The U.S. Embassy Tunis informs U.S. citizens of the importance of increased vigilance in light of the March 18 attack on the Bardo Museum in Tunis and of Tunisian Independence Day on Friday, March 20. Tunisian security forces will continue to maintain a high state of vigilance.
The U.S. Embassy reiterates our standing guidance that U.S. citizens in Tunisia should exercise caution when frequenting public venues that are visited by large numbers of foreigners, such as hotels, shopping centers, and tourist sites and restaurants. U.S. citizens should also be alert to the possibility of kidnapping. U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution and avoid areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens should monitor local events, report suspicious activity to the local police, and take appropriate steps to bolster their own security.
Travelers contemplating trips to the interior of the country should assess local conditions and routes when making travel plans. In particular, all travel south of the designated military zone in the south must be coordinated in advance with Tunisian authorities. Also, travel to either border should be avoided if possible given the periodic security incidents along the border regions.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Tunisia enroll in the Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) website. STEP enrollment ensures you receive updated information on travel and security within Tunisia, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Country Specific Information.
You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and onFacebook. You may also follow U.S. Embassy Tunis on Facebook for information for U.S. citizens.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Tunis is located at Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard at 216-71-107-000.
