Talking Points – Tunisia
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The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing travel to Tunisia. (Updated May 3, 2017)
1. The U.S. State Department updated its Travel Warning for Tunisia, advising Americans to avoid travel to specific areas of the country and exercise caution within all parts of Tunisia due to the threat of terrorism.
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.
1. The U.S. State Department updated its Travel Warning for Tunisia, advising Americans to avoid travel to specific areas of the country and exercise caution within all parts of Tunisia due to the threat of terrorism.
On May 2, 2017, the U.S. Department of State updated its Travel Warning for Tunisia. While not a blanket Travel Warning to avoid all travel to the country, it specifically “warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to southeastern Tunisia along the Libyan border as well as certain mountainous areas in the country’s west due to the threat of terrorism.”
o The Travel Warning advises:
Visit the U.S. Embassy website before traveling outside of the capital for more specific guidance and warnings.
“Exercise caution in all parts of Tunisia when frequenting public venues, especially those heavily frequented by tourists, such as hotels.”
“Avoid political gatherings, rallies, large crowds and demonstrations, as even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can be unpredictable.”
“Be alert to the possibility of kidnapping.”
“Monitor local events and take appropriate steps to bolster personal security.”
“Remain alert to local security developments, report suspicious activity to the local police, and heed directions given by uniformed security officials.”
“Carry a copy of your passport and a cell phone or other means of communication that works in Tunisia.”
o All U.S. citizens are highly encouraged to avoid the following areas, according to the Travel Warning:
“Jendouba south of Ain Drahem and west of RN15, Kef, and Kasserine, next to the Algerian border”
“Ben Guerdan and Medenine, next to the Libyan border”
“Gafsa and Sidi Bou Zid in central Tunisia”
“The desert south of Remada is designated as a military zone by the Government of Tunisia. If travelers wish to enter the military zone, special authorization is required.”
Since March 2015, Tunisia has suffered multiple terrorist attacks targeting popular tourist sites as well as Tunisian government and security forces:
o On March 18, 2015, a terrorist attack targeted tourists at Tunis’ Bardo Museum.
o On June 26, 2015, two beach hotels near Sousse were attacked.
o On November 24, 2015, a suicide bomber struck a bus carrying Tunisian Presidential Guard personnel on Avenue Mohammed V in central Tunis, killing 12 security personnel.
o On March 7, 2016, attack by ISIL-affiliated militants in the southeastern border town of Ben Guerdane resulted in the deaths of 12 Tunisian security officials and civilians. Isolated groups of militants continue to operate in the mountains of Western Tunisia, including Jebel Chaambi, Sammama, and Selloum.
o According to Al Jazeera, “A senior commander in an armed group blew himself up and another was shot dead during a raid by Tunisian security forces on Sunday [April 30, 2017]. The men – suspected of having links with Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) and al-Qaeda’s North Africa branch (AQIM) – were planning attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, according to a spokesman for Tunisia’s national guard. The raid took place in Sidi Bouzid, a town 200km southwest of the capital, Tunis.”
o Tunisia is currently under a “State of Emergency.”
o The Travel Warning also states that “On November 24, 2015, Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi issued a State of Emergency, which grants security forces more authority to maintain civil order and enables the government to focus on combating terrorism. The state of emergency is still in effect. The Minister of Interior has said that the state of emergency also assists in securing hotels and tourist areas.”
o “Developments in Libya continue to affect the security situation along the Tunisian-Libyan border in areas such as Ras Jedir and Dehiba along with the cities of Ben Guerdan and Medenine. The Libyan border is frequently closed to all traffic with short notice for extended periods. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Libya and advises those in Libya to depart immediately.”
o The United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) “advise against all but essential travel to …Tunisia.”
“The FCO advises against all travel to the Chaambi Mountain National Park area (a designated military operations zone); the Tunisia-Algeria border crossing points at Ghardimaou, Hazoua and Sakiet Sidi Youssef; the militarized zone south of, but not including, the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba; within 5km of the Libya border area from north of Dhehiba up to but not including the Ras Ajdir border crossing. The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Tunisia.”
“The threat from terrorism in Tunisia is high. Further attacks remain highly likely, including against foreigners. Security forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other locations. You should be vigilant, avoid
crowded places and follow the advice of the Tunisian security authorities and your travel company, if you have one.”
“Since the terrorist attack in Sousse in June 2015, which targeted tourists, the UK government has been working closely with the Tunisian authorities to investigate the attack and the wider threat from terrorist groups in Tunisia. The Tunisian government has put in place additional security measures, but the intelligence and threat picture has developed considerably, including in neighbouring Libya.”
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia. Security forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other places. You should be vigilant at all times, including around religious sites and festivals.
The Government of Canada advises that “There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Tunisia. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the nationwide risk of civil unrest and terrorist attacks.”
o “Terrorist attacks and kidnappings have occurred throughout Tunisia. Tourist resorts and attractions, Tunisian military and state institutions have all been targeted, and further attacks cannot be ruled out. Public sites frequented by large crowds, particularly foreigners, such as hotels, shopping centres, tourist sites and restaurants, could also be targeted. You should be particularly cautious in these areas. Attacks could be indiscriminate. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.”
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.
While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:
o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.
o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.
o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.
o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.
o Ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the locations they plan to visit.
o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.
o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.
The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful Traveler’s Checklist that provides additional travel tips.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.
