Foreign Office advises against 'all but essential' travel to part of popular tourist hotspot
Updated guidance warns against 'all but essential' travel to part of Tunisia due to serious safety concerns.
Tunisia has long been a popular destination for British tourists, known for its golden beaches, turquoise Mediterranean coastline, bustling medinas and affordable luxury.
But despite its appeal, the nation continues to battle security challenges that have overshadowed its tourism sector for years.
In its latest update, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) highlighted areas of western and southern Tunisia as no-go zones due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and cross-border violence.
A spokesperson 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.'
However, the ministerial department has since removed its warning for the archaeological site of Chemtou, which had previously been off-limits.
The travel warning comes as Tunisia continues to grapple with sporadic terrorist attacks, some carried out by individuals reportedly influenced by extremist ideologies.
In 2023, the country witnessed several high-profile incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a National Guard officer in Tunis and a deadly shooting at a Jewish pilgrimage site on the island of Djerba, which claimed the lives of five people.
The Foreign Office warned: '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.'
Tunisia's tourism sector, which has slowly recovered from the devastating 2015 terrorist attacks that killed dozens of foreign tourists, could face renewed setbacks.
Tour operators and airlines may now review their summer schedules, while travellers are advised to check the latest government guidance before departure.
While major tourist hubs like Hammamet, Sousse, and the capital Tunis are not currently included in the FCDO's red zones, British nationals are encouraged to remain vigilant, monitor local media, and follow advice from local authorities.
For the most up-to-date information on travel advice, British nationals are urged to check the FCDO's official travel guidance.
It comes as a savvy traveller has revealed how he bagged a trip to Morocco for just £186 - including flights.
Rob Adcock, a BBC TV presenter and travel aficionado who posts to Instagram using the handle @robadcock, found himself 'skimming through Skyscanner looking for cheap deals.'
Areas in Tunisia where FCDO advises against travel
Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border:
the Chaambi Mountains National Park
the designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila
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:
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
He then found a 'good value flight' with Ryanair to Agadir in Morocco that piqued his interest.
The travel content creator decided to look at hotels in the North African city and found what he calls 'an absolute bargain' with an overnight stay, three spa treatments and breakfast included for £270 for two people.
Speaking to MailOnline Travel, Rob says: 'I'm a pretty sad individual, and whenever I'm bored, I just find myself skimming through Skyscanner looking for cheap deals.
'So when Morocco came up and Agadir seemed like a good value flight, I did some digging.'
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