Tunisia |
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| COUNTRY OVERVIEW | ||||||||||||||||
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| COUNTRY GENERAL INFORMATION | |||||||
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| Language: |
Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce) |
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| Currency: | Tunisian Dinar (TND) | ||||||
| Predominant Religions: |
Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1% |
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| National Holidays: | Independence day, 20 March (1956) | ||||||
| Economic Status: |
Tunisia is a presidential republic with a developing economy. |
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| Security: |
Army, Navy, Republic of Tunisia Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriyah At'tunisia) |
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| US Presence: | |||||||
| Document Requirements: |
A passport is required. For U.S. passport holders, a visa is not necessary for stays of up to four months; however, a residence permit is needed for longer stays. The residence permit can be obtained from the central police station of the district of residence. Americans born in the Middle East or with Arabic names have experienced delays in clearing immigration upon arrival. American citizens of Tunisian origin are expected to enter and exit Tunisia on their Tunisian passports. If a Tunisian-American succeeds in entering using a U.S. passport, he or she will still have to present a Tunisian passport to exit the country. Tunisian/American children must always have both parents' permission to exit the country, even if one parent has sole custody. Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page. |
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| Major Airports: |
Airports: 30 Airports w/paved runways: 14 |
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| Servicing Airlines: |
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| Risks and Precautions: |
The Dept. of State issued a Travel Warning for Tunisia on 16 January 2011. The US Department of State warns US citizens about the current political and social unrest in Tunisia and recommends deferring non-essential travel to Tunisia at this time. A state of emergency was declared in Tunisia on January 14. The Department of State has authorized the departure of all family members. US citizens in Tunisia should closely examine their security situation in light of this and other recent developments and consider departing Tunisia. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Alert for Tunisia dated January 13, 2011. The civil unrest has recently spread to Tunis and all major cities, including popular tourist destinations. These spontaneous and unpredictable events have degenerated on several occasions into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in multiple deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage. While these disturbances appear to be triggered by economic concerns, and not to be directed toward Westerners, US citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The US Department of State strongly urges US citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse. The US Department of State advises US citizens who decide to remain in Tunisia to defer non-essential movement and to exercise caution. The Tunisian government has imposed a curfew for the greater Tunis metropolitan area until further notice. Although the curfew is currently in effect from 6pm to 5am, the Tunisian government has changed the hours of curfew several times and the Department of State advises US citizens to be off the streets between dusk and dawn. Government security forces, including the army, are visibly present throughout Tunisia. Travelers should heed directions given by uniformed security officials, and are encouraged to always carry a copy of their passport as proof of nationality and identity. Security personnel, including plainclothes officials, may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. It is against Tunisian law to photograph government offices and other sensitive facilities. Suspicious incidents or problems should be reported immediately to Tunisian authorities and to the US Embassy. The Embassy is located in the Les Berges du Lac suburb of Tunis. The Embassy telephone number is +216 71 107 000 and the Embassy fax number is +216 71 963 263. The Consular section can also be contacted by email at ConsularTunis@state.gov. US citizens in Tunisia are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. US citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the US Embassy. By enrolling, US citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. 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, as well as the Worldwide Caution. These products and the latest international travel information for US citizens are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. |
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| Mortality Statistics: |
Infant MR total: 23.84 deaths/1,000 live births |
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| Immunization Indicators: |
Required: None |
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| Infectious Disease Concerns: |
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate
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| Overall Quality of Medical Services: |
Medical care in Tunisia is adequate, with a number of new, private “polyclinics” available that function as simple hospitals and can provide a variety of procedures. Specialized care or treatment may not be available. Public hospitals are overcrowded, under-equipped and understaffed. In general, nursing care does not conform to US standards. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health care services although some hospitals may accept credit cards. |
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| Providers in Network: |
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| Recent Medical Threats/ Concerns/Warnings: |
Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis (river blindness) are other diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Protecting yourself against insect bites will help to prevent these diseases. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, is found in fresh water in the region, including the Nile River. Do not swim in fresh water (except in well-chlorinated swimming pools) in these countries. Other infections that tend to occur more often in longer-term travelers (or immigrants from the region) include tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
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| Communications Info: |
Country Code: +216 |
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