The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Tunisia, warning that a further terrorist attack is 'highly likely' and advising against all but essential travel to the country. British tourists are being urged to leave immediately, with tour operators arranging extra flights to repatriate an estimated 3,000 UK holidaymakers.
Thomas Cook, Thomson and First Choice have cancelled outbound flights to Tunisia for the summer season up to 31 October. Thomas Cook has chartered additional flights beyond its 10 scheduled weekend services to bring customers home, while Thomson and First Choice are repatriating all staff within 24 hours.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told the BBC that the travel advice was amended due to a 'considerable' development in the intelligence and threat picture since the Sousse attack last month, which killed 38 holidaymakers, including 30 Britons. 'We judge that a further terrorist attack is highly likely,' he said, noting concerns that security measures in tourist areas are insufficient to protect visitors.
The FCO stated that while it has cooperated with Tunisian authorities on additional security measures, these do not provide adequate protection at present. British officials hope most package holidaymakers will be flown home within two to three days, and are also advising an estimated 300 independent travellers to return via scheduled or extra flights.
Hammond informed Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid of the upgraded advice, which follows Essid's own warning of further attacks. The FCO emphasised that the change is based on a 'considerable' shift in the threat assessment, not a specific or imminent threat.
