Travel safety in Tunisia impacted by Middle East tensions
- The UK Foreign Office has updated travel advice for Tunisia due to escalating tensions attributed to missile attacks between Israel and Iran.
- While tourist resorts in Tunisia are deemed safe, areas such as the Tunisia-Algeria border and parts near Libya are advised against for travel due to security risks.
- Travelers are encouraged to monitor local media and abide by local authority instructions while considering the broader implications of ongoing regional conflicts.
Tunisia is currently facing scrutiny from tourists amidst ongoing missile attacks in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran. The situation escalated following an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, 2025, leading the UK Foreign Office to issue updated travel guidance regarding the safety of tourist resorts in Tunisia. While these resorts are deemed safe, the travel advisory warns that hostilities in the region could quickly escalate and pose security risks for tourists. In addition to highlighting the dangers associated with the Israel-Iran conflict, the current travel advice also outlines several parts of Tunisia where travel is either strongly discouraged or entirely prohibited. These high-risk areas include the Tunisia-Algeria border, Chaambi Mountains National Park, and within 20km of the Tunisia-Libya border. The rationale behind these warnings is tied to recent incidents of cross-border terrorist activity and ongoing military operations by Tunisian security forces. The UK Foreign Office also mentions that southern and western Tunisia is subject to a high threat of terrorist attacks. Despite these advisories, the main transportation hubs in Tunisia, such as Tunis-Carthage and Enfidha-Hammamet airports, continue to operate flights as normal. Tourists are recommended to keep themselves informed by monitoring news sources and adhering to the instructions of local authorities while traveling. In general, the Foreign Office opines that travel to much of Tunisia remains acceptable, and the popular tourist destinations of Hammamet and Tunis are not located close to the high-risk areas listed in the advisories. However, the concerns raised by ongoing regional conflicts have led many travelers to ponder the safety of their holiday plans. Some have voiced their apprehension over potential disruptions, given the close proximity of escalating tensions in Iran and Israel to North Africa. Overall, the consensus is that travelers should remain cautious and consider the potential implications of the broader geopolitical climate while making travel decisions related to Tunisia.