Latest news with #Tunisia-Algerian
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office warns against 'all travel' to parts of popular holiday destination
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits visiting popular holiday destination Tunisia, amid serious safety concerns in certain parts of the country The Foreign Office has revised its travel guidance for a popular holiday hotspot. Brits are being cautioned against "all but essential" travel to certain areas of Tunisia, a favourite destination for UK tourists thanks to its stunning coastlines, fascinating heritage, and budget-friendly appeal. The North African country offers a lot as a holiday destination, from lively seaside resorts such as Hammamet and Sousse to discovering ancient Roman archaeological sites and colourful medinas. However, owing to the security risks still present in the country, the Foreign Office has today refreshed its travel guidance, identifying forbidden zones that visitors should avoid, including several renowned historical sites. The Foreign Office announced: "FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Tunisia-Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba Governorates, south of the town of Jendouba. FCDO no longer advises against travel to the archaeological site of Chemtou.", reports the Manchester Evening News. Security worries have persisted for Tunisia in recent years. In 2023, several terror incidents were plotted and executed by lone-wolf attackers potentially inspired by extremist groups, including a National Guard officer who was stabbed in Tunis's Goulette district, a police officer who was knifed to death near the Brazilian Embassy, and a deadly shooting on Djerba island at a Jewish pilgrimage location, resulting in 3 security staff and 2 civilians losing their lives, with 10 wounded. The Foreign Office has also issued a stark warning regarding the threat of terrorism in Tunisia. It reads: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times." The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to Western Tunisia, including the area bordering Algeria, due to the risk posed by cross-border terrorist activities and operations conducted by Tunisian security forces. Furthermore, the FCDO recommends avoiding all but essential travel to Southern Tunisia, including the region bordering Libya, because of the ongoing cross-border terrorist activities and conflict in Libya. Additionally, the FCDO suggests that all but essential travel should be avoided within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, which includes areas such as Remada and El Borma, due to the heightened security risks in these regions.
Metro
18-07-2025
- Metro
Is it safe to travel to Tunisia? Latest advice as Foreign Office issues warning
Tunisia – with its year-round warm weather, sandy beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites – is a popular spot for holidaymakers, welcoming up to 9.4 million visitors every year. But the country's tourism industry has suffered in the wake of a series of terrorist attacks since 2015, with recent political events sparking fresh travel warnings. According the UK Foreign Office, 'ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks.' Protests held throughout Tunisia in response to the Israel-Palestine conflict have remained peaceful, but the Government agency urged visiting British nationals to be cautious in case demonstrations become violent. It also highlighted the increased threat of terrorism – particularly in certain areas – stating that 'terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia'. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. On July 16, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued a statement advising 'against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Tunisia-Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba Governorates.' Although the majority of visitors stay in hotspots like Tunis, Djerba and Carthage, the city of El Kef attracts some heritage tourism due to its richhistory, while the wider north-west region – home to the Tell Atlas mountain range – is popular with hikers and climbers. However, the area has now been added to the FCDO's Tunisia warning list due to possible terrorist activity and military operations, alongside the southern part of the country along the border with Libya. A previous no-travel alert for the archaeological site of Chemtou wastaken down by the ministerial body, but it noted that 'no foreign travel can be guaranteed as safe' and visitors must 'take personal responsibility' for theirsafety while abroad. This includes keeping an eye on media reports for the latest information on developing situations, staying vigilant of their surroundings, and following the instructions of local authorities. According to the government body, British tourists should avoid all travel to: The Chaambi Mountains National Park The designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila In addition, it recommends against all but essential travel to: Mount Orbata Areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park Within 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla Within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate Within 10km of Mount Mghila In this region, the FCDO warns against all travel to: The militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba Within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba The town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area All but essential travel should also be avoided within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma. While the chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are low, the police's Counter Terrorism unit tells UK travellers: 'It is important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.' Before a holiday, you should check the latest FCDO travel advice and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. And in the unfortunate event you do find yourself in an emergency while there, you should take the following steps: RUN – to a place of safety. This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate. – to a place of safety. This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate. HIDE – it is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn your phone to silent and use only when it is safe to do so. – it is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn your phone to silent and use only when it is safe to do so. TELL – Make sure you know the local emergency numbers in the country you are travelling to. If you have a holiday planned in any of the areas on the Tunisia no-travel list, your first port of call should be to get in touch with the company you booked with. The FCDO explains: 'Travel companies, including airlines, often take our advice into account but cancelling or rescheduling a flight ticket, holiday, tour or excursion is a decision that can only be taken by the travel company and the customer.' More Trending You should also contact your travel insurance provider, as they may allow you to make a claim if you cancel because of a change in FCDO travel advice. This is often dependent on the policy; some only pay out if the advice is to avoid all travel rather than 'all but essential' Certain insurers also require the local or national authorities to state it's unsafe to travel there. If your holiday provider or airline is operating there as normal and there are no advisories, you won't get any cancellation cover. If your holiday destination is near an affected region, but is still considered to be safe by the FCDO, according to Good To Go Insurance, 'you are unlikely to be able to cancel or change your trip without losing money.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Ex-UFC fighter in fresh bid for jail pardon after role in £53,000,000 Securitas heist MORE: 'Hidden gem' crowned the UK's top budget-friendly beach to visit this summer MORE: Is it safe to travel to Iceland right now? Latest advice after volcano erupts
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Daily Record
Foreign Office warns against 'all but essential' travel to part of popular destination
Tourists are being told to stay away from certain areas over safety concerns. The Foreign Office has issued guidance advising against "all but essential" travel to a popular holiday spot. Tunisia is popular among British tourists for its beaches, history and affordability. It offers experiences including beach resorts such as Hammamet and Sousse, and the opportunity to explore ancient Roman ruins and vibrant medinas. However, as of Wednesday, July 16, the official travel advice has been changed over serious safety concerns, listing no-go areas visitors should steer clear of, WalesOnline reports. The Foreign Office said: 'FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Tunisia-Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba Governorates, south of the town of Jendouba. FCDO no longer advises against travel to the archaeological site of Chemtou.' Safety fears continue to affect tourism in the country. In 2023, several terrorist attacks were planned and carried out by self-initiated individuals, potentially influenced by organisations. A National Guard officer was stabbed in the capital city Tunis, and a police officer died after being stabbed outside an embassy building. On the island of Djerba, a gunman opened fire at a Jewish pilgrimage site, killing three security staff and two civilians and injuring 10 people. The Foreign Office added: 'There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Areas where FCDO advises against travel Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border FCDO advises against all travel to: the Chaambi Mountains National Park the designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces. In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park within 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate within 10km of Mount Mghila Mount Orbata Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border FCDO advises against all travel to: the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya. In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma.
