Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

  • Reviewed: 19 December 2022, 11:08 NZDT
  • Still current at: 30 March 2024

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COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to the entire governorate of Kasserine (including the Chaambi Mountains National Park), Mount Mighila (located between the governorates of Kasserine and Sidi Bouzid), and Mount Orbata (in the governorate of Gafsa) due to ongoing security operations and the high threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel within 30 kilometres of the border with Algeria, in the military zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba, and within 50 kilometres of the rest of the border with Libya, including the town of Ben Guerdane, due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping and the presence of armed groups (level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the areas south of and including the towns of Nefta, Douz, Médenine and Zarzis, and the governorates of El Kef, Jendouba and Sidi Bouzid, due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Tunisia due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

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Tunisia

Terrorism
There is a significant threat of terrorism in Tunisia. Ongoing insecurity and conflict in Libya and the presence of terrorist groups in that country continues to affect the security situation and threat environment in Tunisia. The unstable security situation in neighbouring Algeria has also impacted the security situation in Tunisia. There is currently a state of emergency in Tunisia which has been regularly extended for a number of years and grants police and military extra powers in order to maintain civil order.

There have been a number of attacks in Tunisia in the past targeting foreigners and tourists.

-       On 29 Janary 2022, three passengers on a tram at Bab Alioua station in Tunis were injured during a knife attack.

-       On 27 June 2019, two bombs exploded in Tunis causing at least one death and several injuries.

-       On 31 March 2018, 2 foreigners were attacked by an individual with a knife in the town of El Kef, in northwest Tunisia.

-       On 26 June 2015, 38 foreign tourists were killed in a terrorist attack in Port El Kantaoui, near the beach resort town of Sousse. Reports suggest the attacker deliberately targeted foreign tourists.

-       On 18 March 2015, a terrorist attack took place at the Bardo Museum in the centre of Tunis. Twenty one tourists were killed and many others were injured.

There have been other terrorist attacks in Tunisia directed against government and security forces.

-       On 24 June 2022, two security officers were injured in a knife attack near a synagogue in central Tunis.

-       On 6 September 2020, two National Guard officers in Sousse were attacked by three attackers armed with knives, one died.

-       On 6 March 2020, a bombing near the US Embassy targeting a police patrol killed one and injured four more, including a civilian.

While security measures have increased, particularly in tourist areas, further attacks are likely, including in large cities and locations known to be frequented by foreigners. Foreigners and tourists may continue to be deliberately targeted. Authorities may restrict travel or enforce local curfews at short notice. Tunisian authorities continue to disrupt planned militant attacks and make arrests.

New Zealanders in Tunisia are advised to exercise a high level of security awareness at all times, particularly when visiting public places frequented by foreigners, such as hotels, shopping centers, places of worship, tourist sites, festivals, bars and restaurants. Other places where you should be particularly alert include western diplomatic missions, oil facilities, residential areas, transportation networks, at outdoor events and any other areas or times where people gather in large groups. Other targets for future attacks could also include aviation and government facilities. We recommend monitoring local media to stay informed of potential risks to your safety and following any advice or instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfew measures.

Border areas
The risk of cross-border terrorist activity and kidnapping is especially high in areas south of, and including, the towns of Nefta, Douz, Médenine and Zarzis. There is a heightened security presence in this area due to the deteriorating security environment.

Kidnappings have occurred along the borders with Libya and Algeria. We advise do not travel to these areas and strongly advise against crossing these borders by land. Border crossings are sometimes closed temporarily without notice.

See our travel advice for Libya and Algeria.

Civil Unrest and Political Tensions
On 25 July 2021, Tunisia’s President dismissed the Government and suspended Parliament.

Protests in response to religious, political and economic tensions occur frequently in Tunisia, which sometimes affect key services and become violent. Protests may occur with little or no warning. Although protests are not normally against foreign interests, international events can trigger anti-western protests.

New Zealanders in Tunisia are advised to avoid all large gatherings, protests, demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews. Be prepared to change your travel plans if civil unrest occurs.

Crime
Petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, mugging and scams are common in Tunisia, particularly on public transportation. New Zealanders are advised to remain vigilant, be security conscious in public places, guard belongings carefully and never leave bags open or unattended.

Thieves sometimes steal items from vehicles and hotel rooms. Hide valuables from view and ensure you always lock up your vehicle and accommodation. In your hotel room, keep your valuables in a secure place.

Female travellers should take extra care, especially if alone and particularly at night, as women may be subjected to unpleasant male attention and harassment. 

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud is common in Tunisia. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Tunisia to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.

Homosexuality is illegal and it is illegal to live or stay as an unmarried couple in Tunisia. Foreigners have been imprisoned for public indecency in recent years. Missionary work by non-Muslims is also illegal, and may result in deportation.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines.

Photography of or near government offices, military establishments, and other infrastructure is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Tunisia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Tunisia are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips


The New Zealand Embassy Cairo, Egypt is accredited to Tunisia

Street Address 8th floor, North Tower, Nile City building, Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Beaulac, Cairo, Egypt Telephone +202 2461 9186 Fax +202 2461 9178 Email enquiries@nzembassy.org.eg Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/egypt/new-zealand-embassy-to-arab-republic-of-egypt/ Hours Sun-Wed 0900-1500 hrs, Thurs 0900-1330 hrs Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance, please call the Embassy on +202 2461 6000. Outside of business hours you will be redirected to an after-hours duty service.

See our regional advice for Africa

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Accredited New Zealand Embassy Egypt

Street Address
8th floor, North Tower, Nile City building, Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Beaulac, Cairo, Egypt

Telephone: +202 2461 9186

Fax: +202 2461 9178

Email: enquiries@nzembassy.org.eg

Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/egypt/new-zealand-embassy-to-arab-republic-of-egypt/

Hours: Sun-Wed 0900-1500 hrs, Thurs 0900-1330 hrs

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