Tunisia

Recommended Vaccinations For Tunisia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Tunisia

There are no recommendations for Tunisia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Tunisia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Tunisia.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Tunisia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Tunisia through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Tunisia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in Tunisia. It is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs mostly in the northern half of Tunisia. It is usually more common in rural than urban areas. The risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night when sand flies typically feed.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Tunisia

Personal Safety

Most travellers to Tunisia do not experience any safety and security problems. Tunisia is a fairly peaceful country, although some extremist groups may be present and Middle East conflicts can pose a threat to the security of Western travellers. With respect to your personal safety, be cautious and always be aware of your surroundings and of the security situation in the area.

If crossing the borders with Algeria and Libya, especially the southeastern border, consult the local authorities for the most recent security information due to the potential for kidnappings and terrorism in these areas.

Visitors must inform the authorities if attempting to travel overland through the Sahara Desert. Travellers must present an itinerary, and must only travel in a group accompanied by an experienced tour guide with adequate supplies and a vehicle with a GPS (global positioning system). Travel in the Sahara is not advised during July and August due to the severe heat.

While violent crime is rare, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, does occur. Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as expensive clothing or jewellery and ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Carry photocopies of important documents and store the originals in a secure place elsewhere.

There have been reports of women being harassed, particularly those travelling alone. Women should be aware of the possibility of propositions, suggestive comments or catcalls, and ignore them. Female travellers should take cues from the local women - avoid wearing provocative, form-fitting clothing and maintain a formal demeanour at all times.

Extreme Violence

Tourists are advised to avoid traveling the towns of Jendouba, Remada and Sidi Bouzid, as well as the road corridor from the town of Sbeitla to Sidi Bouzid. Other areas are in Tunisia’s Greater South - south of the Jebil National Park, excluding areas south of Dehiba and El Borma. Here the risk of violent crime is very high.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country in response to socio-economic conditions or political events. Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.

Areas To Avoid

Due to the risk of kidnapping and terrorist attack, avoid travel to the following areas: Southern Tunisia (areas south of and including the towns of Nefta, Douz, Medenine and Zarzis). The military are presently operating against suspecting terrorists residing in the Kef and Kasserine regions, Mount Chaambi National Park, and the border region with Algeria at El Kef and Ghardinaou.