UK Updates Tunisia Travel Advice: What Visitors Need to Know
The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Tunisia on 27 June 2026, reconfirming its guidance for the summer season. The advice remains in place for several border regions while confirming that Tunisia’s main tourist destinations — including the coast, the capital Tunis and the island of Djerba — continue to receive visitors without incident.
Key points from the updated advice:
Areas where the FCDO advises against all travel: The Chaambi Mountains National Park near Kasserine remains off-limits due to cross-border activity and ongoing Tunisian security force operations. These are remote highland areas with no tourist facilities.
Areas where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel: Within 75 kilometres of the Libyan border, including the southern towns of Remada and El Borma. Within 20 kilometres of the Algerian border north and west of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate. Neither area features on standard tourist routes, but overlanders heading towards Douz, Tozeur, or into the Sahara should study the exclusion zones before planning their route.
Popular tourist areas: Tunis, Sousse, Hammamet, Djerba, and the northern coast are not subject to any travel restriction and are operating normally. Tunisia welcomed over 11 million international visitors in 2025 and is on course to exceed that in 2026.
Terrorism risk: The threat from terrorism is present across Tunisia and travellers are advised to remain vigilant in public spaces, particularly in crowded areas. A country-wide state of emergency remains in place; in practice this affects most visitors very little, though security presence is visible around government buildings in Tunis. The US maintains a Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution).
General safety: Petty crime — pickpocketing and bag snatching — is most common in busy tourist areas. Keeping valuables secure and using reputable transport reduces risk significantly. Labour strikes affecting public transport and airports occur occasionally and can cause short-notice disruption.
Practical note: temperatures between June and September regularly exceed 40°C. Getting around by louage (shared minibuses) remains the most efficient and affordable way to move between towns, but afternoon travel in peak heat requires preparation — carry water, apply sun protection and avoid midday exposure.
Travellers from most Western countries do not require a visa for Tunisia for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid at the time of entry. For a full safety assessment see the Is Tunisia Safe for Tourists? guide, and check Tunisia visa requirements for entry documents by nationality.