There is a lot of uncertainty after the recent terror attack on a beach in Tunisia that killed more than 40 tourists, including British nationals. Holidaymakers travelling to Tunisia in the coming months are concerned about their safety and are looking for answers from holiday companies. If you’re one of the many who are looking for Tunisia travel advice – you’ve come to the right place.
Travelling to Tunisia – is it safe?
The number one concern for most people travelling to Tunisia is safety. Is it safe? Well, there’s no concrete answer to this. However, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:
• the Chaambi Mountain National Park area
• the Tunisia-Algeria border crossing points at Ghardimaou, Hazoua and Sakiet Sidi Youssef
• the militarized zone south of, but not including, the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 5km of the Libya border area from north of Dhehiba up to but not including the Ras Ajdir border crossing (gov.uk)
And advice against all but necessary travel to:
• areas south of, and including, the towns of Nefta, Douz, Médenine, Zarzis (including the Tunisia-Libya border crossing point at Ras Ajdir)
• within 30km of the border with Algeria south of, and including, the town of Jendouba (this area includes the archaeological sites of Bulla Regia and Chemtou)
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla (gov.uk)
They also suggest that if you’re travelling to the interior of Tunisia, that you do so with a reputable tour guide. This is because they believe that further terrorist attacks are likely, and that unknown individuals are being inspired by terrorist groups on social media.
Can I cancel my holiday to Tunisia?
These safety warnings from the Foreign and Commonwealth office are all well and good, but what if you already have a holiday to Tunisia booked? Unfortunately, airlines and holiday companies are under no obligation to provide a full refund UNLESS the foreign office officially advises against travel to your holiday destination. So if you’re planning on travelling to any of the above ‘advice against all’ destinations then you’re in luck. However, if you’re unsure then you should give them a call.
Regardless if this, some tour companies are kindly giving customers who are travelling soon, the chance to cancel or switch to an alternative destination depending on their circumstances.
First choice and Thomson have cancelled holidays to Tunisia up until the 9th of July and have stated that any customers travelling to Tunisia before the end of summer (October 31st) will be able to switch destinations free of charge.
Jet2 have cancelled flights up to the 5th of July and are allowing jet2holiday customers to change their bookings up until the 31st of October.
Thomas Cook is cancelling holidays for customers travelling up to until the 12th of July, and amending bookings up until October 31st.
Easyjet are giving customers who are travelling to Monastir in the next 13 days a free flight transfer or flight voucher to the value of their unused flight sectors.
Also, Monarch and Cosmos Holidays customers who are due to travel in the next 20 days are being offered a change of date or destination.
To be sure and for further information, it’s best to contact your tour operator. For more Tunisia holiday advice, here are some useful websites:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g293753-i9122-Tunisia.html
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/tunisia/
