Tunisia is a beautiful, yet slightly misunderstood, country. Since the Coronavirus pandemic’s peak in 2020, travellers are more eager than ever to hop on a flight and have a well-needed getaway. For many Brits and Europeans, Tunisia is often near the top of the recommendations when browsing online travel websites. It’s also not uncommon for a trip to Tunisia to be less expensive than other popular destinations. Despite the several opportunities to book that trip to Tunisia, many people don’t consider visiting after asking themselves ‘is Tunisia safe?’ However, this reluctance might just be getting in the way of an incredible stay.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why you need to reconsider booking a trip to Tunisia…
Is it safe to travel to Tunisia?
Terrorism in Tunisia
Understandably, many people do feel uneasy when it comes to travelling to Tunisia. There have been several terrorist attacks over recent years, and one that particularly hits close to home for Brits is the 2015 attack by ISIS which killed several European tourists.
Still today, Tunisia remains on high alert for terrorist activity, and it is imperative to seek advice and read up on how to stay safe before travelling to any destination, especially when threats are high. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t be a reason not to visit Tunisia.
The reality: Is Tunisia safe?
It is worth noting that each resort and area will differ. However, from my experience, I felt incredibly safe in Tunisia – and found the locals to be the most pleasant and comforting people I have ever met when travelling to another country. During your trip, you’ll likely witness additional checks and safety requirements. This includes gated hotel resorts (where you’ll usually find the gate to the resort at a good distance away from where tourists will be staying), and armed guards with detectors who check every vehicle or person that approaches. The hotel that I stayed in was TUI Blue Oceana Suites in Hammamet, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Tourism in Tunisia
In 2021, it was reported that tourism contributed $920 million to Tunisia’s GDP. Therefore, for the country to thrive – tourism is welcomed and necessary. This means that the police and guards take the safety of travellers extremely seriously, and this is evident when comparing it to other destinations you may have visited in the past.
It’s too bold of a statement to say that a whole country is safe to travel, as this is very rarely the case. But there are plenty of stunning resorts and destinations in Tunisia which are safe enough to visit. Ensure that you stay alert at all times, but don’t let tragic events in Tunisia stop you from witnessing the beauty the country has to offer.
Where shall I stay in Tunisia?
The three most common places to visit in Tunisia are Sousse, Hammamet and Tunis.
Sousse
The most popular area for tourists in Tunisia is possibly Sousse. It has everything from its rich history to relaxing resorts and golden sand beaches. Again, while Tunisia is on high alert and Sousse is a popular tourist hotspot, it is important to stay aware and safe. However, Sousse is a beautiful destination with hotel accommodations for different budgets.
Hammamet
Hammamet is another popular choice in Tunisia. The flour-like sandy beaches and luxury hotels are just two examples of why you should visit. With two medinas and an amusement park nearby, there are plenty of things to do if you’re looking for a break from relaxing in your hotel.
Tunis
Tunis is the capital city of Tunisia and is ideal for travellers looking for a city-break-style vacation with great weather and plenty of history. A perk of staying in Tunis is that it is very close to the beautiful Sidi Bou Said – the Tunisian Santorini, but you can still visit this dreamy blue and white town from destinations like Hammamet and Sousse. A trip to Tunis will usually be less about relaxing and more about shopping, history and exploring the city.
Is Tunisia affordable?
A holiday to Tunisia can be incredibly inexpensive compared to other destinations. Although the country is situated in North Africa, it is not uncommon for the flights and accommodation to be priced cheaper than some of the popular European holiday destinations closer to the UK.
Aside from cheaper flights and accommodation, eating and drinking outside of your hotel can also be relatively inexpensive compared to other destinations – even more so if you head away from the tourist-heavy parts. You can usually get a coffee or beer for between 1-5 Tunisian Dinars on average, which is around 25p – £1.25 or $0.32 – $1.61. It’s also good practice to tip the staff when necessary.
Aside from food and drink, you may also visit medinas where you can purchase souvenirs and handmade goods to take back home. The prices here will depend on how well you can haggle, as well as what you’re purchasing. You’ll often find pre-priced items, where you will struggle to haggle for a lower price, or non-pre-priced items. A good way to get the price you want for an item is to start as low as a quarter of the price you are initially offered. From there, you can negotiate to get the right price.
Of course, every area will be different – and some more tourist-heavy locations will charge more. But overall, Tunisia is a very good place to visit when on a budget.
Is Tunisia good for tourists?
Tunisia is a spectacular holiday destination – and many of the hotels are catered with Western visitors in mind. You can find plenty of all-inclusive accommodations where you can enjoy some good food and a drink in the sun, or feel free to have a wander through the many local restaurants near to where you’re staying. With its authentic Tunisian charm, fascinating history and unique character and culture, there are very few reasons why Tunisia wouldn’t be the perfect destination for you to visit.
