Every Thursday we deliver a 5-Minute Travel Security Report with practical advice and insights so that you can explore it safely!

This week we’re focusing on beautiful Tunisia!

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In this article, we are focusing on Tunisia the smallest country in North Africa and home of the 7 UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites.

Watch: 5-Minute

Tunisia Travel Security Brief

Before we get into the Travel Security Brief remember that this is a Security Brief and our goal is to empower you with a solid security foundation NOT to sell you on a travel package. Now for the briefing:

Geography

Tunisia is at the northmost point of Africa and is boarded on the west by Algeria and by Libya on the south. Not in the best neighborhood but Tunisians are one of the most friendliest and welcoming people in the world.

Unfortunately, Tunisia is NOT the best place in the world when it comes to road safety.

Safety Concerns 

Road safety poses one of the greatest risks to foreign travelers. According to the Tunisian National Road Safety Observatory, there were more than 6,700 recorded traffic accidents, approximately 1,421 traffic-related deaths, and well over 10,000 injuries in 2017.

Driving in Tunisia is a CHALLENGE!

On that note, I should also add that I do NOT advise travelers to take public transportation in general especially the yellow minibusses…because well let’s just say those drivers do not have a good track record.

Crime Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tunis as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting U.S. citizens. Also worth noting that crime involving the use of firearms is rare in Tunisia. Although violent and nonviolent crime (personal robberies, residential breakin-ins, financial scams, thefts) occur in Tunis and other large/tourist cities in the same way they do in any major city. 

The most-reported criminal incidents against foreigners are crimes of opportunity (pickpocketing, purse/phone snatching, petty theft). The targets tend to be foreigners who appear unfamiliar with their surroundings and look very shall we tourist-like. 

Terrorism Threat 

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tunis as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism and it is important to note that a state of emergency put in place after a 2015 terrorist attack in Tunis continues…pretty much the government reinstates it monthly like clockwork. 

There have also been some notable terrorist attacks mainly against Tunisian Security forces but it is something to keep in mind. 

CyberSecurity

It is well documented that the internet played an important role in the historic evens of the Arab Spring. Furthermore, Tunisia has one of the most developed telecommunications infrastructures in North Africa with broadband prices among the lowest in Africa. Internet access is available throughout the country using a fibre-optic backbone and international access via submarine cables, terrestrial and satellite links. 

Data protection law: A draft law on the protection of personal data designed to replace the previous Law No. 63 was approved in March 2018 and came into force on May 25, 2018. Tunisia has a data protection agency, the National Authority for Personal Data Protection (INPDP).

Health & Safety

Well, we know that the pandemic is something to consider and Tunisia has been affected by it in the same way that most countries have during this time period. The important thing when visiting Tunisia is to know the requirements before traveling at the minimum be prepared to present a recent (72hrs) or less PCR test. 

@DavidSecurity Travel Rating

Overall I give Tunisia a 4.7 out of 5 in terms of Travel Safety unless you are one of those adventure-seekers that wants to hang out by the border or climb a restricted mountain located in a military zone.

The bottom line is that if you carry yourself as you would in any major city and practice situational awareness you will greatly reduce your chances of being a crime victim and have a great time. 

That’s your Tunisia Travel Security Brief– Let me know what you thought of it in the comment section and if you want more information about traveling to Tunisia make sure to check out our active Tunisia Security Update Facebook Page where I share all the latest updates on Tunisia and travelers from all over the world interact and share information. 

That’s it for now. @DavidSecurity reminding you to Travel Safe and let’s keep it going!

Stay Safe!