Is it safe to travel to Tunisia after bombing near US embassy?

A man has blown himself up near the US embassy in Tunis, local media reports

(AFP via Getty Images)

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Tunisia following local reports of a suspected suicide bomber in the country’s capital.

A man has blown himself up near the US embassy today, local media reports, injuring five policemen in the process.

The FCO said that the British Embassy in Tunis “is in contact with local authorities and urgently seeking further information”​ following the incident.

It added: “If you’re in Tunis, you should avoid the area around the US Embassy and other diplomatic missions in the area, including the British Embassy, until further notice. Remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local security authorities.”

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Tunis has posted a statement on its Facebook page, warning people to stay away.

It said: “Emergency personnel are responding to an explosion that occurred near the US Embassy in Tunis. Please avoid the area and monitor local media for updates.”

Tunisia has been in a state of emergency since 24 November 2015, following a suicide attack on a police bus.

It has been extended several times, and is currently effective until 29 April, 2020.

There have also been increased tensions in the region following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani earlier this year.

The FCO previously warned of a possibility of an “increase threat” against Western interests, and the situation could worsen without warning.