There are possibly as many as 1,500 Brits left in Tunisia according to the Foreign Office. These include ex-pats, holidaymakers travelling with smaller companies and travellers who have made their own arrangements. Over the weekend, around 3,000 holidaymakers were flown back to the UK by larger tour operators.

Weeks of demonstrations across Tunisia have been taking place in response to the high price of food in the shops as well as unemployment levels and widespread corruption. Matters came to a head on Friday when the country’s president Zine al Abine Ben Ali was ousted and fled to Saudi Arabia.

According to William Hague, the foreign secretary, the situation in Tunisia is extremely volatile and he has asked that no one travel to the country unless there was an exceptional reason for doing so. Christopher O’Connor, the British ambassador, said people should avoid going out. If they have to then they should be careful to avoid other groups of people. He added that all demonstrations should be avoided saying that many people have been killed.

Although airspace over the country remains open, British Airways is still to confirm whether it will be sending planes to pick up stranded passengers. Thomson, Thomas Cook and First Choice all cancelled some flights to Tunis on Sunday and have done the same for Wednesday.

Anyone attempting to travel has been advised to check with their airline before heading out to the airport. All Brits have also been advised to register with Locate if they are entering Tunisia. This will allow the consulate to stay in touch.