The Foreign Office is warning British holidaymakers that they could be refused entry to Tunisia.
In a fresh update to its travel advice, it says some British nationals of South Asian descent have been subject to additional screening, delayed, temporarily detained or refused entry by immigration authorities on alleged security grounds.
Included are Brits of Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lanka heritage, as well as those descended from countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives.
The Foreign Office (FCDO) said some Brits have been turned away at airports, including Enfidha, the most popular airport for holidaymakers and the closest to the major resort of Hammamet.
“This can cause distress and inconvenience,” said the FCDO, adding that the British Embassy has raised this issue with Tunisian authorities.
However, the FCDO pointed out in its advice that the British Embassy cannot override a decision by the Tunisian authorities to refuse entry.
It said a ‘small number’ of Brits have also been turned away from Tunisia, or delayed, for not being able to provide evidence of accommodation for their stay.
Evidence of a hotel reservation is required to enter the country, but the FCDO said: “This policy is not applied uniformly, and in most cases, if asked, an explanation of alternative accommodation arrangements will be accepted.”
Fakhri Khalsi, Deputy Director of the Tunisian National Tourist Office UK & Ireland said Tunisia ‘warmly welcomes tourists from all nationalities’, but added that it has put in place ‘enhanced control measures at its borders’.
He added: “These measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of both tourists and the local population.
“Occasionally, certain individuals may face restrictions or prohibitions from entering Tunisia based on specific circumstances or concerns identified by the authorities.”
He said these measures are not aimed at discriminating agains any particular nationality.
The FCDO last updated its advice for Tunisia on Wednesday after a member of the National Guard was stabbed in Tunis.
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In a fresh update to its travel advice, it says some British nationals of South Asian descent have been subject to additional screening, delayed, temporarily detained or refused entry by immigration authorities on alleged security grounds.
Included are Brits of Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lanka heritage, as well as those descended from countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives.
The Foreign Office (FCDO) said some Brits have been turned away at airports, including Enfidha, the most popular airport for holidaymakers and the closest to the major resort of Hammamet.
“This can cause distress and inconvenience,” said the FCDO, adding that the British Embassy has raised this issue with Tunisian authorities.
However, the FCDO pointed out in its advice that the British Embassy cannot override a decision by the Tunisian authorities to refuse entry.
It said a ‘small number’ of Brits have also been turned away from Tunisia, or delayed, for not being able to provide evidence of accommodation for their stay.
Evidence of a hotel reservation is required to enter the country, but the FCDO said: “This policy is not applied uniformly, and in most cases, if asked, an explanation of alternative accommodation arrangements will be accepted.”
Fakhri Khalsi, Deputy Director of the Tunisian National Tourist Office UK & Ireland said Tunisia ‘warmly welcomes tourists from all nationalities’, but added that it has put in place ‘enhanced control measures at its borders’.
He added: “These measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of both tourists and the local population.
“Occasionally, certain individuals may face restrictions or prohibitions from entering Tunisia based on specific circumstances or concerns identified by the authorities.”
He said these measures are not aimed at discriminating agains any particular nationality.
The FCDO last updated its advice for Tunisia on Wednesday after a member of the National Guard was stabbed in Tunis.
The post Foreign Office warns Brits could be turned away from Tunisia appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
