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Tunisia travel advice

17th January 2011 The UK Foreign Office have released the following update:

We advise against all but essential travel to Tunisia.

•Looting and violence has continued overnight (15-16 January). Properties belonging to President Ben Ali's family have been targetted, as well as some other properties in middle class suburbs. Large-scale demonstrations, some violent, and further looting are still possibe in multiple locations across the country.

•A State of Emergency was declared on the afternoon of 14th January under which it is illegal for more than two people to congregate in a public place, including in cars. Parliamentary Speaker Foued Mbazaa has taken over as interim president. PM Mohammed Ghannouchi is working to build a Government of National Unity.

•The situation is changing rapidly and is unpredictable. We advise UK nationals who do not have a pressing need to be in the country to leave Tunisia by commercial means. Whilst still in Tunisia, they should take responsibility for their own security, stay away from demonstrations, exercise caution, and observe instructions given by local security authorities and tour operators. We recommend that people remain indoors if possible. We are continuing to
monitor the situation closely.

•Tunisian airspace was re-opened after being closed when the State of Emergency was declared. British Nationals who have a confirmed flight and have not heard from their airline should check with them to confirm whether flights will leave.

Please visit the FCO Tunisia webpage for the latest updates.

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