U.S. Travelers Advised to Avoid Djerba Amid Terror Threats

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The U.S. government is cautioning its citizens to avoid travel to the tourist island of Djerba, located off Tunisia’s southern coast. This advisory coincides with the anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel.

The U.S. Embassy in Tunisia released an alert regarding Djerba, urging American travelers to steer clear of the island around October 7, 2026.

“Avoid travel to the island of Djerba on or around Oct. 7, 2026,” the embassy stated in a public announcement.

Officials also advised Americans to remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings. They should keep a low profile and be conscious of their surroundings. Areas with a strong police presence should be avoided too, while local media should be monitored for updated information.

Wednesday marks the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel. These attacks resulted in over 1,200 deaths and many injuries, sparking the Israel-Hamas war.

The ongoing conflict fueled an increase in antisemitism globally, a potential concern for Djerba given its Jewish community’s history. Djerba is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a major tourist destination.

Historically, Djerba has welcomed numerous Jewish visitors from across the globe, especially during the Lag B’Omer festival. According to the World Jewish Congress, Djerba’s Jewish settlement history spans nearly 2,000 years.

“According to some traditions, there has been a Jewish presence in Tunisia since the days of the Punic Empire and even earlier,” the site notes.

The State Department currently rates Tunisia at “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution,” warning of petty crime prevalent in tourist hotspots. Violent crime tends to increase after dark, and walking or driving at night should be avoided.

Areas near Tunisia’s borders with Libya and Algeria have a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning due to potential terrorist activities.