Holiday Nightmare for UK Tourist in Tunisia
A British tourist, James Colley, shared his harrowing experience after being arrested in Tunisia on suspicion of cigarette smuggling. Colley, 57, traveled to Tunisia with his wife Louise, 51, to celebrate his retirement. Upon landing at Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, armed police detained him, mistakenly identifying him as a convicted cigarette smuggler named James Coyle.
Despite the mix-up being clarified later, the couple endured a traumatic holiday. They spent approximately £800 on legal fees, multiple court appearances, and bribes to officials. Colley described the ordeal as mentally exhausting, questioning if it was a scam to extort money. The case was swiftly dismissed on their last day due to the outdated charges.
Louise, a community nurse, advised against visiting Tunisia, citing safety concerns. She emphasized the potential danger British tourists could face in similar situations. The couple’s vacation, which was supposed to mark Colley’s retirement, turned into a nightmare filled with uncertainty and fear.
- The couple planned a trip to Tunisia to celebrate Jim’s retirement.
- Upon arrival, police mistook Jim for a convicted cigarette smuggler with a similar name.
- Despite clarifications, the couple endured legal challenges throughout their holiday.
- They spent a significant sum on legal fees, travel, and bribes to resolve the situation.
- The case was dropped on the last day due to its outdated nature, bringing relief to the couple.
- Louise warned others against traveling to Tunisia, emphasizing safety concerns for British tourists.
The couple’s £1,400 vacation at a luxurious hotel turned into a nightmare due to a case of mistaken identity. Despite being cleared of all charges, the emotional toll of the experience lingered with them. The Colleys’ cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen challenges travelers may face, even in popular tourist destinations.