2018 Crime & Safety Report

According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, Tunisia has been assessed as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

U.S. Embassy does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The (ACS) Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tunis as being a low-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Please review OSAC’s country-specific webpage for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Police and military forces have increased their effectiveness in recent years. Since the signature of the 2018 budget law, many peaceful protests occurred throughout the region. However, during evening hours in early January 2018, many individuals engaged in civil unrest and delinquent activity to include vandalism, arson, looting, and violence against police and government facilities. This prompted the government to send the army into several cities to provide security at key critical infrastructure facilities. Areas most affected by violent activities were: the Ariana area of Tunis, , , Beja, Seliana, , , , Gabes, and .

The security situation in parts of the country, especially in certain areas along borders with and , has deteriorated since the 2011 revolution.

Crime Threats

Reliable crime statistics are difficult to obtain, but violent crime involving the use of firearms (assault, homicide, armed robbery) is rare. According to official statistics from the Ministry of Interior (MOI), theft and property crimes showed a slight decrease from 2014 to 2015, while there was a marked increase in the number of financial crimes/scams during that same period. Data for 2016 and 2017 is not available. Violent and nonviolent crime (personal robberies, residential break-ins, financial scams, vehicle thefts, petty drug offenses) occurs in Tunis and other large/tourist cities. Homicides and sexual assaults have been reported throughout Tunisia more often occurring in rural areas and impoverished neighborhoods.

Violence, to include vandalism and physical assaults toward police and security forces as well as rival fans, is often associated with soccer matches.

Most reported criminal incidents against foreigners are crimes of opportunity (pickpocketing, purse/phone snatching, petty theft). The selection of foreigners as targets tends to focus on people who appear unfamiliar with their surroundings or those who dress expensively, wear Western-style clothing, or who draw attention to themselves by not speaking the local language. Cases have been reported of young men on motor scooters targeting Western-looking females

1 and making attempts to snatch valuables during both day and night. Snatch-and-run tactics include speeding by an unsuspecting pedestrian on a scooter and grabbing a dangling purse. Visitors should be extra cautious in high traffic tourist areas (Tunis Medina, central market area, the medinas of other large cities).

More serious crimes (armed robbery) do occur but much less often and typically involve a knife or machete rather than a gun. If you are confronted by an assailant displaying a lethal weapon or threatening violence, attempt to de-escalate the situation by immediately turning over your valuables. Incidents of assaults, vehicle theft, and vehicle break-ins have occurred against both Tunisians and foreigners. The area of West in Tunis is particularly well-known for theft.

Between 2016 and 2017, residential burglaries occurred in areas of Tunis frequently inhabited by expatriates. Most residential burglaries occur during the day, when people are at work, and happen in both expatriate and Tunisian neighborhoods. Burglaries also occur at night, when there are obvious signs that no one is home; however, break-in burglaries while occupants are home are also reported. Most home burglars are young males (ages 17-25) looking for small, expensive items that can be converted to cash easily. Although home burglaries may seem like a random occurrence, they involve a selection process. Burglars are likely to choose an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and the best escape routes. If you give a key to domestic staff, consider using secondary locks. Discourage children from answering the door/gate bell and do not open the door/gate until you have identified the visitor. Domestic staff and dependents should be instructed to do the same and to report any unusual activity. Inspect your home periodically to identify vulnerabilities or inoperative security features. The U.S. government provides well-secured residences for its employees.

Tunisia is largely a cash-based economy. Credit cards are gaining acceptance at establishments in larger tourist cities, and ATMs can be found in many places in the capital. There have been incidents reported of people getting mugged while at the ATM and being watched while paying bills at restaurants. Protect your PIN. Try to use an ATM that is attached to a bank branch. Even though the Embassy has not seen a high level of credit card fraud among U.S. ctizens, there are numerous financial scams reported by authorities.

Be aware of distraction techniques (a staged fight, an intentional bump). Travelers should be wary of unsolicited offers of assistance and refuse offers that sound too good to be true.

Men and women should travel in groups, especially in remote areas during nighttime hours. Women face no specific dress restrictions, but wearing conservative clothing helps to avoid attracting undue attention or harassment.

If someone approaches you claiming to be a police officer, ask for identification and be vigilant.

Other Areas of Concern

The Tunisian National Guard requires persons traveling into the desert areas south of to register their travel plans beforehand and obtain a “desert pass” for access.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.”

2 Road Safety and Road Conditions

Road safety poses one of the greatest risks to foreign travelers. According to the Tunisian National Road Safety Observatory, there were more than 6,722 recorded traffic accidents, approximately 1,421 deaths, and well over 10,283 injuries in 2017. These figures illustrate the need to be well aware of the neighborhoods, local traffic patterns, and road culture before renting a car or self-driving. Drivers will likely encounter road conditions, driving patterns, traffic laws, and signs that are different from those in the U.S. Local drivers often fail to obey traffic signs/signals, drive on the wrong side of the road, and go against the flow of traffic. Locals use the road shoulders or turning lanes to pass or ignore traffic lane markings. Also, do not assume that pedestrians are aware of oncoming traffic or that they will be given the right-of-way, even at a designated pedestrian crossing. Bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles are operated without sufficient lights/reflectors, making them difficult to see as they dart in/out of traffic.

Drivers should refrain from using mobile phones while driving. Drivers should also keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked and conceal any valuables.

Uniformed police officers are generally at major intersections in major cities. Police officers may stop drivers for inspection; drivers should comply. Police pay particular attention to rental cars (all rental cars have blue license plates), which are frequently stopped.

If drivers are involved in a motor accident that results in death or serious injury, the police may take them into protective custody until responsibility can be determined. This can mean spending days to months in detention. Drivers involved in traffic accidents not involving injury to an individual are required to file an accident form (the form is usually issued by the insurance company and found in the glove compartment of rental cars). On the form, both drivers must document driver and vehicle information, how the accident occurred (each driver may write a statement), and both drivers must sign the form but should not admit guilt. Drivers involved in accidents may go to the traffic police station if they need help or if there is a disagreement. The form must be returned to the insurance company within 48 hours. Drivers involved in traffic accidents involving injury to individuals must notify police, and all drivers involved must not leave the scene before the police finish the investigation. If the driver decides to leave the scene due to safety concerns, he/she must report to the closest police station.

Visitors should avoid driving after dark outside the greater Tunis area or major resort areas. Many roads are poorly maintained, may have community installed speed bumps that are not marked, are poorly illuminated, and lack sound infrastructure. Even well-traveled routes are subject to blowing sands that can create hazards.

Travel in the desert areas presents additional challenges. Persons driving off the major paved roads are encouraged to ensure that their vehicles are appropriate for off-road driving conditions and are equipped with appropriate spares/supplies (water, food). Groups should generally travel in multiple vehicles. Desert regions are subject to extreme temperatures, from sub-freezing evenings in the winter to dangerously hot days in the summer. In addition, many areas in the southern desert regions have little or no cellular telephone service.

For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report “Driving Overseas: Best Practices.”

3 Public Transportation Conditions

Taking public buses or minibuses (known as louage) is strongly discouraged. Bus drivers often drive at excessive speeds, have poor safety records, and do not properly maintain vehicles. Buses are usually overcrowded, and women have been harassed.

U.S. citizens on official business are authorized to take taxis within the greater Tunis area. Taxis are authorized for home-to-work and personal business. Tunis’ official taxis (yellow cabs) can be hailed legally from the street or at designated spots in prominent places. The white and red roof sign will have a four digit serial number. All fares are metered and have a minimum charge. Do not use a taxi that will not use the meter or claims “the meter is not working,” as these drivers will over charge unsuspecting passengers. Depending on what time and place you catch the taxi, additional charges may apply. Do not enter a taxi that is already carrying passengers, and do not allow your driver to pick up additional passengers. Taxi fares are relatively inexpensive.

The streetcar system, known as “Metro,” consists of five lines between downtown Tunis and nearby suburbs. Petty crime (pickpocketing, purse/phone/jewelry snatching, sexual harassment of women) is common. U.S. citizens on official business are not authorized to use the Metro.

Trains depart from Tunis to many cities (, , Gabes, El Jem) and offer a safer alternative to driving. However, there have been several major train accidents over the past several years; the most recent occurred in November 2017 when one person was killed crossing the rails in the area of Rades. On November 2, 2017, a train derailed in , causing 20 injuries. In March 2017, two trains collided in Megrine, injuring 28 people. Drivers and pedestrians must pay additional attention at railroad crossings because most of the crossing signals are either absent or not working properly.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tunis as being a CRITICAL-threat location for terrorist activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

A state of emergency was put in place after a terrorist attack in November 2015 on security forces in downtown Tunis. This state of emergency has continued to be reinstated and is scheduled to expire on March 11, 2018.

The Tunisian government expanded its counterterrorism efforts in 2016, particularly after several high-profile terrorist attacks; major terrorist incidents in 2016 and 2017 included:  November 1, 2017: One Tunisian police officer died and another was wounded when a man attacked them outside Parliament near the Bardo area of Tunis. According to prosecutors, the attacker had adopted extremist views and intended to join terrorist groups in Libya.  March 12, 2017: A police officer was killed and another was injured in an overnight ambush by four attackers in Kebili, some 500 kilometers south of Tunis. According to a statement by the MOI, two of the motorcycle-mounted attackers were killed and another was seriously wounded, while one fled on foot.  March 7, 2016: Terrorists staged a simultaneous attack on the National Guard headquarters, military barracks, and police posts in the border town of Ben Guerdane

4 and attempted to seize the city. 45 armed militants, 13 security force members, and seven civilians were killed.

Police and military are engaged in operations to combat terrorism and disrupt terrorist cells, especially near the Algerian and Libyan border areas, included but not limited to Kasserine, , Jendouba, Sidi Bouzid, and Ben Guerdane. Most border operations were reported in the closed military area of Mount Chaambi.

The Department of State also issued a general security message on April 14, 2017, advising U.S. citizens to exercise caution when visiting public and religious venues in light of the Easter holiday and recent terrorist attacks that targeted religious institutions in Egypt.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tunis as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

Cities have experienced periodic or spontaneous demonstrations. All areas of demonstrations or protests should be avoided. If a large concentration of people is observed, leave the area immediately.  In January 2018, there were numerous peaceful demonstrations in various cities protesting Tunisian government economic and social policies after the signature of the 2018 budget law. During the evening hours in early January 2018, opportunistic individuals having a criminal element engaged in civil unrest and delinquent activity to include vandalism, arson, looting, and violence against police and government facilities. This prompted the government to send the army into several cities to provide security at key critical infrastructure facilities. One civilian death occurred in , 25 miles from Tunis, that was determined to be asphyxiation by tear gas.

The Department of State issued a general security message on April 5, 2017, that advised U.S. citizens visiting or resident in southeast Tunisia to ongoing reports of civil disturbances, strikes, and protests, including in the , that resulted in clashes between protestors, blocked roads, and sit-ins.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Tunisia is considered to be in an active earthquake zone. Most buildings do not meet U.S. construction criteria for such an area.

During the winter, extended downpours have been known to overwhelm Tunis’ storm drains and result in street flooding. The city can shut down because of washed-out roads when alternate routes become overburdened by diverted traffic.

Privacy Concerns

International express delivery services can provide service to Tunisian addresses through the Tunisian rapid poste system. Tunisian Customs routinely opens express mail for inspection. The

5 U.S. Embassy knows of no cases of theft/loss of material related to express mail delivery addressed to U.S. citizens.

Personal Identity Concerns

Homosexuality is illegal and can be punished by imprisonment.

Modern Standard is the official, national language; however, the local dialect is the most commonly-used language in daily activities. French is widely spoken. English is understood by few and usually only at high-end establishments (i.e. hotels, restaurants).

Drug-related Crimes

Use/possession of illegal drugs, and drug trafficking are serious offenses. Individuals arrested for drug-related crimes, including possession of a small amount of marijuana, can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Kidnapping Threat

A general threat of kidnapping exists, not only directed at Westerners, but also against local Tunisian nationals. Individuals should practice good personal security awareness and stay alert to local events and security developments within the country. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Kidnapping: The Basics.”

Police Response

Tunisian police are capable and professional with varying levels of capacity, including some highly skilled specialized units with the ability to respond to crisis and critical incidents. Many senior police officials have received advanced training in Western Europe or the U.S. In an effort to maintain its image and protect Tunisia’s tourism industry, the police are generally responsive to visitors in need of assistance. The police presence is particularly high in tourist areas and other areas frequented by foreigners. The Tunisian police often set up after-hours checkpoints at roundabouts or on main thoroughfares.

Police officers conduct random traffic stops. Drivers and passengers are required to show their identity card or resident’s permit and vehicle registration. Visitors should always have a copy of their passport and immigration card completed upon entry. You will need the small perforated card for Tunisian immigration upon departure.

All visitors must adhere to local laws. Possession of pornography is illegal and can also lead to imprisonment. Insulting or arguing with the police is illegal, and people have been imprisoned for it.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Foreign visitors who are briefly detained by the police are encouraged to remain cooperative and patient. This behavior will assist in expediting a quick resolution to an arbitrary police stop. U.S. citizens taken into custody should immediately request that the police inform the U.S. Embassy of their whereabouts.

6 Crime Victim Assistance

Crimes should be reported immediately to the nearest police officer/station. Hotel desk clerks, store owners, shopkeepers, and taxi drivers can direct you to a police officer or summon one for you. American citizens should also report criminal incidents to the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section.

Police: 197 Fire Department: 198

For local first responders, please refer to the Embassy/Consulate’s Emergency Assistance page.

Police/Security Agencies

The National Police provide security in major urban areas, and the paramilitary National Guard is responsible for other areas, including the nation’s highways. Police and National Guard officers are generally responsive to the needs of visitors but speak limited English.

There are no known private security firms that have trained personnel who can provide executive protection services to visiting business persons. The Tunisian Ministry of the Interior does not allow its police officers to act in this capacity while off-duty. The U.S. Embassy is unaware of any private security or law firms licensed to conduct private investigations in Tunisia.

Medical Emergencies

Medical care is adequate with a number of new private polyclinics available that function as simple hospitals by providing a variety of procedures. Specialized care or treatment may not be available in all locations. Medical facilities that can handle complex trauma cases are virtually non-existent. While most private clinics have some physicians who are fluent in English, French is primarily used by the medical establishment. Public hospitals are overcrowded, underequipped, and understaffed. Nursing care in clinics is underdeveloped and in some cases nonexistent.

Well-equipped ambulances may not be available outside of urban areas. Even in urban areas, emergency response times will be much longer than in the U.S. Many over the counter medications are available. Travelers should bring a full supply of needed medications and a copy of their prescription. For more information, please refer to OSAC’s Report, “Traveling with Medications.”

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, please refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Insurance Guidance

Doctors and hospitals will expect immediate cash payment for health care services, although some hospitals may accept credit cards.

7 CDC Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Tunisia.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Tunis Country Council currently meets several times a year. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Middle East and team with any questions and to join.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

U.S. Embassy Tunis 1053 Les Berges du Lac Tunis, Tunisia

Embassy Contact Numbers

If dialing from abroad, the Country Code for Tunisia is +216.

Main number: 71-107-000 Website: http://tunisia.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Guidance

Dual citizens originally from Tunisia are typically recognized as Tunisian citizens and must enter/exit on their Tunisian passports.

U.S. citizens traveling to Tunisia should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Tunisia Country Information Sheet

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