Navigating travel advice is crucial for ensuring safety and peace of mind when planning your trips. For those considering Tunisia, understanding the areas flagged as risky by travel advisories is essential. Relying on up-to-date information from reputable sources like the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is a vital step in your travel preparations. Ignoring such advice can not only put you at risk but also invalidate your travel insurance.
Western Tunisia: Regions Near the Algeria Border
The FCDO advises against all travel to specific areas within Western Tunisia due to the persistent threat of cross-border terrorist activities and ongoing operations conducted by Tunisian security forces. These high-risk zones include:
- Chaambi Mountains National Park: Known for its challenging terrain and unfortunately, militant activity.
- Designated military operations zones: Specifically, this encompasses:
- Mount Salloum
- Mount Sammamma
- Mount Mghila
Furthermore, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to broader regions in Western Tunisia, indicating a significant but slightly lower risk level. These areas are:
- Areas situated north and west of Ghardimaou town in Jendouba Governorate, extending to El Feidja National Park.
- The region within 30km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in the governorates of El Kef and Jendouba, specifically south of Jendouba town, which includes the archaeological site of Chemtou.
- Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla.
- Areas within 10km of the Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate.
- Regions within 10km of Mount Mghila.
- Mount Orbata.
Southern Tunisia: Regions Near the Libya Border
In Southern Tunisia, the advisory focuses on the areas bordering Libya, reflecting risks associated with cross-border terrorist activities and the unstable situation in Libya. The FCDO advises against all travel to:
- The militarized zone south of El Borma and Dhehiba towns.
- Areas within 20km of the Libya border north of Dhehiba.
- The town of Ben Guerdane and its immediate surroundings.
Additionally, for a wider buffer zone in Southern Tunisia, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including locations like Remada, El Borma, and Zarzis town.
Before making your travel plans to Tunisia, it is imperative to consult the most recent travel advice from the FCDO or your country’s foreign affairs department. Travel insurance is a must, but remember to verify its validity in regions under travel advisory. Staying informed is your best strategy for safe travels.
