Tunisia: CDN govt travel caution

From CDN gov: no official warning – just caution.
Despite the ongoing political transition, the security situation remains fragile. There has been a notable increase in the number of violent acts committed by extremists since the beginning of the year. Although these excesses are widely condemned by the authorities, enforcing the law does not always seem possible, which makes it difficult at times to restore order.

Public order is regularly disrupted for various reasons, including political, social and economic tensions. These disruptions take the form of public protests, labour strikes, roadblocks and other disturbances that on many occasions have deteriorated into violent clashes between members of extremist movements, the police and/or civil society demonstrators, resulting in considerable property damage, injuries and deaths, as was the case with at least one clash with security forces. On a few occasions, Canadian visitors have been briefly detained in their vehicle because of labour unrest. There have been reports of members of extremist movements harassing foreigners.

In the past year, a number of suspected terrorists and arms dealers have been captured in various regions of the country, indicating that extremist elements are present and that the instability in Libya and elsewhere in the Middle East continues to pose a general threat to the security of foreigners, foreign institutions and tourist facilities.

Anti-Western demonstrations occurred on September 14, 2012, some of which became violent. Protesters attacked the American Embassy as well as the American school in Tunis.

Canadians are advised to exercise extreme caution, regularly review their security practices and remain alert to the changing situation, follow the advice of local authorities, avoid all confrontations, public gatherings and areas where unrest or other demonstrations could occur, since the situation could deteriorate suddenly. Canadians should be accompanied by a guide on their travels or use a guide to help plan their travel.

A state of emergency remains in effect in Tunisia and travelers should be aware that local curfews could be imposed at any time in any region.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=299000