In the last few years some cases of boutonneuse fever have been "imported" into Central and Northern European countries, where it was previously unknown, by tourists returning from African or Mediterranean countries where the disease is endemic. Data on the subject are summarised and the possibility of ticks carrying the disease being transported into disease-free countries is analysed. The results of a clinicoepidemiological survey on boutonneuse fever contracted by foreigners in areas where the disease is actively endemic are reported. It would appear the few cases were involved and that these were quickly recognised, treated and cured.