The Embassy of the United States in Tunis alerts U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Tunisia of the heightened security threat during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. The Department of State notes that threats to U.S. citizens may temporarily increase during holidays and anniversaries of significant events. Further, as described in various media reports, Tunisian security services have recently conducted raids resulting in the disruption of potential terrorist plots and the discovery of weapons caches and explosive devices. U.S. citizens should exercise increased vigilance during this period when visiting public venues that are frequented by large numbers of foreigners, such as hotels, shopping centers, tourist sites and restaurants. U.S. citizens are also reminded to exercise caution, vary times and routes while travelling, and avoid areas where large gatherings may occur.
We urge you to consult the updated “Safety and Security” section of the Country Information for Tunisia, dated December 10, 2015.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution,Worldwide Travel Alert, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Tunisia.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia located at North East Zone Berges du Lac, North of Tunis 2045 La Goulette, at +216 71 107 000, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +216 71 107 000.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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