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Tunisia Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Tunisia

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

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Not required in public spaces.

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Can I travel to Tunisia from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tunisia.

Can I travel to Tunisia if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Tunisia without restrictions.

Can I travel to Tunisia without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Tunisia without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Tunisia?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Tunisia.

Can I travel to Tunisia without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Tunisia?

Mask usage in Tunisia is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Tunisia?

Restaurants in Tunisia are open. Bars in Tunisia are .

Tunisia Travel: Visas, Health, Transport, & More

Alison Lyons Photography/Getty Images

There are many reasons to plan a trip to Tunisia . Perhaps you're drawn by the North African nation's incredible history, which can be experienced first-hand at some of the world's best-preserved Roman archaeological sites. Maybe it's the sun-drenched resort towns of the Mediterranean coast that appeal to you; or perhaps you're interested in exploring the Berber villages and dramatic dunes of the Sahara Desert. Whatever your inspiration for visiting Tunisia, there are a few practicalities that you need to consider when making your plans. This article gives an overview of them all, from visa requirements to vaccination recommendations.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of 97 countries and territories are eligible to visit Tunisia for short-term tourism purposes without having to apply for a visa . The list of visa-exempt countries includes the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and all members of the European Union except Cyprus. For most countries, the visa-free period is 90 days, although citizens from Canada and Germany may stay for up to four months, while Bulgarians can stay for two months and Greeks can stay for one. Nationalities that do require a visa will soon be able to apply for an e-visa rather than having to visit their nearest Tunisian consulate in person.

Health & Safety

Vaccinations

Although Tunisia doesn't have any mandatory vaccination requirements for travelers, the CDC recommends ensuring that all of your routine vaccinations are up to date before departure. In addition, hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for most travelers, while rabies and hepatitis B may be advised depending on which part of the country you're traveling to and what you plan on doing there. You can read a complete overview of the criteria upon which these recommendations are based on the CDC website.

General Medical Advice

Before traveling to Tunisia, make sure that your travel insurance is up to date. Quality healthcare can be hard to come by in rural areas, so be sure to check that your cover includes emergency evacuation if needed. Be prepared that you may have to pay for treatment up front and claim back later once you return home. Pack a first aid kit , including any prescription medicines that you may not be able to get in-country. Officially, tap water is safe to drink throughout Tunisia although many tourists prefer to drink bottled water because of the municipal water's strange taste (caused by a high chlorine content).

Staying Safe

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel warning for Tunisia due to terrorism, and advises that travelers exercise increased caution. This includes avoiding areas where attacks are more likely, such as the western mountains (including Chaambi Mountain National Park), the city of Sidi Bou Zid in central Tunisia, and areas along the Libyan and Algerian borders. Safety advice changes regularly, so be sure to check the latest travel warnings before booking your trip. Violent crime rates are low in Tunisia, but you should still be aware of your valuables when walking through crowded tourist attractions and souks to avoid petty theft.

Tunisia's currency is the Tunisian dinar, which is divided into 1,000 millimes. Coins come in denominations of five, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 millimes; and one, five, and 10 dinars. You can get notes worth five, 10, 20, 30, and 50 dinars. It is illegal to import and export Tunisian dinars, which means that you will not be able to exchange your home currency for dinars before you arrive. You can readily change US dollars, British pounds, and euros in-country, and exchange rates are fixed throughout. Do not exchange too much, though, because you can only re-exchange up to 3,000 dinars upon departure (and only if you have the original exchange receipt).

ATMs can be found in cities, medium-sized towns, and major tourist areas. You should be able to use Mastercard or Visa bank cards (American Express is rarely accepted) in these places as well. However, if you plan on traveling into rural Tunisia, expect to use cash for most purchases. Tipping is not mandatory, but is appreciated for good service.

As with many destinations, the weather usually determines the best time to travel to Tunisia. If you want to go camel trekking in the Sahara Desert the best time to go is from late September to November and from March to early May. It will still be chilly at night, but not quite freezing, and the days won't be too hot. If you're headed for the beach and would like to avoid the crowds, May, June, and September are all ideal. Most tourists visit Tunisia in July and August when the sun shines every day, the swimming is perfect, and the beach towns are filled with life. Book your accommodation well in advance if you're planning on traveling during the summer months.

Getting There

Most overseas visitors will enter the country via Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN), located roughly seven kilometers from the center of Tunis, the country's capital. The airport is the home base of Tunisia's national carrier, Tunisair , which offers direct flights to and from destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Although no airlines currently offer direct flights to Tunisia from the United States, Tunisair does offer a non-stop service between Tunis and Montreal. Other airlines offering connecting flights to Tunisia include Air France, Lufthansa, EgyptAir, and Turkish Airlines.

An alternative option is to travel to Tunis via ferry from Europe. Three companies ( Maritima Ferries , Corsica Linea , and Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation , or CTN) run regular ferry services from Marseilles in France, with the journey taking approximately 20 hours. You can also sail to Tunis from several ports in Italy, including Sicily-Palermo, Civitavecchia, Trapani, Genoa, and Salerno. The quickest route from Italy to Tunis departs from Sicily-Palermo and takes 10 hours. There are two operators to choose from: Grimaldi Lines (two weekly departures) and Grandi Navi Veloci (one weekly departure).

Note: For safety reasons, overland travel between Tunisia and Libya and/or Algeria is not currently recommended.

Getting Around

If you have limited time, consider using Tunisia's domestic flight network (operated by Tunisair Express ) to travel in between its larger cities. Possible destinations include Tunis, Djerba, Tozeur, Sfax, Gafsa, Garbes, Monastir, and Tabarka.

By Train Trains in Tunisia are generally comfortable, cheap, and safe, although journeys are frequently delayed and the trains can be slow. Although the national network is not extensive, most of the major tourist destinations are covered. Tunis has its own light rail network. Trains are operated by SNCFT .

By Bus Tunisia's long-distance bus network is far more comprehensive than its train network, connecting every major town in the country. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and cheap. The national bus company, SNTRI , has a decent website with schedules and fares.

Louages, or shared taxis, are an affordable and convenient (if not particularly comfortable) option for both short and long-distance journeys. They don't have a fixed schedule, instead leaving when they're full. Head to the louage station and ask for help finding the right vehicle for your destination.

By Car Most major car hire companies are represented in Tunisia and you can rent a car upon arrival at the airport or in any major city. Tunisian roads are generally well-maintained (although you will need a 4WD if you plan on heading into the desert) and gas is inexpensive. Your regular driving license should be sufficient.

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Shutterstock / Valery Bareta

It may be but a slim wedge of North Africa’s vast horizontal expanse, but Tunisia has enough history and diverse natural beauty to pack a country many times its size. With a balmy, sand-fringed Mediterranean coast, scented with jasmine and sea breezes, and where the fish on your plate is always fresh, Tunisia is prime territory for a straightforward sun-sand-and-sea holiday. But beyond the beaches, it’s a thrilling, underrated destination where distinct cultures and incredible extremes of landscape – forested coastlines, Saharan sand seas in the south – can be explored in just a few days.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

This sprawling maze of ancient streets and alleyways is one of the most impressive medieval medinas in North Africa and one of Tunisia's great treasures…

El Jem Amphitheatre

This Unesco World Heritage–listed colosseum was the second-largest in the Roman world (after Rome's); it was 149m long by 124m wide, with three tiers of…

Kairouan’s medina feels like it ebbs and flows to a different rhythm to modern Tunisia. Long protected by its monumental walls and babs (gates), most of…

Sousse Archaeological Museum

Located inside the 11th-century kasbah, this museum showcases an extraordinary collection of 2nd- and 3rd-century Roman mosaics, one of the best in the…

Archaeological Museum

A 1km walk from the El Jem Amphitheatre (follow the signs), this museum showcases an exceptional collection of Roman mosaics. All are richly coloured, in…

Bardo Museum

The main draw at the Tunisia's top museum is its magnificent collection of Roman mosaics. These provide a vibrant and fascinating portrait of ancient…

Arguably the most magnificent Roman site in Africa, Dougga’s ancient remains – a Unesco World Heritage site since 1997 – are startlingly complete, giving…

On the cultivated amber slopes of Mt Mekrima, the fascinating but little-visited ruins of ancient Uthina are the remains of one of the Roman Empire's…

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Tunisia and beyond

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Travel Statement : Updated  1st December 2022

Following the improvement in Tunisia of the indicators related to Covid-19 and considering the static situation of the pandemic on a national and international level, the Tunisian Ministry of Public Health has made the following statement:

- The removal of all Covid -19 requirements such as presenting a negative PCR test, Rapid test or a vaccine certificate for all passengers entering the Tunisian territory

- Wearing a face mask will remain mandatory when showing symptoms of infection.

- Ventilation of enclosed spaces will remain implemented.

- The vaccination campaign will continue aiming at the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases.

This sanitary protocol will keep being updated accordingly with the evolvement of the epidemiological situation.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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• Foreign travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila
• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Libya border area north of Dhehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

In addition and for security reasons, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• within 75km of the Libyan border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the border with Algeria south of Kasserine governorate
• within 30km of the border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata

Military activity in the region

On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel.

On 19 April, there have been reports of explosions in Iran, and unconfirmed reports of explosions in Syria and Iraq.

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on  Twitter ,  Facebook  and  Instagram . You can also  get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read  FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Tunisia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance .

Since 1 July, the city of Sfax has witnessed several days of civil unrest, including reports of injuries, arrests and one death, related to heightened tensions between local residents and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. Security forces in Sfax and the region are on high alert. Further disturbances could occur with little or no warning and impact other Black people perceived to be of sub-Saharan African origin.

Terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out further attacks in Tunisia, including against UK and Western interests. There have been a number of self-initiated attacks in 2023. On 3 July a National Guard officer was attacked with a knife in the La Goulette area of Tunis.

In June, a police officer was stabbed and killed outside the Brazilian Embassy in Tunis. In May, a fatal shooting took place on the island of Djerba, near to where Tunisian and international visitors were taking part in the annual Jewish pilgrimage at the El Ghriba synagogue. Three security personnel and two civilians were killed, and ten people were injured.

Security forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other places. You should be vigilant at all times, including around religious sites and festivals. Crowded areas, government installations, transportation networks, businesses with Western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather may be at higher risk of attack. You should be particularly vigilant in these areas and follow any specific advice of the local security authorities. In more remote areas of the country, including tourist sites in southern Tunisia, security forces’ response times to an incident may vary. Follow the advice of the Tunisian security authorities and your travel company if you have one. See Terrorism

Parliamentary elections took place in December 2022 and January 2023 and the new Parliament opened in March 2023.

Protests occur in Tunisia with little or no warning, and can sometimes become violent. They usually take place in central areas of Tunis and other major cities, and in the vicinity of government buildings, often but not always on weekends or around prominent national anniversary dates. In response to the current situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, peaceful demonstrations have occurred in some Tunisian cities, including outside some Western embassies. Avoid all protests, and move away from gathered crowds. Keep up to date with developments through the media and follow the instructions given by the Tunisian authorities as well as your hotel and tour operator, if you have one. See Political and security situation

You can contact the emergency services by calling:

• 197 (police - when in cities and towns)
• 193 (national guard - when in rural areas or small villages)
• 190 (ambulance)
• 198 (civil protection - for assistance at incidents, such as car accidents, to provide medical assistance and response to fire).

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission . Consular support may be limited in parts of Tunisia.

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Is Tunisia safe to travel in 2024?

By Joan Torres 19 Comments Last updated on April 9, 2024

Is it safe to travel to Tunisia?

This is a question many people, and for good reason.

Some years ago, Tunisia was one of the most visited countries in Africa.

In fact, this used to be a mass tourism destination, mainly visited by Europeans seeking a budget holiday that included sandy beaches and a lot of sun.

However, in 2015, a series of terrorist attacks perpetrated by ISIS that exclusively targeted tourists put an end to the industry which thousands of Tunisians depended on, as many people in the West began to question – and for good reason – whether Tunisia was a safe destination or not for tourists.

To be fair, I can understand all the skepticism but, as always tends to happen in most Muslim countries, that fear has been powered up by the media, who will always tell you only one side of the story but, once you are on the ground, you realize that the reality of is quite different.

This is a comprehensive analysis of the current safety situation in Tunisia from a traveling perspective, including my personal experience, safety tips and more.

For more travel information about Tunisia, read my guide containing a 2-week itinerary and travel tips

In this safety guide to Tunisia you will find:

Table of Contents

• My personal experience
• Tunisia today
• Human rights
• Terrorist attacks
• Dangerous areas
• LGTB travel
• Safety tips
• Driving in Tunisia
• More Information

Remember to get travel insurance for Tunisia I strongly recommend IATI Insurance as it has COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount 5% discount if purchasing via this link

Is Tunisia safe to travel to? My personal experience

From a safety point of view, my experience in Tunisia was absolutely great.

I backpacked solo around the country for almost 3 weeks, moving by public transportation, and I never felt threatened in any way, nobody ever bothered me and I just found absolute kindness wherever I traveled.

Thanks to their crystal-blue waters, Mediterranean cuisine and a large variety of budget hotels, Tunisia has always been a prime destination in Africa, but most of its visitors were either all-included-resort-like tourists or traveling on an organized tour.

There is nothing wrong with that, by the way, but that meant that most travelers did not really get in touch with the local culture.

And I believe this is one of the reasons why Tunisians are always so nice when they get the chance to meet a foreigner or an independent traveler, always willing to help and enormously curious about the country you come from.

There was this local guy I met in a café in Tunis , who insisted on paying for my meal, driving me back home and then sent me a message every other day asking if I was having a safe journey so far.

He was so worried about me and you meet many like him.

Tunisia is safe, but the people you meet traveling there make you feel even safer.

Is Tunisia safe at the moment? A comprehensive analysis about the current situation

Tunisia was the birthplace of the Arab Spring (2011) that later spread all across the Middle East .

That fruit seller who set himself on fire triggered a multi-country revolution that has literally changed the whole world, and led Tunisia to become the most authentic democracy in the Arab world.

This didn’t come without a cost, however as, since then, the economy has been struggling more than ever – partly because of the laziness from the elected rulers, some claim – plus democracy has brought in some positive human rights changes that weren’t well-received among the most conservative and radical wing in the country.

Is Tunisia safe to visit when it comes to freedom and human rights?

Tunisia still has a long way to go when it comes to human rights but Tunisians can brag about having more freedom than any other Arab nation, especially women.

Here, women have more rights than in any other Arab country, there is full freedom of speech, elections, alcohol is widely available, the internet isn’t censored and you can practice any religion in the way you want without being judged.

In fact, Tunisia is the Muslim country where I have most often seen both secular and religious people hanging out together, and even seen women with tight clothes in traditional areas such as local markets, and nobody seemed to care much.

Moreover, despite being a predominantly Muslim country, in Tunis sometimes you see more churches than mosques, and there is even a fully functional synagogue, as the country is home to one of the largest communities of Jews in the Arab world.

I think the only other Muslim country where you can see a functional synagogue is Egypt, in Cairo.

Is Tunisia dangerous when it comes to terrorist attacks?

Yes, all those beautiful changes seem to be leading Tunisia to the ideal democratic country but unfortunately, some Tunisians didn’t embrace them very positively so, as a consequence, many Salafist groups devoted to spreading terror emerged.

And, as you might be aware, the country witnessed a series of terrorist attacks throughout 2015 that literally killed all tourism in Tunisia:

• March 2015 – Bardo Museum : Terrorists entered Bardo Museum and took tourists as hostages, killing 22 of them.
• June 2015 – Sousse attacks : An armed gunman attacked two hotels killing tens of tourists.
• November 2015 – Tunis suicide bombing : 12 members of the Presidential guard were killed.

Looking into these crazy statistics, all of them happening in the same year, even I would think twice before going there, so no wonder the tourism in Tunisia dropped.

According to the World Tourism Organization , in 2015, tourism dropped by 30%, but they claim that in 2018, tourism in Tunisia had already recovered and was even higher than in 2014.

But to be very honest, I don’t really believe those figures.

I mean, I visited Tunisia in 2019 during the month of May, almost the beginning of the high season, and many places were still abandoned and top destinations like Sousse seemed a ghost town. I don’t know, but I do hope what they say is true.

After those crazy attacks, unfortunate events were limited to clashes between the Tunisian army and Islamic radical groups, in the border region with Libya and some areas of the Algerian border, except for 2:

• June 2019 – French Embassy – Suicide bombing near the French embassy killed one policeman.
• March 2020 – American Embassy – Suicide bombing near the American embassy also killed one policeman.

So, from a terrorism perspective, is Tunisia safe to travel to or not?

On the one hand, except for those last two incidents – which can happen anywhere – there haven’t been many problems since 2015 and, if we look into any statistics, you are more likely to die in a car accident than by being caught in a terrorist attack, as terrorist attacks happen at one time, at one precise moment.

Still, the threat against Western interests can be a possibility, so always be cautious.

Is Tunisia safe for tourists when it comes to crime?

Some Tunisians claim that, because of the post-revolution economic situation, crime has overall increased, especially petty crime, but let me tell you that crime in Tunisia is almost nothing compared to Europe, where you have to constantly take care of your belongings.

To give you an example, in many cafés in Tunis, locals would just leave their bags on the table when going to the toilet, something unthinkable in cities like Barcelona

From a crime perspective, Tunisia is safe.

Is Tunisia a safe place to visit? Let’s look at the potentially dangerous areas

If you check the FCO advice , you will see that the whole Tunisia is considered unsafe and a big NO-GO, with a special warning on two tiny regions which they classify as a superlative red NO-GO area.

If you have traveled to any sensitive country before, you will know that the FCO will always show the worst and most unlikely scenario, a curious pattern that they only seem to apply in Muslim countries, because when you look at Mexico City  – where violent crime is a fact – the whole area is a big GO-GREEN.

But anyways, these are the two regions where you are not recommended to go, as that’s where the occasional clashes between the Tunisian Army and radical Islamists occurred:

• Anywhere along the Libyan border – Difficult to reach anyways, as there aren’t many roads.
• Jebel Chaamby – A tiny region close to the Algerian border. I passed it through on my way from Tozeur to El Kef and even stopped in Kasserine (a no-go city) for lunch and to change buses, but didn’t see any sort of tension or issue.

Map of the dangerous areas in Tunisia. Source: FCO advice

Is Tunisia safe for solo female travelers?

Tunisia is one of the most secular Arab countries and, as such, it not uncommon to see women wearing tight Western clothes, especially, in Tunis , Sfax or Sousse, meaning that you don’t really need to cover up and most men will totally accept that.

However, many men are still very conservative and because of all the Hollywood movies they watch, many believe that all Western women are easy, and many solo female travelers have reported some sort of harassment, even though it was usually limited to lame Tunisians asking randomly for a kiss and stuff like that.

I am a solo man traveler, so I am afraid I can’t give you the best advice here, but just be cautious and ask for help if you need to. Most people are decent and if you are in trouble, anyone will help you.

Is Tunisia dangerous for LGTB?

Unfortunately, even after the revolution, homosexuality is still illegal in Tunisia and, even recently, Tunisia’s Prime Minister affirmed that homosexuality had nothing to do with human rights , but it was a mental disease contrary to the values and traditions of Tunisia and, sadly, most Tunisians agree with that.

That’s why before I said that, despite being the most democratic state in the Arab world, Tunisia still has a long way to go.

That being said, if you are a homosexual couple visiting Tunisia, just try to avoid any shows of affection in public, as you would do in any conservative country.

Is Tunisia safe to travel? Top safety tips

Stay away from public demonstrations.

Although most public demonstrations tend to be peaceful, unfortunate events are unpredictable, so try to stay away from them.

Keep a low-profile

Obviously, try not to look like a typical wealthy tourist. This is one of the main advantages of being a backpacker or an independent traveler.

Learn some French

French is the second language in the country and, except for some rural areas, pretty much everybody speaks it fluently, so learning some words can prove useful.

Consider traveling with a local guide

Traveling with a local person who speaks the language, knows about the current situation, as well as the places you should go and shouldn’t, will make your trip a safer one.

I recommend you check for tours and guides on GetYourGuide , a website where you can book any tour with just one click.

For petty crime in Tunis, consider getting a money-belt

As I said, pickpockets are minimal compared to Europe, but they can still happen, so getting a money-belt can prove useful. I recommend Active Roots Security Belt , very practical and easy to wear.

Read my 2-week itinerary

I have written a compelling itinerary that contains the best and safest places to visit in the country, including a lot of travel tips, as well as how to go by public transportation to each and every place. You can read it here .

Is Tunisia safe for driving?

All Arabs have one common denominator which is that they like to drive fast and not follow traffic rules, from Morocco to Oman but, of course, some countries are worse than others and Tunisia is one of the good ones.

If you have driven in other Middle Eastern destinations , then you won’t have any problems but otherwise, just be careful and drive safely.

Conclusion – So, is it safe to travel to Tunisia right now?

Is Tunisia safe for tourists?

While I believe that 3 terrorist attacks in one single year were valid reasons for aborting your Tunisian mission, I strongly believe that today, the situation has dramatically improved and with a very little caution, one will likely have an amazing time enjoying their beaches, exploring the Roman sites, holy cities and Berber villages.

Tunisia is safe, really.

More information for traveling safely in Tunisia

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All our guides to Tunisia

• Tunisia Travel Guide
• Is Tunisia Safe?

Check more safety guides

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19 comments

Hey Joan. I visited Tunisia last year as a female solo traveller (I’m in my 20s) – I actually did a write-up about my time there (which was amazing). I’d be happy to send you some information to include in the female traveller section if you like? I visited Tunis, Sousse, Dougga, El Jem, Monastir, and Kairouan, all via public transport and on a budget, staying at local places.

Hi Georgia, please absolutely, you can send it over at [email protected] and I’ll take a look at it. Thanks 🙂

Hi Joan, very useful information but I do believe that the travel advice map currently looks like this due to COVID-19. If I am not mistaken not the entire country was orange/red before! Thanks!

Thanks for the useful information! When we are able to travel again I will definitely go to Tunesia!

Yes Tunisia its safe and beatiful country.

I think it’d be relevant to acknowledge the colour of your skin when traveling to Tunisia – I read that the terrorist attacks were specifically targeting western interests, so if you are traveling with darker/non-white skin I would imagine you would feel safer as you do not stick out as much as a white tourist, who is often associated with the west. As a white female I want to know if I need to be nervous – I don’t know whether the experience of someone with darker skin accurately reflects what the experience of someone like me would be like. Any ideas?

Thanks for the interesting report!! We are planning on backpacking Tunesia some day 🙂

Hi Joan I loved the article. So much insight in preparing for my trip to Tunisia. I just want to enquire did you require confirmation of all the places you staying at when receiving your visa on arrival or did you only require confirmation for the first few days?

Regards Mahdie

Hello Mahdie For entering Tunisia, all you get is a stamp, no questioning or whatsoever, don’t worry about hotel confirmations. Perhaps, you might have to fill a form which asks you where you are going to stay in Tunis but all you would have to do is tell them the address. Cheers

Hej hej, amazing articles you have here. Your blog is helping me a lot during my planing of trip to Oman and Tunisia. Just one little remark: you have functional synagogue in Tehran, Iran, and even quite strong Jewish community in Isfahan with their own synagogue. 🙂 Of course, unless you ment Sunni Muslims only, then you are probably right that only functional is in Cairo and Tunisia. 🙂

Thank you for pointing that out 🙂

Thanks Joan, this section on Tunisia is packed full of excellent advice, history, context and very encouraging, yet also honest and realistic! Just a quick question, is it worth noting that it was Ramadan when you were there in May 2019, so could the reason Sousse seemed like a ghost town and many places seeming abandoned be because no foreign Muslims were holidaying then, and most locals were not active during the holy month, and the Tourist Data was for rest of the year?

Hi Chris! It wasn’t Ramadan when I was there. However, I just came back from Tunisia after my Libya trip and tourism is definitely coming back!

Hi Joan, Thanks for your response and good to see your travels continue. I posed it as a question, but it was more of a statement to give you the opportunity to perhaps update your blog; Ramadan in 2019 was 6 May to 4 June, and you said you were in Tunisia for three weeks in May 2019, so it appears that your ‘quiet’ time in Tunisia was in fact during Ramadan. But I suppose it is all a bit academic, just perhaps a consideration for your readers to consider when planning travels.

So what if you’re traveling by road, and you’re going there to hustle and didn’t have a place to stay at the moment..can you cop? Answer please

Sorry, I don’t think I understand your question, can you elaborate?

Morocco is a Muslim country with functional synagogues. I know that doesn’t affect travel issues in Tunisia, but the post here is incorrect about synagogues.

Hi, travelling to sousse at the end of October but just wondering if this is now perhaps ill-advised for a white british male.. It took 1 Tunisian death to cause the Arab Spring of 2010/11 and now here we are.. Thoughts?

Hi Brian, things in Tunisia are as usual nowadays

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U.S. Embassy Tunis, Tunisia - TNS

Please follow the steps below before your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Tunis, Tunisia goes here

Step 1: Schedule a medical exam in Tunisia

As soon as you receive your appointment date, you must schedule a medical exam in Tunisia. Click the “Medical Exam Instructions” button below for a list of designated doctors’ offices in Tunisia. Please schedule and attend a medical exam with one of these doctors before your interview.  

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 2: Complete your pre-interview checklist

It is important that you bring all required original documents to your interview. We’ve created a checklist that will tell you what to bring. Please print the checklist below and bring it to your interview along with the listed documents.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Step 3: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, require a medical examination prior to the issuance of a visa. Only a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy can perform this exam. It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam with a doctor listed below before  your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy. Medical examination results from other physicians will not be accepted.

Approved Physicians:

Dr. Solange Laroussi 58 Avenue des Londres, Tunis Tel: 00216-71254435 / 00216-71343753 / 00216-98323237 / 00218-21-489-8026 Dr. Meriem Chaabene 15, Avenue de la Republique, La Marsa, Tunis 2070 Tel: 00216-94423420 / WhatsApp: 00216-94733193

Applicants who are 15 years and older must also obtain a chest x-ray and blood analysis at embassy-approved clinics. Before your medical exam with Dr. Laroussi or Dr. Cherif, schedule appointments with the below clinics to complete these tests:

Blood tests

Dr. Md. Ali Bougatef 110 Avenue de Londres, Tunis Tel: 71-339-957 or 71-254-005

L’Institut Pasteur de Tunis Place Pasteur, Tunis

Chest x-ray

Centre Gamma de Radiologie 44 Avenue de la Liberte, Tunis Tel: 71-841-086 or 71-795-477

Items to bring to your medical examination

You must pay all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, directly to the examining physicians.

Bring the following items to your medical exam:

• Your visa interview appointment letter,
• Your passport,
• Four (4) recently taken passport-sized color photographs, and
• A copy of your immunization records.
• DS-260 confirmation page

During the medical exam

The medical examination will include a medical history review, physical examination, and chest X-ray, gonorrhea test, and blood test (for applicants 15 years of age or older). The United States also requires tuberculosis (TB) testing for all applicants two years of age and older. Please be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, and any current treatments. More information on general medical requirements for U.S. immigrants is available on the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of a visa. Current immigrant visa vaccination requirements are available on the  CDC website . You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about our medical examination requirements on Travel.State.Gov .

After the medical exam

When your examination is completed, the doctor will either provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S. Consulate. IF GIVEN AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY YOUR TO YOUR INTERVIEW  DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE . Instead, bring it to your visa interview. Any x-rays taken will be given to you. You DO NOT need to bring the x-rays to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis. However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you travel to the United States for the first time. The medical report must be less than six (6) months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant.

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Pre-Interview Checklist

Please use the list below to determine the items that every applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview. Any documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

• A copy of you NVC interview letter (does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).
• Unexpired passport valid for six (6) months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States  and  a photocopy of the biographic page.
• Two (2) color photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2 inch x 2 inch).  Please review our  online photo requirements.
• Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at  ceac.state.gov/iv .
• Your  original  birth certificate and an English translation. Your birth certificate should reflect your marital status.
• Marriage certificate, if applicable.
• Divorce decrees, if applicable.
• Police certificates, for applicants over the age 18.
• Medical examination results in a sealed envelope ( if the physician gives you these results) .
• Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).

Applicants who fall into any category below should bring these additional documents

For family based visa applicants: 

• The appropriate  Form I-864 Affidavit of Support  for  each  financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript or most recent U.S. federal income tax return, and any relevant W-2s. 
• Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).
• Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant (such as photographs, letters, or emails).

If you are married :  Your  original  marriage certificate from the town hall  and an English translation .

If you were previously married:   Your  original  divorce or spouse’s death certificate and an English translation .

If you are older than 16 years of age:   The  original  police certificate from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence.If these three items are  all  true, you must bring a more recent police certificate to the interview:

• You are older than 16 years of age;
• You obtained a police certificate and submitted it to NVC more than one year ago; and
• You still live in the country that issued the police certificate.

For employment-based visa applications:  A letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.

If you have ever been convicted of a crime:  Court and criminal records.

If you have served in any country’s military:  Military records.

If you are adopted:   Adoption papers or custody documents.

If you are the petitioner’s stepchild:   The  original  marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent.

Interview Guidelines

Sending documents to the U.S. Embassy in Tunis

If the U.S. Embassy requests additional information or documentation from you, the consular officer will provide instructions on how to submit those to the embassy.

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please email [email protected] as soon as possible with your name, case number, original interview date, and reason for rescheduling. Someone will respond to your inquiry within three (3) business days. Please note that requests to reschedule appointments must be made at least one week before the scheduled appointment. T here may be a significant wait before the next available appointment , so please attempt to attend the date already assigned.

For some family-based and employment preference visa categories, a visa became available within the month you have been scheduled by NVC. DV applicants should be aware that visas are numerically limited and must be issued by September 30 of the program year. There is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview . Please carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you request to reschedule your interview.

Security screening procedures

All visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Tunis must follow certain security procedures. Any visitor who declines to be screened by U.S. Embassy security personnel will be unable to enter the embassy. To avoid delaying your entry and that of those in line behind you, please bring only what is required for your interview.

Accompanying persons

Attorneys are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview. Only the following persons may accompany a visa applicant to their interview:

• Interpreter: Applicants may bring ONE interpreter if they do not speak English, French, or Arabic well enough to participate in an interview.
• Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring ONE person to help if they are elderly, disabled, or a minor child.

Immigrant visa fees

If you have not paid all required fees to the National Visa Center, please be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview. All fees may be paid in either U.S. dollars or the Tunisian dollar equivalent. We accept cash and credit cards only. Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded. This is a complete  list of fees .

Do not make travel plans outside of Tunisia

If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport at the embassy while we prepare your immigration packet and print a visa for your passport. The consular officer will let you know at the time of your interview when to return to collect your passport. If you have to travel within Tunisia while your passport is still with us, please make sure you have a valid picture ID other than your passport.

After Your Visa Interview

A consular officer can make a decision on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car or property, resign from your job or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

If more information is needed

Sometimes a consular officer is unable to make a decision on a visa application because he/she needs to review additional documents or the case requires further administrative processing. When additional documents are requested , the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents. The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the embassy.

Administrative processing takes additional time after the interview. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days. However, the timing varies based on the circumstances of each case. Before inquiring about the status of administrative processing, please wait at least 60 days after your interview.

What happens after visa approval

Passport, Visa, and Sealed Immigrant Packet – We will place your immigrant visa on a page in your passport. Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors. We will also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time. Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you; do not put it in your checked luggage. If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities.

USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people exempt from paying this fee are: children entering the United States under the Hague Process, returning residents, and people traveling on a K visa.

When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six months from the date of printing. Your visa cannot be extended and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Unless they are eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act, children who are issued a visa before turning 21 years of age must enter the United States before their 21st birthday to avoid losing their immigrant status.

Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. Do not travel outside of the United States until you receive your Permanent Resident Card. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you will lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.

Children’s Issues – In the United States, children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school. We recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. If your child is adopted, you have full custody as a result of a divorce, or you share custody with another parent, you should bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custodial papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will need these papers (translated into English) for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States. You can read their publication “ Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants”  online.

Diversity Visa Applicants - Additional Information

If you are interviewing for a Diversity Visa (DV), all of the above instructions apply to you. Please schedule and attend a medical examination prior to your visa interview, and gather the required documents.

Below are additional instructions that apply only to DV applicants.

Bring to your interview

In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist in this package, DV applicants should also bring the following items to your visa interview:

• Appointment information printed from the “Entrant Status Check” on the E-DV website .
• Documents showing that you have either a qualifying high school education OR have two (2) years of qualifying work experience in the last five (5) years immediately prior to application (for the principal applicant only; more information is available online ).
• Payment in cash of the $330 Diversity Visa Application Fee for each applicant.

Review your DV Lottery entry

Prior to your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your initial E-DV entry. On your initial E-DV application, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married you must have listed your spouse, even if you are currently separated from him/her (unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident).

Additionally, you must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country.

Failure to have listed an existing spouse or children at the time of your entry in the Diversity Visa lottery will result in the denial of your visa and visas for your family. Any fees paid to the U.S. government in support of your visa application(s) are nonrefundable. If you failed to include a child who had already been born, or a spouse to whom you were married when you entered the lottery, you should not proceed with the visa application. You can review the eligibility requirements online .

Last Updated: 1/13/2023

Contact Information

1053 Les Berges Du Lac Walkway Tunis, Tunisia

Other Links

Diversity visa instructions After your interview Frequently asked questions Tunisia Document Guide

Interview Preparation Video

External Link

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

UK travellers warned over ‘unrest’ in popular holiday spot

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The UK Foreign Office has warned those travelling to Tunisia , in the wake of Iranian military activity against Israel .

UK tourists have been issued with a serious warning against travelling to the North African holiday spot, due to ‘unrest’ facing parts of the country.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) this week updated its travel advice for Tunisia , urging anyone with a trip booked to ‘Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.’

According to Jamel Bouzid, the tourist office’s deputy director general, up to 425,000 UK arrivals are expected in the country over the coming year, but an increasingly turbulent political climate could disrupt plans.

In a previous statement, the authority explained: ‘Since July 1, the city of Sfax has witnessed several days of civil unrest, including reports of injuries, arrests, and one death, related to heightened tensions between residents and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

‘Further disturbances could occur with little or no warning and impact other Black people perceived to be of sub-Saharan African origin. Terrorists are still very likely to try to carry out further attacks in Tunisia, including against UK and Western interests.’

It continued: ‘Security forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other places,’ and warned: ‘You should be vigilant at all times.’

Brits were advised to exercise caution when visiting Tunisia, particularly around religious sites and festivals, crowded areas, government installations, transportation networks, businesses with Western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather.

Protests have typically taken place on weekends or around prominent national anniversary dates, but could erupt at other times too.

If you are caught up in a disturbance, the advice states: ‘Avoid all protests, and move away from gathered crowds. Keep up to date with developments through the media and follow the instructions given by the Tunisian authorities as well as your hotel and tour operator, if you have one.’

Where is safe to travel in Tunisia right now?

The FCDO advises against all travel to

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila
• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Libya border area north of Dhehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

In addition and for security reasons, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• within 75km of the Libyan border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the border with Algeria south of Kasserine governorate
• within 30km of the border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata

The FCDO recommends travellers follow and contact them on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for email notifications when advice is updated.

‘Read FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas,’ it said. ‘Before you travel, check the “Entry requirements” section for Tunisia’s current entry restrictions and requirements.’

The organisation highlighted that these rules ‘may change with little warning,’ so tourists should monitor FCDO channels and stay in contact with travel providers.

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‘It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover,’ it added. 

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African foods you simply must try

Posted: April 26, 2024 | Last updated: April 26, 2024

Spanning approximately 11.7 million square miles (30.3 million square kilometers) across 54 countries and home to roughly 1.5 billion people, Africa is a rich tapestry of history, culture, and ethnicities. For its part, African cuisine is very  diverse, with flavors and ingredients varying depending on the region. In West African cooking, you're likely to find lots of spices like ginger, garlic, and chili pepper , whereas East African recipes tend to use ingredients like coconut milk, cinnamon, and cardamom.

Interest piqued? If you're looking for dinner inspiration or are keen to expand your palate, check out this gallery of African foods you must try. Simply click on!

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Tagine (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria)

A tagine is a stew named after the clay pot in which  it's prepared . The stew typically features meat, vegetables, and sweet and spicy flavors.

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Mealie pap (South Africa)

Mealie pap  is prepared by boiling milled white maize in water or milk. It can be served soft and sweetened for breakfast, or made firmer to accompany savory dishes.

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Bazin (Libya)

Bazin is an unleavened bread made from barley flour, water, and salt.  It's typically served with meat and vegetable stews.

Zigni (Eritrea, Ethiopia)

Zigni is a stew made from meat, tomatoes, red onions, and berbere spices. It's usually placed on a plate of injera bread and eaten for lunch or dinner.

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Banku (Ghana)

Banku is a Ghanaian dish of fermented corn and cassava dough, formed into a paste and cooked by steaming. It's typically served alongside okoro stew or soups.

Chakalaka (South Africa)

Chakalaka is a South African vegetable relish made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and beans. It' s usually served  with grilled meats or pap.

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Akara (West Africa)

Akara is a popular street food made from a seasoned batter of blended black- eyed peas, which is then deep-fried in dendê. For Nigerians, akara is part of Saturday morning breakfast.

Nyama Choma (Kenya)

Nyama Choma is grilled goat meat, which is considered a national delicacy in Kenya. For authentic N yama Choma, the meat is seasoned and sometimes marinated first in a mixture of onions, garlic, and ground ginger, with some hot pepper and lemon juice.

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Haraimi (Libya)

Haraimi is a Libyan stew consisting of fish steaks in a rich, spicy tomato sauce. Some recipes add potatoes, though this is optional. Serve with a side of bread.

Matoke (East Africa)

Matoke, or matooke, is cooked and mashed green bananas or plantains. It is often served  with meat or vegetable dishes. 

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Bunny Chow (South Africa)

An Indian-inspired dish from Durban, Bunny Chow consists of hollowed-out bread filled with curry, typically lamb or chicken.

Ugali (East Africa)

Ugali is a staple food made from maize or corn flour, cooked in boiling water or milk until it reaches a dough-like consistency. Serve with meat or vegetable stews.

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Zanzibar pizza (Tanzania)

Zanzibar pizzas are not pizzas as you know them. Instead, they resemble stuffed pancakes, filled with meat, vegetables, or even chocolate and banana if you'd prefer something sweet.

Shakshuka (North Africa)

Believed to have originated in Tunisia, shakshuka is a one-pan meal featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, served with toasted pita bread. It's commonly eaten for breakfast.

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Braai (South Africa)

A braai is typical South African barbecue that features a variety of grilled meats, often cooked over charcoal or aromatic wood.

Piri piri chicken (Mozambique)

Piri piri sauce combines African bird's eye chili, paprika, onion, garlic, oil, and vinegar (or lemon juice.) The sauce is perfect as a marinade for grilled chicken or prawns.

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Suya (Nigeria)

A traditional Nigerian street food, Suya is grilled skewered beef, ram, or chicken marinated in a spicy peanut sauce.

Biltong (Southern Africa)

Biltong is dried, cured meat that originated in Southern African countries. Various types of meat are used, from beef to game meats like ostrich.

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Injera (Ethiopia, Eritrea)

Injera is a  large,  spongy flatbread made with a fermented  batter of  teff flour, water, and yeast. Stews  are placed  on top of the bread, and the meal is eaten by scooping up the stews with pieces of injera.

Ndole (Cameroon)

Ndole is a Cameroonian stew made with ndoleh (bitter leaves indigenous to West and Central Africa), stewed nuts, and fish or beef. Serve with plantains or miondo.

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Mafe (West Africa)

A hearty and flavorful meal, mafe is a popular West African stew made with a spicy, creamy peanut and tomato sauce. Beef and lamb are commonly used, but chicken and fish are featured in some recipes.

Couscous (North Africa)

Couscous is a staple dish in North African countries. It's made by steaming granules of semolina until light and fluffy. It's typically served alongside a stew.

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Pastilla (Morocco)

Pastilla, or bastilla, is a savory pie made with warqa dough, similar to filo pastry. The pie is filled  with a sweet and  savory  mixture of pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices.

Bobotie (South Africa)

Bobotie is a South African dish made from spiced minced meat, topped with a creamy egg-based layer, and often served with rice or chutney.

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Doro Wat (Ethiopia)

A chicken and egg slow-cooked stew from Ethiopia with a fragrant base of berbere, serve Dora Wat with injera for a hearty dinner.

Egusi soup (Nigeria)

Egusi soup is a one-pot soup that combines blended melon seed, pepper, leafy vegetables, and meat, creating a nutty, spicy, and tasty dish. The most popular way to serve the soup is to pair it with pounded yam.

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Fufu (West Africa)

Fufu is a side dish made from boiled and pounded yam, cassava, or plantain, often paired with soups and stews.

Jollof rice (West Africa)

Jollof rice is a West African staple of rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. Recipes may vary though, depending on the country.

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Gorraasa (Sudan)

A soft, doughy flatbread generally made with wheat flour, Gorraasa is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tear it into pieces, and use it to scoop up stews.

Koshari (Egypt)

Koshari is a simple yet hearty street food dish made with layers of rice, lentils, pasta, spicy tomato sauce, and chickpeas. Top with fried onions and garlic.

Sources: (CNN) (African Bites) (Good Food) (Lonely Planet)

See also: Must-try street food for travelers

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Student pro-Palestine protests spread despite mass arrests

Police raid camps and gatherings at schools across the us, students at george washington university start protest camp to support gaza.

Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza

Thursday marked a week since students at Columbia University in New York started a protest camp over the Gaza war and demands for the school to divest from companies connected to Israel's action in the Palestinian territories.

Leila Obeid, a Jordanian-American student at Barnard College, said she has been at the Columbia camp since last Wednesday and will not leave until the university meets the protesters' demands.

“We have negotiations going on with the university, with the administration, but we know that they're not in good faith," Ms Obeid said.

"And they continue to put their students at risk and continue to reprimand their students who are just here to advocate to stop sending weapons to murder Palestinians in Gaza."

The university's order to have police clear the first protest tents and arrest more than 100 people last week has inspired other schools across the US and around the world to open their own camps.

Activist Jill Stein , the Green Party's presidential candidate for this year's election, visited the Columbia camp on Thursday.

Speaking to The National , Ms Stein accused US President Joe Biden of handing “off the baton for commander-in-chief” to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“He basically passed it to Netanyahu and said, 'Do what you like and we will fund you. We will not draw any red lines. We will be here to apologise for you',” she said.

“This is essentially like handing off the responsibilities … to the incredibly reckless and endangering criminal government of Israel.”

The protests that have caused upheaval at so many colleges and universities across the US made their way to the nation’s capital on Thursday, with hundreds of students demonstrating in support of Palestine at George Washington University.

In the early hours, students set up protest tents on the school’s central lawn, a few blocks away from the State Department .

By midday, about 30 tents had been erected and students were chanting in support of Palestine.

“ Intifada , revolution, there is only one solution and it's free, free Palestine,” the crowd chanted as many waved flags and held posters denouncing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Students have called for their universities to back a ceasefire in Gaza and divest from companies with ties to Israel.

“We’re protesting apartheid and our demands are divestment,” one student, Josh, told The National .

The third-year student said he was not worried about being arrested or expelled like students at other schools.

“They can’t arrest all of us and they’re not going to,” he said. “It's happening nationwide across multiple universities.”

Eric Hirshfield, a former student of the university, told The National that he had stopped by to see what was happening.

Pro-Palestine protests at US universities – in pictures

Activists and students take part in an encampment protest at George Washington University, in Washington. AFP

Mr Hirshfield, who wore a yarmulke and said he was pro-Israel and pro-Palestine, called the protesters “mostly peaceful”.

“I don’t feel uncomfortable,” he said.

“This is America [and you have the] right to protest as long as you don’t infringe upon the rights of others, and they’re not – they’re actually being good. They let me pass.”

Mikkel Rockman, a third-year student at Columbia who served in the Israeli army, told The National that protesters only talk about Palestinian suffering by making Jews and Israel out to be the enemy, but “what that does is it causes more violent rhetoric”.

“They've kind of turned the word 'Zionist' into an insult," Mr Rockman said.

"They've dehumanised us in a way that if you support Israel, and you don't support what they're doing, then you shouldn't be talked to … everything you say is a lie."

The State Department, which has been dealing with staff resignations over the conflict, said Mr Biden's administration is intent on pursuing what is in the “best interest” for the country.

“Of course, we see what is happening there,” State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said.

“But we're also not naive to the fact that, when it comes to any of the foreign policy that we pursue, 100 per cent of the population is not going to agree with what we're trying to accomplish.

“We are clear-eyed in the fact that what we're trying to pursue is in the best interest for the American people and is in the best interest of the national security of the American people.”

In New York, Columbia students faced a looming deadline to negotiate with administrators on how to dismantle their camp.

Sueda Polat, who is part of the student negotiations team at the university, told The National that they refuse to engage in discussions with the university if facing threats of militarised violence.

“I will say that the university students who are here have demonstrated an incredible will and an incredible resolve and resilience to be in this space,” she said.

“And I will say that they're committed to remaining in this space until the demands are met through the negotiations process.”

Protests continue at Columbia University after pro-Palestine camp arrests – video

Protests continue at columbia university after pro-palestine encampment arrests.

There have been calls nationally, including by House Speaker Mike Johnson on a Wednesday campus visit, for the National Guard to be sent in .

The university has denied it ever threatened to request the National Guard's presence.

Overnight, there were mass arrests reported at pro-Palestine camps and protest gatherings at three US schools.

More than 90 people were arrested at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and the campus was closed after the protest.

The USC has faced backlash over a decision not to allow Muslim valedictorian Asna Tabassum to speak at her commencement.

The university also on Thursday announced that it would not hold its main commencement event, instead choosing to host smaller ceremonies at individual schools.

Almost 100 people were taken into police custody at Emerson College in central Boston, while more than 50 were arrested at the University of Texas in Austin.

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