After "Closure" Egypt and Turkey, many tourists began to look for other beach destinations. Tunisia is one proven option. Russians have been going there for a long time. In recent years, in the north of the African continent, not the most pleasant conditions for recreation have developed due to terrorist activities. Libya and Egypt became a staging ground for political battles. And what about neighboring Tunisia? There were also serious problems there last year. The state of emergency in the country has been extended until June 22, 2016. How safe is it to rest now and can you go to Tunisia in 2018?

The tourist season opens on the Mediterranean coast of Tunisia. On May 1, charter flights from many Russian cities began. Judging by the thematic forums, you can go to Tunisia, but you need to follow several rules on vacation:

• do not travel to the center of the country's capital;
• do not leave tourist areas;
• do not approach large crowds of people on the street;
• behave carefully;
• not admit and not participate in political disputes and provocations.

Back in March 2016, the Russian Foreign Ministry extended its recommendations for a vacation in Tunisia, where it confirmed the above rules. The host government has assured that it will do everything possible for the safety of tourists in hotels, airports, tourist areas.

Compatriots living in Tunisia say that even during a difficult period they did not feel any particular problems. Therefore, there should be no difficulties with rest.

Terrorism has spared no one in recent years. You can become a victim in Tunisia, in the center of Europe, and in a Russian provincial town. Alas, it will not work to insure yourself against this. There is a good Russian proverb: "To be afraid of wolves - do not go to the forest".

Tunisia is a visa-free country for Russians. But only if the vacation will not exceed 90 days or if Tunisia is not a transit country for travel. Otherwise, it is necessary to issue an entry visa in advance at the Consulate. Usually, at customs, Russians are treated quite loyally and do not require unnecessary documents, but it is still better to arrange them properly. After all, the situation in the country is unstable and this is necessary first of all in order to protect oneself from problems.

To travel, you only need a valid Russian passport. Its validity must be at least 3 months after the end of the trip to Tunisia. Check it out in advance.

When crossing the Tunisian border at the airport, prepare your hotel voucher and return ticket. If you are traveling on your own, then provide a Tunisian visa.

Tunisia is a beautiful country with a mild maritime climate, vast experience in health medicine, a rich culture, an abundance of antiquities and natural attractions. Despite the difficulties in the state, it is possible and necessary to go there. Let's repeat one more time. Observe the rules of caution, do not leave the protected tourist areas, do not provoke strangers, try to bypass large crowds of people and then your vacation in Tunisia will remain unforgettable.

When traveling to Tunisia, do not forget that this is an Islamic state, where 95% of the population is Muslim. Be careful with public displays of affection like kissing and hugging. It is also not customary to stare at women in a chador, let alone give them any signs of attention - there is a chance that you will have to deal with their relatives. Also, one should not appear in public, even when slightly drunk.

During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which starts differently every year, but around July-August, all religious issues become even more acute, so you should be more modest.

Woman in a veil

Harassment in the streets

Here, unlike and, there are very few obsessive boyfriends who whistle after women. Basically, those who are trying to meet on the streets just want to walk at someone else's expense.

It is better to travel around Tunisia accompanied by a man, or at least not alone. You should not respond to cues and glances, as well as take harassment too personally. As a rule, local men do not go further than shouts. As in any other country, women should not walk the streets at night all alone. If the courtship begins to cross personal boundaries, then you can express dissatisfaction out loud and threaten to call the police.

clothing

At the resorts, you can often see girls who walk in revealing outfits and sometimes even sunbathe topless, but it is better to dress not too frankly so as not to attract public attention.

Dressing rules apply to both men and women. Do not wear shorts and bare your torso first. And girls should remember that clothing should cover the shoulders, chest, stomach and legs, and at the same time should not be tight or transparent. It is also better to refrain from walking around the city in a swimsuit.

It is best to dress like locals, in loose and light cotton clothes. The further you are from the big cities, the less revealing the outfit should be. Be especially polite around sacred sites and mosques.

Fraud

Often among taxi drivers there are small scammers. They can put you in a taxi in which kilometers are already ticked on the meter. Sometimes drivers refuse to give change or slip smaller bills. If you like to negotiate a price and drive with the meter off, then you should make sure that you are not paying per person, but for everyone. It is better to scout the prices from more experienced tourists so that they do not try to deceive you.

Other scammers may try to impose some kind of free tour, which actually turns out to be paid and will look more like a strange whirling under the incomprehensible speech of the guide. Sometimes during this "tour" you will be offered to visit semi-legal shops, where the guides receive a commission for each client.

Taxi in Tunisia

Photography

In Tunisia, there is a very serious ban on any photographing of not only government and military buildings, but also telecommunications, towers and bridges. Moreover, the police really strictly monitor the implementation of this law. It is imperative to ask permission before taking pictures of local residents or policemen - otherwise it may end in a conversation with a law enforcement officer.

Especially you should not take pictures of the presidential palace located in Carthage - then a long conversation with people in uniform is definitely guaranteed for you.

Natural hazards

It should be remembered that Tunisia is a hot country, so in order not to get burned, it is better to try to walk outside as little as possible between noon and 4 pm. At this time, solar activity is especially high, so it is not recommended to sunbathe or just stay under the sun for a long time. If you are walking around the market or exploring the city for a long time, then you should periodically look for shade and drop into air-conditioned cafes to cool off.

Drink a lot mineral water, it is advisable to have a whole bottle with you. In winter and summer, especially in August and September, it is imperative to wear sunglasses and a hat. High protection sunscreen should be worn on the beach.

However, warm clothes may be useful, as it can be cool enough in the desert and on the shore in the evenings, and you might want to take a walk.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish are found in the coastal waters of Tunisia, but one should not be seriously afraid of them. Sometimes their burns are painful, but the pain goes away after a few minutes. If the pain persists, then it is enough to rub the burn with a slice of tomato.

Most often, jellyfish live off the coast of Sousse, but they are also noticed in Monastir and Hammamet. They are most active in July-August, although there are years when jellyfish are not visible at all.

After the terrorist attacks in Tunisia in 2015, tourists from most countries are wary of visiting this country. Is not it it's safe to go on vacation to Tunisiaand what should you know if you are planning a trip there and your flight is already booked?

Is it safe to travel to Tunisia in 2017?

Travel restrictions in Tunisia began after a horrific story in the resort town of Sousse in June 2015 that killed 30 British citizens. The terrible story did not end there, in November of the same year there was an attack on a police bus. Of course, two years have passed since those horrible events, but the international community is still wary of holidays in this state. European and American travel agencies believe that the threat of terrorism remains very "high" and do not see the level of security in Tunisia as "adequate protection for foreign tourists at the present time."

Major tour operators canceled charter flights to the regional airports of Monastir and Enfidha for summer 2017. However, direct flights still operate between London and central airport Tunisia by Carthage. Therefore, those who wish may well organize the trip on their own.

Why vacation in Tunisia is interesting

Tunisia has historically been an extremely popular country. There have always been plenty of reasons for tourism popularity: good value for money for an excellent beach holiday, a fragrant Mediterranean climate, beautiful coastal resorts such as Hammamet. For those looking for something more than a simple beach getaway, Tunisia is also interesting for its cultural offerings, from the Roman ruins of Carthage and the eerily abandoned Star Wars to the deserted cities of Tausar and Tatooine.

While travel experts are wary of Tunisia vacation recommendations, some are confident that its appeal will slowly return in the near future, albeit slowly. It is worth remembering that many Tunisians are very hospitable to visitors, realizing that the tourism business provides livelihoods for many citizens, because 15% of the country's economy depends on tourism.

For citizens of the former USSR, this state is attractive in terms of tourism for a number of reasons. First of all, the country is no less exotic than Egypt or Thailand. But the inhabitants here are friendlier than the Egyptians, there is no particular obsession with tourists. The cuisine is oriental. In addition, this is not as "hackneyed" direction as Egypt, Turkey, Thailand, Cyprus. You can buy last minute tours to Tunisia from Shymkent or other large center of Kazakhstan. Operators have now become more responsible for the product they sell; only excursion agencies that have been tested over the years have remained on the tourism market.

While not to be taken lightly, the current downturn in guests also means deserted beaches, good rental deals and cheap flights. Therefore, independent tourists consider a vacation in Tunisia as a very attractive option for spending a vacation.

Family fun in Tunisia

Some family travelers write on various Internet forums that they feel safe in Tunisia and would gladly go to this country again. That said, if you decide to go to Tunisia, the official advice from the government will be the usual: “be vigilant, avoid crowded places and follow the advice of the Tunisian security authorities and your travel companyif you have it ... "

Is Tunisia Safe for Solo Travelers

In addition to those terrible events in 2015, Tunisia is considered one of the most safe countries for individual travelers in the region. Following the revolutionary Arab Spring and subsequent violent unrest in many African countries, Tunisia's political transition has been one of the calmest since 2011. It is clear that it is always advisable to dress conservatively and limit alcohol consumption when visiting a Muslim country.

In general, Tunisia is currently quite calm, safe, comfortable and cheap.

4

Summer is coming. And together with it, the new tourist season for Russians is getting closer and closer. Where to go on vacation - this is the question that worries absolutely all lovers of the sea and summer vacation... In fact, in the summer there is a huge selection of countries where your vacation will be the best. But some of them disappear due to the high cost, the second part disappears due to the flight distance, and the third for safety reasons. Tunisia is a country where the flight is short-lived, and the rest is cheap. But there are often problems with the safety of tourists. And tourists, before going to this African country, ask each other and tour operators - is it worth going to Tunisia in 2019, how things are with security and what reviews of tourists are there. Of course, tour operators can hide some of the information in order to sell the tour to the tourist. Therefore, let's try to figure this out for ourselves, and you will already draw conclusions yourself.

And as you all know, there was a revolution in Tunisia in 2011. A couple of years later, everything happened again and after these events, the rating of Tunisia as a tourist country fell to almost zero. Tourists have stopped coming here, and many countries have completely banned their citizens from visiting Tunisia. Now in Tunisia, everything is more or less normal. The political situation has become predictable, there is a permanent government and an army. Popular unrest has stopped and Tunisia is again visited by more than three million foreigners, and most of them are Russians.

But do not flatter yourself, everything is not as good as it would seem. After the problems with popular unrest and revolutions, the situation changed for the better, but another problem arose - terrorists. Everyone knows how in the summer of 2016 terrorists entered the territory of the resort and began to shoot people at rest. Then 40 innocent citizens became victims different countries... After the situation was repeated several times, but there were no casualties, as resorts and authorities increased security measures.

Now it is safe to rest in the resorts of Tunisia, but in the resorts. They are all fenced off from the outside world, armed guards stand around the perimeter, and no one is allowed to the hotels, except for the staff and other authorized persons. Local residents do not have the opportunity to enter the territory of resorts and hotels. It includes guests, security guards and employees. These security measures help to avoid many problems and casualties among tourists. but this is only in resort areas, and outside of them problems may arise. Tourists don't particularly like going out for walks in the city or going on excursions. They are not protected there, and even local residents can attack. Therefore, upon check-in at the hotel, guests are given instructions, the observance of which will help to save them from many troubles.

As you can see, now it is safe to rest in Tunisia. But the rest will be only at the resort. Entering the city and visiting excursions - at your own peril and risk. Although it is worth noting that after the summer terrorist attacks in resorts, even in Tunisian cities, security measures have increased and it has become much calmer. For many months there have been no terrorist attacks or even hints of them in the country. Tourists began to leave the territory of the resorts more often, walk around the cities and visit the sights.

Reviews of tourists.
Masha.
“Last summer in August we were on vacation in Tunisia. After the well-known sad events, it was scary to fly to Tunisia, but we decided not to return tickets, although our travel agency offered to exchange them for another direction.

Upon arrival, we were immediately put on a bus and taken to the hotel. The glass on the bus was dark, and we drove quickly without stopping. When we arrived at the hotel, we were all checked and put into the rooms. There were already memos in Russian, how to weigh yourself, what to do in different situations.
We did not leave the hotel territory, as it was scary. soldiers with weapons are everywhere, and warships are sailing in the sea. It seems that we are resting, and there is a war around. I liked the rest, but still the constant security, constantly seeing armed people is a little strange. Although this is for our own safety. "

How to behave in Tunisia on vacation and in the city.
If you are going to Tunisia this year, then it is worth recalling the simple but useful rules to help you stay safe.

Firstly, if you are advised not to leave the territory of the hotel and resort, then it is better to do so.
Secondly, if you are going on an excursion, then learn as much as possible about it. Where are you going, route, where there will be stops, and so on. Ask when you are leaving and when you will return. Will be good. If the tour has its own security.
When entering the city, do not argue with the locals. If you are provoked, then you should leave this place or seek help from the police.
And the simplest rule is not to draw attention to yourself. Behave normally, walk, walk and rest. You should not dress provocatively in the city, shout loudly and drink alcohol in front of the locals. It is better to do all this on the territory of the hotel.

News sources periodically publish news about the closure of Tunisia to Russians for security reasons. Today, this area remains one of the affordable and budgetary for the whole family on the "all inclusive" system. The country with a warm climate continues to attract tourists this year, despite the previous terrorist attacks. In addition, its resorts are the only alternative to a beach holiday in Egypt. Let's try to figure out whether it is worth going to Tunisia in 2019 and how much the trip will cost if you plan your trip yourself.

Is it safe in Tunisia in 2019

Official information for tourists is provided on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Regarding the situation in Tunisia in 2019, it is indicated that there is political tension in the country, and armed clashes between the police and local radicals are constantly taking place. A particularly grave condition is noted along the borders where Salafi groups operate.

The threat of terrorist acts also persists, mass demonstrations are being held in connection with the difficult social situation in the state. The Foreign Ministry's message contains a direct indication of the need to refrain from making tourist trips to attractions along the Tunisian-Libyan border in connection with the unrest in the neighboring state. In particular, the city of Ras Jedir.

The last popular processions on reforming the social system took place in early 2016 in the capital and cities of Kef, Gafsu, Sidi Buzit and Kasserine. If difficult situations arise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises you to contact the local police and notify the Russian Embassy in Tunisia.

There is no direct ban on visiting Tunisia. As a recommendation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation proposes staying in protected tourist zones, where permanent police units monitor the control. The authorized body advises vacationers not to leave the territory of hotels and not to make individual travel.

No entry

You can find out whether it is forbidden to travel to Tunisia for tourist purposes on the official websites of the Department of the Situation and Crisis Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Rostourism. In 2019, no decrees were issued on restrictions on leaving the country; trips to Tunisia on vouchers are carried out as usual.

Note that in addition to Tunisia, a tense situation persists in a number of countries - popular tourist destinations the Russians. These include Thailand, India. There are constant armed conflicts in Israel.

The Tunisian authorities, for their part, provided a report on the adoption of security measures in the country. These include maintaining enhanced video surveillance, restricting access to tourist sites, equipping hotel entrances, shopping centers and other public places with metal detectors, organization of work of security services at hotels with high qualifications, confidentiality of personal data of vacationers.

Whether it is worth going to Tunisia in 2019, each tourist decides for himself. The authorities do not prevent the sale of tours or individual entry into the country.

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What time of year is it better to go to Tunisia

From June to September, the country has a high tourist season. Beach vacation at this time it is especially popular at the resorts of Hamammet and Sousse. They are chosen for traveling with children and couples. Active sports are interesting for young people.

From early November to April, Tunisia experiences a cold snap, and this time is marked as the low season. However, spa treatments are popular at this time. A constant flow of tourists is ensured by lowering the cost of living, the influx of tourists is noted at new year holidays and Christmas not only from the Russian Federation. Most of the tourists are Europeans, citizens of the former colonial state of France, Germany and Great Britain.

The most expensive - the Velvet season from early September to late October. The heat subsides, the sea warmed up over the summer remains high. It is completely safe to take sun baths at this time, the possibility of getting burns is practically excluded.

Sights of Tunisia will please both amateurs active restand historical sites.

The coast of Tunisia is a famous diving site for divers. Most of the diving centers are located in Tabarka. The best time to visit the reefs is from June to September.

How much does the trip cost

You can go to Tunisia by organized tour or plan your trip yourself. The benefits of free rest include:

• The possibility of visiting a large number of attractions on an individual basis without being tied to a tourist group or excursion program.
• Planning of departure and return dates depending on the vacation schedule, early booking tickets with savings.
• Accommodation in Tunisia any time, for example, a month, and not the standard 7-14 days, as with a voucher.
• Choose from a huge variety of hotels, change them when looking at nearby attractions, resorts, or apartments.
• Variety of food in restaurants, cafes without reference to the hotel menu.

An independent trip to Tunisia will consist of the following expenses, take, for example, a 10-day tour to a 3-star hotel in the resort of Monastir in July 2019 for one person with a flight from Moscow:

• Flights... Tickets can be purchased both at the offices of aviation agencies and online. One of the most popular resources is aviasales.ru. Presumably, the date of departure is July 15, return is July 25. The cost of a round-trip ticket with a transfer in Istanbul, Turkey, is 18,000 rubles.
• Accommodation... You can book a hotel, for example, on hotellook.com. Tourists are offered about 300 hotels from 2 to 5 stars. It is possible to choose a hotel at any resort near the sea or attractions. For example, a night at the Hotel Les Mimosas, 3 * per person will cost 2267 rubles. When planning a vacation for 10 days, the total cost will be 22672 rubles. When organizing a trip on your own, it is also possible to rent an apartment - an apartment in any city in Tunisia. The studio price, which is quite enough for the traveler, will be $ 216 per month on airbnb.com.
• Food... Order three meals a day or all inclusive you can immediately when booking a hotel by selecting the appropriate function. It is also possible to visit various restaurants and cafes every day. In almost all hotels, breakfast is included in the room rate. A set lunch and dinner will cost about 20 Tunisian dinars, that is, about 600 rubles. For 10 days, you will need 6000 rubles.
• Insurance... When buying a tour, the cost of the insurance policy is automatically included in the price of the service package. When leaving the Russian Federation to other countries, the traveler independently assumes material risks due to the onset of unforeseen circumstances or deterioration in health, or sudden death.
  Hospitals for foreigners often have high rates for medical services for foreigners, amounting to tens or even hundreds of dollars for a doctor's appointment or any procedure. In this regard, it is more profitable to pay for the full package of insurance services under an international policy is much more profitable. Its cost will be valid for 10 days in Tunisia, depending on the insurer, from 680 rubles. The amount insured is $ 50,000.

So, an individual trip to Tunisia will need an amount of 47 352 rubles. The costs are about the same as the price of the tour, but taking into account the advantages of an independent tour, for some, such a vacation will become more profitable and more convenient.