More than 1,000 British travellers are still stuck in crisis-torn Tunisia despite a mass rescue effort by mainstream tour operators.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said between 1,000 and 1,500 expats, independent travellers and small tour group holidaymakers were still in the North African country following the fall of the country’s president.
More than 3,000 mainly British package holidaymakers were flown home over the weekend on emergency flights amid violent riots and killings.
The FCO released the figures after sending a Rapid Deployment Force of consular staff to the country to search for British nationals.
British Airways is operating its normal schedule from the country.
Thomson and First Choice completed the repatriation of almost 1,500 package holidaymakers from crisis-torn Tunisia yesterday. Thomas Cook returned 300 people after evacuating 1,500 on Friday.
The FCO’s latest advice is against “all but essential travel” to the country.
“We advise British nationals to leave Tunisia unless they have a pressing need to remain,” the FCO said.
“There have been demonstrations, some violent, in multiple locations across the country, including Tunis, Sousse, Sfax, Nabul, Hammamet, Douze, Kasserine, Requeb and Thia.
“The situation is unpredictable and there is the potential for violence to flare up, raising the risk of getting caught up in demonstrations. Looting and violence has continued overnight (January 15-16), including in residential areas.
“Large-scale demonstrations, some violent, and further looting are still possible in multiple locations across the country.
FCO minister Jeremy Browne warned that the situation in the North African country remained volatile.
“There has been looting, but this is not directed at foreigners,” he said.
“I mean this is a internal debate, a dispute within Tunisia, so what we’re saying to British tourists is be cautious, keep your head down, don’t get involved in situations which could potentially be dangerous for you, but we are being methodical, we’re being systematic in the way that we approach this and so far mercifully we are not aware of any Britons who have been seriously caught up and hurt in the, in the disruption that’s been taking place.”
Eight Thomson Airways rescue flights were laid on from Friday, with the last aircraft touching down at East Midlands airport at 03.00 on Sunday morning.
All Thomson Airways flights to Tunisia scheduled to depart from the UK yesterday (Sunday) and Wednesday (January 19) have been cancelled.
A dedicated helpline at 0800 009 3834 has been set up and people are being offered alternative travel options.
Holidaymakers due to fly to Tunisia after Wednesday are being advised to visit www.thomson.co.uk for further information.
Tui flew its first 100 passengers home to Manchester on Friday. Others were flown into Birmingham, East Midlands, Gatwick and Glasgow airports.
“Priority had been given to the 100 of their customers who had been the only ones who had said that they had wanted to go home,” the operator said.
Communications director Christian Cull said: “We remain focused on customer safety, our top priority at all times.
“We rose to the challenges of operating in a country in a state of coup and we have been working around the clock to repatriate all of our customers as swiftly and efficiently as possible.
“Once again, this event reminds holidaymakers of the benefits of package holidays.
“Booking with a large tour operator such as Thomson and First Choice offers the peace of mind that we will look after you should anything go wrong while you are away.”