Security Message for U.S. Citizens
Guidance for Residents and Visitors on Civil Disturbances in South Tunisia
The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens visiting or resident in Southeast Tunisia to ongoing reports of civil disturbances, strikes and protests, including in the Tataouine Governorate, which has resulted in clashes between police and protestors, blocked roads, and sit-ins.
In view of these protests, the U.S. Embassy is advising its employees against travel to that region for the time being. U.S. citizens should avoid this area until the situation returns to normal. U.S. citizens are reminded they should exercise caution and avoid areas where any 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 that region should assess local conditions and routes when making travel plans. For further information, we refer you to the Worldwide Caution and Tunisia’s current Travel Warning, dated September 29, 2016.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, 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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