Tuesday, June 24, 2025

As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, numerous travelers are re-evaluating their upcoming summer vacations to Tunisia. The situation has escalated further with the involvement of the US, following President Donald Trump’s airstrikes on Iran, leading to growing concerns about regional security.

Even with the escalating tensions, the UK Foreign Office has confirmed that Tunisia’s tourist resorts continue to be safe for visitors. However, the travel advisory has been updated to reflect the rising risks due to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. Tourists are urged to stay informed and take appropriate precautions while traveling.

The conflict began on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, marking the beginning of hostilities between the two nations. This escalated over the weekend when the US carried out strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, further heightening global concerns. As a result, travelers considering a trip to Tunisia are now questioning whether it is safe to proceed.

Tunisia has long been a popular destination for tourists, offering a warm climate, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural history. With the current rise in security concerns, many are rethinking their vacation plans as missile strikes in the region continue to pose threats. While Tunisia’s primary tourist destinations remain unaffected, travelers are urged to exercise caution and closely monitor the evolving situation.

As of June 23, 2025, the Foreign Office’s advisory for Tunisia reflects the risks posed by the escalating conflict. While the majority of Tunisia remains considered safe for travel, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cautions that the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran could quickly escalate, affecting the wider region.

Visitors are urged to keep abreast of both local and international news, follow the advice of local officials, and stay alert to potential risks. The FCDO has specifically warned against traveling to certain regions of Tunisia due to security concerns. These include the Tunisia-Algeria border and the Chaambi Mountains National Park, which are areas known for cross-border terrorism activities and ongoing security operations by Tunisian forces.

Additional areas deemed unsafe include those within 20 kilometers of the Tunisia-Libya border, the militarized zones south of El Borma and Dhehiba, and the town of Ben Guerdane and its surrounding areas. These zones are heavily impacted by cross-border terrorism and the unstable situation in Libya. The FCDO also advises against non-essential travel to other southern and western parts of Tunisia, noting the heightened threat of terrorist activity.

Travelers are also warned to avoid any protests or demonstrations that may occur in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Protests could take place in Tunisian cities, particularly near Western embassies, and the Foreign Office advises staying away from such gatherings to ensure personal safety.

Despite the current geopolitical situation, flights to Tunisia’s main airports, including Tunis-Carthage and Enfidha-Hammamet, continue to operate as scheduled. These airports remain open, and international flights are not currently affected by the conflict. However, travelers are advised to keep track of any updates from airlines, as the situation could evolve rapidly.

If you have already made travel arrangements to Tunisia, the situation may vary depending on your holiday provider’s policies. While the Foreign Office has not issued a full travel ban for Tunisia, individual providers have different guidelines. It’s essential to contact your travel provider to discuss options if you wish to postpone your trip or change your travel plans.

It is important to note that companies are not required to offer refunds if you decide to cancel your trip due to safety concerns. Travel insurance claims related to the safety situation will typically not be valid unless there is a change in the FCDO’s advisory that warrants such claims.

For most of Tunisia’s popular tourist destinations, including Hammamet and Tunis, which are far from the designated “do not travel” areas, there are currently no specific requirements to cancel your holiday. These regions remain relatively safe, with tourists continuing to visit despite the global tensions.

While Tunisia remains a popular destination, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to heightened security concerns. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed, follow the advice of local authorities, and take necessary precautions when visiting Tunisia. Those with upcoming trips should contact their travel providers to explore their options and stay updated on any changes to the travel situation.