Tunisia Global Health Insurance / Tunisia Travel Advice

Tunisia Travel Advice

• There have been many cases of the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu in Tunisia. Since May 2009, the Tunisian authorities have been screening all arrivals at Tunisian airports using heat sensing devices. The World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6.

• In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 3,600 adults aged 15 or over in Tunisia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population.

• Before visiting Tunisia, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for in Tunisia: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Influenza, and Rabies.

• Although Yellow Fever is not a disease risk in Tunisia, the government requires travelers arriving from countries where Yellow Fever is present to present proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to a country where Yellow Fever is present before arriving in Tunisia, this requirement must be taken into consideration.

• There is a general threat from terrorism in Tunisia. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. You are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to your personal security whilst you are in Tunisia.

• There is a risk of kidnapping in Tunisia from terrorists operating near the southern Tunisia/Algeria border. Tourists must seek permission from the Tunisian authorities to enter certain desert areas bordering Algeria and the Southern military zones and must travel with licensed guides and/or military escorts. We advise that such trips are undertaken with a reputable tour company. On 22 February 2008, two Austrian tourists were kidnapped in the South of Tunisia, close to the border with Algeria. The tourists were released in October 2008.

• You should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as the ongoing violence between the Israelis and Palestinians, has caused across the Arab world and the potential risk of public disturbance in response.

• There are periodically incidents of bag snatching and pick pocketing in areas frequented by tourists. You are advised to ensure that bags are kept close to your person at all times. You should avoid carrying all your important documents, money etc in the same bag. You should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

• Local laws reflect the fact that Tunisia is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions at all times. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

• In the coastal holiday resorts and major cities, the dress code is very much like any European city or tourist area. If visiting religious sites or more remote areas of Tunisia, you should dress modestly and avoid any articles of clothing which may cause offense. Topless sunbathing on beaches may cause offense.

• Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offenses in Tunisia. The possession of even a small amount of drugs could result in a prison term.

• Only married couples are permitted to cohabit in Tunisia. The cohabitation of unmarried and non-related persons of different sex constitutes the offense of prostitution.

• Homosexuality is illegal and is frowned upon by society.

• Driving in Tunisia is more erratic than in Europe. There is little lane discipline and pedestrian crossings are ignored. You should take particular care when crossing roads, even where there is a signal allowing you to do so. Drivers tend to move at high speeds, even in towns.

• It is advisable to travel with a reputable tour operator or an approved local guide if you are planning to travel in the Southern border areas near Algeria. Tourists have to obtain permission from the Tunisian authorities to enter certain desert areas on the borders with Algeria and the southern military zones and must travel with licensed guides and/or military escorts.

• There is no provision for free medical attention for non-Tunisians. All doctors’ fees, medication and hospitalization in private clinics have to be paid for on the spot. These costs can be quite high.

• It is recommended that you obtain a comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling.

Tunisia Global Health Insurance

While traveling overseas can be breathtaking and a daunting experience, it's important for travelers and expatriates to know where to go for quality medical treatment. At Globalsurance we are able to offer you a variety of individualized global health insurance plans to you and your family in Tunisia. Global health insurance plans that we offer in Tunisia will give the peace-of-mind you require while overseas. In many cases we at Globalsurance will be able to cater to your particular and specific requirements. To speak to an advisor about insuring yourself in Tunisia, global health insurance policies that we can offer, or to receive a free global health insurance quote, contact us today.