Foreign Office advises Brits against 'all but essential' travel to parts of popular holiday destination
The country provides varied attractions, from lively seaside resorts such as Hammamet and Sousse to discovering ancient Roman remains and colourful medinas, reports WalesOnline.
Nevertheless, owing to grave safety worries, officials have revised their travel guidance, identifying restricted zones that visitors should steer clear of.
The Foreign Office stated: "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 have long subdued tourism in Tunisia. In 2023 a number of terrorist attacks were planned and carried out by self-initiated individuals possibly influenced by terrorist organisations including a National Guard officer stabbed in the Goulette area of Tunis, a police officer was stabbed and killed outside the Brazilian Embassy and a fatal shooting took place on the island of Djerba, at a Jewish pilgrimage site, with 3 security personnel and 2 civilians killed, and 10 injured.
In terms of terrorism the Foreign Office says: "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."
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.
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Describing the profound impact Thomas' abuse had on her life, Chloe said: 'It altered my life completely, starting with the drugs. 'Through doing that I missed a lot of school and I didn't get the education I needed to get a job 'As I got older I became more withdrawn and my anxiety worsened. 'I tried to hide it and avoided going to the doctors for [mental health] help in case someone asked why I was going and I felt like I had to tell them. She said it has even continued to impact her in motherhood. She said: 'I have felt worried about going out in case I see him, and worried about taking my children out. 'My child went to the school opposite to where he lives and it got to the point where I couldn't walk to the school and my children were missing days off school because I couldn't face going down there. 'There were days when they would be late because of the fact I didn't want to go down there. 'I have moved them to a different school now so I don't have to face going down there, but it has impacted their education as well. 'Just walking down the lane to the school you can see his house and you can see the garage. Going into the carpark and the school yard, you can also see it.' Reaching out to other victims she emphasised that once she reported Thomas' crimes to the police, she felt listened to and taken seriously. She said: 'Be brave, be strong, you can do it.' ChildLine provides help and support for children and young people. It's a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of ChildLine website and Helpline (0800 1111) are always available for information and support on issues like domestic and sexual abuse. If you, a family member, a friend, or someone you are concerned about has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline 24 hours a day seven days a week for free advice and support or to talk through your options: 0808 801 08 00.
