Tunisia travel guide

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park
• the designated military operations zones:
  • Mount Salloum
  • Mount Sammamma
  • Mount Mghila

This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces. 

In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 30km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata

Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya.

In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you: 

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Tunisia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Tunisian Embassy in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Tunisia.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Tunisia, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

Dual British-Tunisian nationals should enter and leave Tunisia on the same passport.

Visa requirements

You can visit Tunisia without a visa for up to 90 days. Contact the Tunisian Embassy in the UK for information on how to apply.

Border officials will stamp your passport on arrival and check the length of your stay on departure. If you overstay the 90-day period without a valid reason, you will have to pay a fine. You can pay on departure at the airport, or in advance at some police stations.

Checks at border control

On arrival in Tunisia, border officials have the right to ask for:

• your contact details
• your onward or return travel tickets
• proof of a hotel booking or other accommodation details

A small number of visitors have been denied entry to Tunisia, or been delayed, for not being able to provide sufficient evidence of accommodation.

Additional processing at airports

Border officials check passenger names against an immigration database. A small number of passengers with the same or similar names to those on the database have been delayed and questioned on arrival and departure to confirm their identity. Occasionally border officials carry out searches on these passengers. Statistically, this has disproportionately affected British nationals of South Asian descent.

This can cause distress and inconvenience. The British Embassy in Tunis cannot override decisions made by the Tunisian authorities but if you are affected, contact the British Embassy on +216 71 108 700 or contact the Tunisian Embassy in London.

Vaccine requirements

For details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Tunisia guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Tunisia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into and out of Tunisia

Tunisia has strict currency controls in place. If you are bringing in foreign currency, check the rules and make any required declarations. If border officials find undeclared amounts over the limit, they may confiscate the excess amount.

You are not allowed to take Tunisian dinars out of the country. To exchange leftover dinars at the end of your stay into pounds, you need to show the receipt from the bank where you first withdrew or bought the dinars. Receipts from cash machines are not accepted.

Drones

It is illegal to bring drones into Tunisia without authorisation. Any drones detected will be confiscated and stored until your departure.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Tunisia.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Tunisia

Security forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other places. You may be at higher risk in and around:

• religious sites, tourist sites and festivals
• government buildings
• public transport networks and vehicles
• businesses with western interests
• areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather, or any crowded area

The terrorism threat comes from both established groups and self-initiated individuals.

A formal state of emergency has been in place since a terrorist attack against a police bus took place in 2015. The security forces are visibly present in many parts of the country, including at the entry points to some towns and cities.

Despite some improvements in border security, there remains continuing instability and violence on the border with Libya. Tunisian security forces have been the primary target in terrorist-related incidents, mainly in border areas including in the Chaambi Mountains. See Regional risks.

In 2023 a number of terrorist attacks were planned and carried out by self-initiated individuals possibly influenced by terrorist organisations.

Recent significant attacks include: 

• in 2023, a National Guard officer was stabbed in the Goulette area of Tunis
• in 2023, a police officer was stabbed and killed outside the Brazilian Embassy in Tunis
• in 2023, a fatal shooting took place on the island of Djerba, at a Jewish pilgrimage site, with 3 security personnel and 2 civilians killed, and 10 injured
• in 2022, 2 security officers were injured in a knife attack near a synagogue in central Tunis
• in 2021, police shot and wounded an assailant who attacked them with a knife and axe in front of the Interior Ministry in central Tunis
• in 2020, a suicide bombing targeting a police patrol in Tunis killed one police officer and injured 4 others
• in June 2015, 38 foreign tourists were killed, including 30 British nationals, in a terrorist attack at Port El Kantaoui near Sousse
• in March 2015, 21 tourists were killed, including a British national, in a terrorist attack at the Bardo Museum in the centre of Tunis

Political situation

In response to the current situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, peaceful demonstrations have occurred in some Tunisian cities, including outside some western embassies.

Demonstrations and protests are common and may start with little or no warning. They can sometimes become violent. Demonstrations and protests tend to be at weekends and on prominent national dates (which may include 14 January and 17 December). They usually take place in central areas of Tunis and other major cities, and may focus on government buildings.

Labour strikes and industrial action can cause disruption to public transport, airports, seaports and road networks. Land border crossings may have delays or temporary closures. 

The authorities may impose curfews or set up checkpoints at short notice in response to events. To reduce your personal risk:

• avoid demonstrations, protests and strikes wherever possible
• move away from areas where demonstrations are taking place
• obey curfews and other instructions given by the local authorities
• monitor events through the media and follow the advice of your hotel and tour operator

Migration from sub-Saharan Africa    

Large numbers of irregular migrants depart from Tunisia for Europe. Many migrants in Tunisia originate from sub-Saharan African countries. This has resulted in heightened social tensions, and anti-migrant protests and violence in some coastal towns, such as Sfax. Incidents could happen with little or no warning and might affect anyone perceived to be of sub-Saharan African origin.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

The majority of visits to Tunisia are unaffected by crime. The most common crime experienced is theft. Sensible measures to reduce this risk include not displaying expensive items or leaving them unattended, and not carrying unnecessary valuables when in public. Criminals are known to sometimes use confidence tricks as a distraction while carrying out thefts.

Sexual harassment and sexual assault

Reports of sexual harassment and sexual assault statistically increase in the summer months. Reports include trouble in busy public places at night and quieter public parks and beaches during the daytime.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

As a foreign national, you must carry ID, such as a copy of the photo page of your passport. Security officials may ask you for ID at any time. Dual British-Tunisian nationals should carry a copy of the photo page of their passport or their national ID card.

Dress code

Beach-appropriate clothing in holiday resorts is normal, but revealing clothing may cause offence if you are visiting religious sites or remote areas. Clothing that covers shoulders and down to the knee is more appropriate.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country, next starting in February 2025. During this time, eating or drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime may cause offence.

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that hotels and restaurants serving food or drink in fasting hours may separate you from Muslim guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
• be patient and show tolerance

Alcohol laws

The sale of alcohol is permitted in Tunisia but is banned from sale in supermarkets on Fridays. You can still order and drink alcohol in hotels and bars. During Ramadan, sale of alcohol is banned and the consumption of alcohol is restricted to fewer restaurants and bars. These rules do not apply at holiday resorts.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offences. If you are found with even a small amount of drugs, you could get a prison sentence.

Using cameras in secure areas

Do not take photographs of or near government buildings or military sites.

Buying antiquities

You must get permission from the Tunisian authorities before removing antiquities from Tunisia. Not getting permission in advance can result in lengthy delays on departure. If you do not declare the item, you could get a fine and a prison sentence.

Buying property

It is illegal for foreign nationals to buy property outright in Tunisia. British nationals often do this through a Tunisian third party. If you are considering buying property, consult a local lawyer. Do not make private arrangements, which may be illegal and could result in a large financial loss.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tunisia. Members of the LGBT+ community have been targeted by criminals.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Some beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings.

Always supervise children, even if they can swim or there’s a lifeguard present. Take extra care and get local advice if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Quad bikes

Quad bikes are popular in desert resorts. Take the same precautions as you would in the UK. Safety standards can vary considerably. Always wear a crash helmet.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Tunisia, see information on driving abroad.

You can drive in Tunisia for up to one year with a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You also need to carry a green card to prove you have the minimum insurance cover.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Tunisia, and the legal limit in Tunisia is stricter than for England and Wales. If you are tested and found to be above the limit, you could get a fine and a prison sentence.

Road conditions and driving standards

Road surfaces are of a reasonable standard in Tunisia, although large potholes can appear after heavy rain. Many towns and villages have unannounced speed bumps. Be careful when approaching sand drifts on roads.

Driving at night can be hazardous outside towns, due to unlit roads, vehicles without lights and livestock on the road. Check the availability of petrol stations with local drivers before travelling long distances in remote areas.

Driving standards can be low. Vehicles entering roundabouts or junctions do not always follow the established right of way. Lane discipline can be poor. Pay particular attention when approaching traffic lights, especially at night, as other drivers may not obey the signals.

Pedestrians tend to walk on the roads and they have the right of way.

You may come across military or police security checkpoints. Approach slowly and do not cross without permission. Be prepared to present ID and driving licence if asked.

Rail travel

Rail travel is generally safe, although safety standards tend to be lower than in the UK. There is a risk of petty crime on trains.

This section has safety advice for regions of Tunisia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park
• the designated military operations zones:
  • Mount Salloum
  • Mount Sammamma
  • Mount Mghila

In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 30km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata

There is a heightened Tunisian security presence at the border with Algeria. See Algeria travel advice.

Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba
• the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis.

There is a heightened Tunisian security presence at the border with Libya due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya. Border crossings are sometimes closed temporarily without notice. Some violent incidents have occurred. See Libya travel advice.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 190 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Tunisia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Tunisia, including biting insects and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

If you’re bringing prescription medicines, keep them in the original packaging and carry a note from your GP confirming the medication has been prescribed to you. If you have any specific concerns about taking certain types of medication with you to Tunisia, contact the Tunisian Embassy in the UK.

Healthcare in Tunisia

FCDO has a list of list of medical providers in Tunisia where some staff will speak some English.

There’s no provision for free medical attention for foreign nationals in Tunisia. All doctors’ fees, medication and treatment in private clinics must be paid for on the spot (and sometimes before treatment). These costs can be high. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Tunisia

Ambulance: 190

Fire and car accidents: 198

Police (when in towns and cities): 197

National Guard (when in rural areas and small villages): 193

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers and funeral directors in Tunisia
• dealing with a death in Tunisia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Tunisia
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Tunisia and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Tunis.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Tunisia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.