Review of OSAC’s

Tunisia Crime &

Safety Report

2014

David Santiago

OSAC Private Sector Chairman

Tunisia 2015 Crime & Safety Report

Crime Threats

“The U.S. Department of State has designated Tunisia as a Medium threat country

for crime and political violence...”

Situational Awareness

“Most reported criminal incidents against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, including pickpocketing,

purse-snatching, and petty theft...”

“Cases have been reported of young men on motor

scooters targeting Western-looking females on the

street and making attempts to snatch handbags...”

“Women face no specific dress restrictions, but wearing conservative clothing helps avoid

attracting undue attention or harassment...”

Residential Security

“Most home and apartment burglaries often occur

during the day, when most people are away and happen

in both expatriate and Tunisian neighborhoods…”

Overall Road Safety Situation

“Road safety poses one of the greatest risks to foreign travelers in

Tunisia…”

“Highly encouraged that you become well aware of the

neighborhoods, local traffic patterns, and road culture

before driving...”

“Uniformed police officers are generally located at most major intersections in Tunis

and other major cities....”

“Police officers may stop drivers for inspection for

no reason at any time, and drivers should

comply…”

“Taking public buses or minibuses is strongly

discouraged…”

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic

Violence

U.S. State Department Tunisia

Terrorism Rating:HIGH

“The government is undertaking extensive

anti-terrorism operations against Ansar Al-Shari’a

in Tunisia…”

“U.S. State Department announced the

designation of Ansar As-Shari’a as a Foreign

Terrorist Organization…”

“This group was involved in the two political

assassinations in Tunis (2013) and the attack on

the U.S. Embassy and American School (Sep

2012)…”

“March 18, 2015; an attack by terrorists at the Bardo

Museum left 24 people dead (20 foreign tourists)

and 47 injured…”

“Extremist groups with links to AQIM have

infiltrated the region and attacked Tunisia’s military along the country’s western

border…”

Civil Unrest

“Cities have experienced periodic or spontaneous

demonstrations….”

Kidnapping Threats

“There is a general threat of kidnapping, not only

directed at Westerners…”

Police Response

“Tunisian police are well trained and

professional…”

“The police presence is particularly high in

tourist areas and other areas frequented by

foreigners...”

“The Tunisian police often set up after-hours

checkpoints…”

Nationwide emergency numbers

Police: 197National Guard: 193

Fire Department: 198Ambulance (SAMU): 198

Medical Emergencies

“Medical care is adequate with a number of new,

private ‘polyclinics’ that function as simple

hospitals providing a variety of procedures...”

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

“Common sense and good security practices are the

best way to ensure an incident free visit. Remain aware of the surroundings

and carefully guard personal belongings...”

With the right mindset…

You can have a successful stay…