Tunisia has been a popular north African holiday destination among Britons for some time but anyone planning to head to the country soon should be aware of a few key guidelines.

Perhaps the largest change to occur in recent weeks has been the number of demonstrations which have resulted from the Israeli military action in Gaza, which have largely been peaceful so far.

However, there is always the possibility of violence at such political gatherings and visitors should take heed of any advice relating to them from the local police and security authorities.

For those travellers who intend to explore further afield when they arrive in Tunisia, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) urges consultation with a reputable travel agent first.

It offers the following advice: "You are strongly advised to travel with a reputable tour operator or an approved local guide if you plan to travel in the southern border areas with Algeria.

"Tourists are obliged to seek permission from the Tunisian authorities to enter certain desert areas on the borders with Algeria and must travel with a licensed guide."

The FCO also warns that there is the possibility that terrorists may be operating on the Tunisia/Algeria border, as shown by the kidnap of two Austrian tourists last February, who were eventually released in October.

In terms of other crime in the country, serious offences tend to be fairly rare, but travellers should remain vigilant in crowded market areas for petty thieves and pickpockets.

There has also been a noticeable increase in instances of bags being snatched, so it would be wise to ensure that essentials such as passports and money are left in a secure place in a hotel.

Anyone planning to hire a car in Tunisia can expect a fairly poor standard of driving, with most drivers speeding and little attention paid to pedestrian crossings or sensible lane changes.

The FCO also advises Britons that they do not require visas to enter the country for visits of three months or less, although passports must be valid for at least three months before the date of travel.

It is also important to note that there is no provision of free medical care for foreign visitors to the country and all fees can be very high for the use of private doctors, medication or hospitals.

"You should seek medical advice before travelling to Tunisia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date," the FCO suggests.