Laws that catch visitors

• Photographing government buildings and military sites is prohibited.
• Supermarkets do not sell alcohol on Fridays, and sales are restricted during Ramadan outside resorts.
• Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and prosecutions happen.
• Drug offences carry long prison sentences.
• Taking antiquities out of the country needs advance government permission.
• In daytime during Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public causes offence, resorts excepted.