Security Overview for Tunisia

Tunisia is a Western-leaning, moderate Islamic country that relies on foreign - especially European - tourism as a major source of hard currency income. Currently, the government of Tunisia is headed by Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali, a member of the Ennadha Movement, who was appointed following the October 2011 elections. The October elections were the country's first following the ouster of former President Zine El-Abadine Ben Ali on Jan. 14.

While violent crime is rare, petty crime is on the rise. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common, especially in tourist spots and congested urban areas, such as medinas and central markets. Criminals target victims based on perceived wealth, so dress modestly and avoid wearing jewelry. Scams are a concern in tourist destinations and property theft from hotel rooms, homes, and cars is increasing. While harassment is not a major problem, women traveling alone could be harassed.

Although terrorism is not a major concern in Tunisia, there are signs that the threat level is on the rise. The Algeria-based Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is actively recruiting members among Tunisia's growing population of unemployed young males and directing some men to stage attacks within the country. In the last several years, Tunisian security forces have eliminated several plots by Al-Qaeda-linked militants.

The overall kidnapping threat in Tunisia's major urban areas is low. The threat rises in the sparsely populated desert areas of southern Tunisia and along the border with Algeria. AQIM crossed the border from Algeria and abducted two Austrian tourists in the Sahara region of southern Tunisia in early 2008 and released them unharmed in late 2008 in northern Mali. AQIM has not repeated this feat in Tunisia, suggesting this was an isolated incident. However, the group has abducted several other Europeans in the sparsely populated and poorly policed Sahara region; personnel should carefully consider travel to the southern Sahara region.

Public transportation is generally safe. However, crowded stations are havens for thieves who prey on those who look lost or confused. If using public transportation, maintain a high state of awareness and safeguard all valuables. Avoid public transportation after dark.

Since the popular uprising, sporadic demonstrations and unrest are a continuing occurrence, with some instances turning violent. However, it is highly unlikely that this unrest will reach levels seen during the revolution. Dire economic conditions, high employment, and poor public services are an ongoing problem and these issues may prompt Tunisians to protest. Rural areas of Tunisia, which have long been affected by poverty and unemployment, are particularly susceptible to unrest. Anti-Western sentiment is rare among Tunisians. Some mob violence may occur during and after soccer matches in the vicinity of stadiums. Use caution during games.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.