Tourists are being told to stay away from area which contains popular archaeological site due to safety concerns
The Foreign Office has issued an alert about parts of Tunisia, saying UK travellers should not go there(Image: getty)
The Foreign Office has advised against ‘all but essential’ travel to part of a popular UK holiday destination. Tunisia is a popular holiday destination for UK travelers due to its combination of beautiful beaches, rich history, and affordable prices. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling beach resorts like Hammamet and Sousse to exploring ancient Roman ruins and vibrant medinas.
However due to serious safety concerns officials today updated the travel advice and said there were no-go areas people should be avoiding – including some popular archaeological locations. The Foreign Office today said: “FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Tunisia-Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba Governorates, south of the town of Jendouba. FCDO no longer advises against travel to the archaeological site of Chemtou.”
Safety fears have long subdued tourism in Tunisia. In 2023 a number of terrorist attacks were planned and carried out by self-initiated individuals possibly influenced by terrorist organisations including a National Guard officer stabbed in the Goulette area of Tunis, a police officer was stabbed and killed outside the Brazilian Embassy and a fatal shooting took place on the island of Djerba, at a Jewish pilgrimage site, with 3 security personnel and 2 civilians killed, and 10 injured.
In terms of terrorism the Foreign Office says: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”
Areas where FCDO advises against travelWestern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border
FCDO advises against all travel to:
the Chaambi Mountains National Parkthe designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila
This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces.
In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Parkwithin 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of JendoubaKasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitlawithin 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governoratewithin 10km of Mount MghilaMount OrbataSouthern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border
FCDO advises against all travel to:
the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehibawithin 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehibathe town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area
This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya.
In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma.