Tunisia Country Report
The Republic of Tunisia is located in North Africa, stretching from Cape Angela in the north to the interior of the Sahara Desert in the south. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and Libya to the east. Although Tunisia offers a more stable operating environment than many of its neighboring countries, potential safety risks for travelers remain. The government remained relatively stable amid transitional and democratic challenges until July 2021, when President Kis Said dismissed the prime minister and dissolved parliament following nationwide protests. Opponents of President Saeed described his actions as a coup. In mid-2022, the Tunisian government held a referendum to amend the constitution and codify presidential control over most institutions. Most opposition parties boycotted the referendum and the new constitution was approved despite a 30.5 percent turnout.
A state of emergency has been in place since the terrorist attacks in 2015. However, security threats from terrorism have decreased in recent years due to increased investment and capacity. Although extremist attacks occur regularly in Tunisia, the main area of ​​terrorist activity is the Midwestern highlands near the Algerian border. The southern border has been designated as a military alert zone due to cross-border smuggling, terrorist activities and threats from Libya. The deterioration of the security environment in Libya has led to increased defensive measures along the military buffer zone and Tunisian maritime territory.
Lone wolf terrorist attacks are a threat in Tunisia and other strategic regions, and recent incidents have highlighted the underlying socio-economic problems. Although individual attacks remain a possibility, counter-terrorism and security efforts, especially around areas frequented by tourists, are a priority. Other potential targets include government and police buildings, transportation hubs, embassies, shopping malls, hotels, and resorts.
Most crimes against tourists are petty thefts such as pickpocketing and pickpocketing. These incidents are usually non-confrontational, but if resisted, the offender may resort to violence. Violent crimes such as physical assault and murder are rare but do occur. Unemployment, corruption, and unpopular government reforms are common causes of civil unrest and labor unrest, especially in Tunisia and other economically marginalized regions. Demonstrations can sometimes disrupt travel and turn violent.
Overland travel can pose the greatest threat to travelers, especially those unfamiliar with local roads and driving conditions. Tunisia is regularly affected by droughts, floods, and sandstorms. Medical care is sufficient for daily services.
Last updated: December 29, 2022
Security
Despite increased security in Tunisia, extremist attacks occur regularly. Security operations against extremists are often carried out in the provinces of Jandobeh, Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid and Kef, as well as areas along the borders of Algeria and Libya. The threat of conflict to the southern and southeastern border areas of Libya continues. Although an attack remains a possibility, counter-terrorism and security efforts, especially around tourist assets, are a priority.
Main targets include police, military and government buildings, but the terrorist group has also targeted places visited by foreigners in the past. Pickpocketing and pickpocketing are usually reported in urban areas. Violent crimes such as attacks on foreigners are rare. Unemployment, corruption, and unpopular government reforms have fueled civil unrest and labor unrest. Clashes between police and protesters can lead to injuries and property damage. Trafficking and illegal immigration are also common problems, especially in the South.
Last updated: June 14, 2023
Infrastructure
Aviation safety and security standards may not conform to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Traveling by road is safe, but driving at night can be dangerous.
Access to public facilities is good, but access to clean water is difficult in rural areas.
The Skira port is considered efficient.
In 2021, Tunisia ranked first in the world in terms of the proportion of users who are at the highest risk of being hacked via the Internet.
Last updated: December 29, 2022
Environment
In the north and center of Tunisia, summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and wet. Heavy rain and flooding can cause property damage, death, and travel disruption. The storm will affect the most severe areas of the north, northeast, and center of the country. Tunisia is not a particularly earthquake-prone country, but low to moderate earthquakes occur. There are land mines in remote border areas.
Last updated: March 17, 2022
Health and Medical
Medical facilities are generally well-equipped in the main centers, but in rural areas, there are usually very limited or no medical facilities. In the event of a serious medical emergency, evacuation to a country with more advanced medical facilities may be necessary. Pharmacies are widely available in urban areas. Common medications can be found without a prescription. Rural pharmacies are very basic and some prescription drugs may not be available. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Last updated: September 6, 2023
Political
Tunisia is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic. The country’s political stability depends on official representation, progress in economic reconstruction, infrastructure development, and countering terrorism. In July 2021, following nationwide protests, President Kis Said dismissed the prime minister, dissolved parliament, and stripped members of legislative privileges. Emergency powers allowed Saeed to rule without a prime minister or parliament until September 2021, after which he appointed Nazeera Budden Rumdan as the country’s first female prime minister. Saeed justified his actions by citing Article 80 of the constitution, which gives the president emergency powers in the event of an “imminent threat”. His opponents called this action a coup. In July 2022, through a referendum in which only 30.5 percent of the people voted, Mr. Said amended the constitution to establish a presidential system, further strengthening his control. The new constitution has angered most opposition parties because it has reduced the powers of parliament and many Tunisian institutions. Saeed has also intensified the repression of opposition leaders, journalists, and civil society activists.
Political elites have been accused of failing to address high unemployment and social inequality, which has led to increased social unrest. High unemployment, inflation, and shortages of basic goods in Tunisia have prompted trade unions, consumers, students, and business owners to organize a series of strikes and protests to denounce the economic woes.
Other important areas, such as the informality of the Constitutional Court and the use of military tribunals under broader anti-terrorism laws, have been neglected. This is justified by the continuation of the state of emergency that has been in place since 2015. Despite efforts to reduce the impact of intra-party divisions through the expansion of coalition government, delays in policy implementation and trade union activism are likely to remain a problem.
Extensive bureaucracy creates conditions that are prone to abuse. Mechanisms to investigate and punish corruption are weak. Tunisia is a Muslim country and follows Islamic laws and customs. Although the police have jurisdiction, the agency has also faced allegations of corruption and actions attributed to emergency laws.
Last updated: June 14, 2023
