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Info Tunisia

Everything you need to know for travelling in Tunisia

In general

Documents and visa

Since 1 January 2025 you enter Tunisia ONLY with a passport (valid at least 3 months): the ID card is no longer accepted. EU citizens need no visa for stays up to 90 days. Dual nationals must also carry a valid home document to return. Citizens of other countries should check their own rules. If you enter by sea (port of La Goulette) a hotel voucher may be required.

Currency and customs

The currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND): about 3.4 to 1 euro. NOTE: the dinar is NOT exportable (forbidden to take it out of the country) and currency offences are strictly punished. Change money only at authorised outlets (banks, hotels, bureaux) keeping the receipts, and reconvert any leftovers before leaving. Foreign currency of about 6,000 euros or more must be declared at customs. Cards are accepted in city hotels and restaurants, but you need plenty of cash.

Language

The languages are Arabic (official) and French, very widespread and used in tourism and commerce. In tourist areas and hotels some Italian and English are also spoken. French is very useful for communicating.

Health, water and vaccines

No mandatory vaccines (yellow fever only if arriving from a risk country). Rabies cases are on the rise: avoid contact with stray animals and, in case of a bite or scratch, see a doctor immediately. Drink bottled water and avoid ice to prevent the common intestinal infections. Public hospitals are crowded and poorly equipped; private clinics (in cities) are good but paid: take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation.

eSIM and connectivity

Mobile coverage is good in inhabited areas. Tunisia is outside the EU, so EU roaming is NOT guaranteed (some operators include it, others do not: check rates). A local SIM or eSIM (Ooredoo, Orange, Tunisie Telecom), cheap and easy to buy with a passport, is best. WiFi in hotels.

Electricity

Power is 230V/50Hz with type C and E sockets, the same as continental Europe: European two-round-pin plugs fit without an adapter.

Time zone

Tunisia is at UTC+1: the same time as Central Europe in winter, one hour behind when summer time is in force there (Tunisia does not apply it).

Climate and seasons

Mediterranean and breezy on the coasts, with mild winters and very hot summers. In the south and the Sahara summer temperatures exceed 40 degrees, with sharp day-night swings. The best times are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November); Djerba and the coast are enjoyable even in winter. Avoid the desert in summer.

Good to know

Safety and areas to avoid

The classic tourist destinations (Tunis, Carthage, Sousse, Kairouan, El Djem, the oases, Djerba) are guarded and touristically safe, with checkpoints along the roads (cooperate politely). However, avoid the border areas with Libya (Ras Jedir, Ben Gardane) and Algeria (western mountains), and use caution around Tataouine due to periodic social tensions. Beware of pickpockets in the suburbs and at night (do not flaunt valuables). Tunisia has maintained a state of emergency since 2015.

The desert with guides

Excursions in the Sahara (from Douz, towards the dunes and the ksour) cross isolated areas under National Guard control: they must be done ONLY with authorised, reliable local tour operators, in a group, with suitable 4x4 vehicles, water supplies and a phone. Never venture alone into the desert. Share your itinerary before leaving.

Driving

You drive on the right with an Italian licence. ZERO tolerance for drink-driving. Important: if you enter Tunisia with your own car, it is recorded on your passport and you must LEAVE with the same vehicle (otherwise customs demands its value). Motorways are tolled (cash). Drive carefully: the accident rate is high, especially outside cities and at night. In the event of a fatal accident, precautionary arrest of the driver is provided for.

Customs, religion and laws

Tunisia is a Muslim country, but more secular than others: outside tourist areas dress respectfully, especially women. During Ramadan avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight. Anti-drug law is very harsh (even small amounts = over a year in prison) and homosexuality is a crime: utmost discretion. Drones require prior authorisation (risk of seizure and detention).

Useful numbers

💡 Remember two things from 2025: you enter Tunisia ONLY with a passport (an ID card is no longer enough), and the dinar does not leave the country (change just enough and reconvert leftovers with receipts). For the Sahara always rely on an authorised tour operator: the desert here is not to be improvised.