Irish warned against Tunisia travel

The Government is advising against non-essential travel to Tunisia as protesters continue to demand the immediate resignation of the country’s president, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

Describing the situation as unpredictable, the Department of Foreign Affairs said there was a potential for violence in the country, raising the risk of people “getting caught up in demonstrations”.

While Ireland does not have an embassy in Tunisia, Irish interests are represented by the honorary consul in Tunis. Diplomatic representation for Tunisia is handled by the Irish embassy in Spain.

The department of foreign affairs said it is “closely monitoring” the situation but has not received any requests for consular assistance from Irish travelers or Irish citizens who may be resident in the North African country.

While the number of Irish holidaymakers in the country is small, the department said it was contacting the estimated 50 Irish citizens who live in Tunisia. It called on anyone who may be concerned about family members who may be in the country to contact officials in the department.

The latest travel advisory calls on Irish people to monitor the local media, to“respect advice or instruction given by the local security authorities” and to always carry a copy of their passport as proof of identity and nationality.

British tour operator Thomas Cook said earlier today it was evacuating 1,800 British and Irish tourists from the country. Of these, an estimated 20 are believed to be Irish.

The US, the UK, France and Germany also advised against non-essential travel to the Mediterranean country.

London-based tour operator Thomas Cook Group Plc said today it is "strongly advising" its 1,800 customers in Tunisia from the UK and Ireland to return home, while also offering to repatriate the 2,000 travelers it flew there from Germany.

Airlines canceled some Tunis flights to avoid the movement of passengers during curfews in the city.

TUI Travel Plc, Europe's largest travel company, said its Jan. 16 flights to Tunisia will be canceled and that it is organizing air travel for customers in the country who wish to end their vacations early.

Air France-KLM Group, Europe's largest airline, said it dropped one of its four daily Tunisia flights because of the curfew.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Europe's second-biggest carrier, said it canceled its night flight yesterday and today from Frankfurt to Tunis because of the restrictions. British Airways said it is "monitoring the situation."

Irish citizens in Tunisia are advised to register their details with the department at http//www.dfa.ie. Irish consulate in Tunis: +216 71 906 879 and +216 71 909 174.