Tunisia Country Report

The Republic of Tunisia is located in North Africa, stretching from Cape Angela, at its northernmost point, to the inner Sahara Desert in the south. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and Libya to the east. Tunisia offers a more stable operating environment than many of its neighbors, but potential security risks to travelers remain.

The government had been relatively stable amid challenges of transition and democracy until President Kais Saied dismissed the country's prime minister and suspended parliament following nationwide protests in July 2021. Saied's opponents described his actions as a coup. In mid-2022, the Tunisian government organized a referendum to change the constitution and codify the president's hold over most institutions. Most opposition parties boycotted the referendum, and despite a turnout of 30.5 percent, the new constitution was adopted. On Oct. 6, 2024, Tunisia held its first presidential election under the new constitution. Incumbent President Kais Saied was reelected with 91 percent of the votes, despite a turnout of 29 percent, the lowest since the 2011 Revolution. Most opposition parties boycotted the election, and a wave of unrest targeted opposition figures and journalists during the campaign, so much so that of the two other qualifying candidates announced in September 2024, one was sentenced to 12 years in prison a few days before the vote.

A state of emergency has been in effect since terrorist attacks took place in 2015. Nevertheless, the security threat from terrorism has significantly declined in recent years due to increased investment and capabilities. Militant attacks have occurred periodically in Tunis, but the main area of terrorist operations remains the central-western highlands in the vicinity of the Algerian border. The southern border is a designated militarized zone with high security due to cross-border smuggling and terrorist activities and the threat emanating from Libya. The deterioration of the Libyan security environment has led to a bolstering of defensive measures along the military buffer zone and maritime territories in Tunisia.

Lone wolf terror attacks are also a threat in Tunis and other strategic areas. Current regional tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict have resulted in an increased threat of lone-wolf attacks. Militant groups, such as the Islamic State (IS), have encouraged attacks targeting Israeli, Western, or Jewish interests, including in Tunisia. Counterterrorism and security efforts have been prioritized, especially around areas frequented by tourists. Other potential targets include government and police buildings, transport hubs, embassies, shopping centers, hotels, and resorts.

Most crimes committed against travelers are petty theft, such as bag-snatching and pick-pocketing. These incidents tend to be non-confrontational, but criminals may resort to violence if resisted. Violent crimes, including physical assault and murder, are rare but do occur. Unemployment, corruption, and unpopular government reforms are common drivers for civil and labor unrest, particularly in Tunis and economically marginalized areas. Demonstrations can occasionally disrupt travel and turn violent.

Overland road travel may pose the highest threat to travelers, especially for those unfamiliar with local road and driving conditions. Tunisia is periodically affected by droughts, flooding, and sandstorms. Medical care is adequate for routine services.

Militant attacks have occurred periodically in Tunisia despite a heightened security presence. Security operations against militants often occur in the governorates of Jendouba, Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, and Kef, as well as areas along the borders with Algeria and Libya. The threat of conflict spillover from Libya in southern and southeastern border areas persists. Counterterrorism and security efforts have been prioritized, especially around tourist assets, although the potential for one-off attacks remains.

Primary targets include the police, military, and government buildings, although terrorist groups have also targeted places visited by foreigners in the past. Pick-pocketing and bag-snatching are often reported in cities. Violent crime, including assaults, against foreigners is rare. Unemployment, corruption, and unpopular government reforms are drivers of civil and labor unrest. Clashes between the police and protesters can result in injuries and property damage. Smuggling and illegal immigration are also common issues, particularly in the south.

Aviation safety and security standards may not meet those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

There are no concerns over overland travel, however, driving at night poses as dangerous.

Access to utilities is good, however, access to clean water in rural areas is a challenge.

Port of Skhira is considered efficient.

Tunisia has hot and dry summers and mild, rainy winters in northern and central regions. Heavy rain and flooding can result in property damage, fatalities and travel disruption. Storms most severely affect areas across the north, northeast and central areas of the country. Tunisia is not particularly earthquake-prone although low to moderate intensity quakes do occur. Landmines are present in remote border areas.

Medical facilities are generally good in major centers but are usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas. Serious medical cases may require evacuation to a country with more advanced health facilities. Pharmacies are widely available in cities; common medications can be found over the counter. Pharmacies in rural areas may be very basic and some prescription medication may be unavailable. Tap water is not safe to drink.

Tunisia is constitutionally a parliamentary republic with a semi-presidential representative democratic system. The country's political stability hinges on perceived representation, progress on economic rehabilitation, infrastructure development, and tackling terrorism. In July 2021, President Kais Saied dismissed the country's prime minister, suspended Parliament, and stripped lawmakers of legislative immunity following nationwide demonstrations. The emergency powers allowed Saied to rule without a prime minister and Parliament until September 2021, when he appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane as the country's first female prime minister. In August 2023, she was replaced by Ahmed Hachani. Saied has cited Article 80 of the Constitution, which grants the president emergency powers in the event of an "imminent threat," as justification for his actions. His opponents have called the move a coup. In July 2022, through a referendum where only 30.5 percent of the population voted, Saied changed the constitution and created a presidential system, further strengthening his control. The new constitution has angered most opposition parties as it has reduced the power of the Parliament and many Tunisian institutions. Saied has also increased its crackdown on opposition leaders, journalists, and civil society activists. On Oct. 6, 2024, Saied was reelected with 91 percent of the votes, despite a turnout of 29 percent, the lowest since the 2011 Revolution. Most opposition parties boycotted the election, and a wave of unrest targeted opposition figures and journalists during the campaign, so much so that of the two other qualifying candidates announced in September 2024, one was sentenced to 12 years in prison a few days before the vote.

The political elite has been accused of failing to address high unemployment and perceived social inequality, which has triggered an increase in civil unrest. Tunisia's high rates of unemployment and inflation and shortages of basic goods have prompted labor unions, consumers, students, and business owners to organize an array of strikes and protests to denounce the economic hardship.

Other key areas remain neglected, such as a failure to formalize the constitutional court and the use of military courts under broad counter-terrorist legislation. The latter is justified through the ongoing state of emergency, which has been imposed since 2015. Despite attempts to reduce the impact of internal party divisions by expanding the government coalition, delays to policy implementation and trade union activism are likely to remain problematic.

Extensive bureaucracy creates conditions open to abuse. Mechanisms for investigating and punishing corruption are weak. Tunisia is a Muslim country that follows Islamic laws and customs. The police are considered efficient, but the institution also suffers from corruption and accusations over practices attributed to the state of emergency laws.