27 Jul
2017

FCO changes travel advice to Tunisia

Yesterday, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office changed its level of advice to Tunisia, and no longer advises against all but essential travel to certain parts of the country. Restrictions remain in place for the south and interior and certain areas near the borders with Algeria and Libya.

This comes two years after the appalling terrorist attack in the resort of Sousse, which resulted in such a tragic loss of life for so many British holidaymakers. The FCO states in its advice that it has made the change as “the UK government has been working closely with the Tunisian authorities to investigate the attack and the wider threat from terrorist groups. The Tunisian government has improved protective security in major cities and tourist resorts”. Full advice can be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia.

Understandably this has resulted in widespread coverage in the media. It serves to highlight the essential role that the Foreign Office plays in assessing risk overseas, and the importance of steering customers towards the relevant travel advice before they book a holiday, so they can make a properly informed decision over their choice of destination.

Members can now restart their programmes to Tunisia should they wish to, and help rebuild the positive working relationships and partnerships that have no doubt been built up over many years.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive