Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
March 13, 2008
This Travel Alert updates U.S. citizens about security concerns in Tunisia. In light of the reported kidnapping of two Western tourists in the Tunisian-Algerian southern desert region, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution if traveling in this area. Sections of this border are not clearly marked. All U.S. citizens in Tunisia are encouraged to comply with local regulations regarding desert travel, to maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to their personal security and to remain aware of local developments. This Travel Alert expires on June 15, 2008.
Al-Qaida in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of two Austrian tourists in Tunisia in late February 2008. The two Austrians had been driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle in the southern desert. AQIM is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, and the presence of AQIM in North Africa presents potential dangers to travelers.
U.S. citizens planning travel to the southern desert regions of Tunisia despite this Travel Alert, as well as Americans residing or traveling in Tunisia, are urged to register with the Department of State through our travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov
. Specific information on desert travel in Tunisia, including local regulations and procedures, can be found at
http://tunisia.usembassy.gov/desert_travel.html
. The U.S. Embassy in Tunis is located in Les Berges du Lac, Nord de Tunis 1053. Tel: (216) 71-107-000, Fax: (216) 71-964-360, Internet:
http://tunisia.usembassy.gov
.
Updated information on travel and security in Tunisia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Tunisia and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Department’s Internet website at
http://travel.state.gov
.
