Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to:
\n\nthe designated military operations zones:
\n\nThis is due to cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces.
\n\nIn addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to:
\n\nThis is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya.
\n\nIn addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma but excluding Zarzis, the C118 road and all areas in Medenine Governorate north of the road.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTo enter Tunisia, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nIf you enter Tunisia with a damaged or torn passport, you may encounter difficulties when attempting to leave the country. Ensure your passport is in good condition before travelling.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nDual British-Tunisian nationals should enter and leave Tunisia on the same passport.
\n\nYou can visit Tunisia without a visa for up to 90 days, except for holders of Crown Dependency passports, who may need to buy a visa on arrival. Contact the Tunisian Embassy in the UK for information on how to apply.
\n\nMake sure you get your passport stamped.
\nBorder 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.
\n\nOn arrival in Tunisia, border officials have the right to ask for:
\n\nA small number of visitors have been denied entry to Tunisia, or been delayed, for not being able to provide sufficient evidence of accommodation.
\n\nBorder 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.
\n\nThis 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.
\n\nYou will need to pay a hotel tax upon arrival. This tax amounts to 8 Tunisian Dinars per person per night for 3-star hotels and 12 Tunisian Dinars per person per night for 4- and 5-star hotels. The tax is charged for a maximum of ten nights, so guests staying longer will only pay for the first ten nights of their stay. The tax cannot be reclaimed if you leave early.
\n\nFor details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Tunisia guide.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nTunisia has strict currency controls. If you are bringing foreign currency into Tunisia, including pound sterling, check the applicable rules and whether you need to make a declaration on arrival. Failure to declare foreign currency may result in confiscation. Keep declaration documents. You are not allowed to take Tunisian dinars out of Tunisia.
\n\nKeep official exchange receipts.
\n\nIt is illegal to bring drones into Tunisia without authorisation. Any drones detected will be confiscated and stored until your departure.
\n\nCertain electronic devices with recording, transmission or smart-function capabilities may be subject to restrictions, or be confiscated on arrival for the duration of your visit. If you intend to travel with devices such as Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses or walkie-talkies, including toy ones, check the latest requirements with the Tunisian authorities before travelling.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Tunisia.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia.
\nSecurity forces remain on a high state of alert in Tunis and other places. You may be at higher risk in and around:
\n\nThe terrorism threat comes from both established groups and self-initiated individuals.
\n\nA 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.
\n\nDespite 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.
\n\nIn 2023 a number of terrorist attacks were planned and carried out by self-initiated individuals possibly influenced by terrorist organisations.
\n\nRecent significant attacks include:
\n\nIn response to the current situation in Israel and Palestine, peaceful demonstrations have occurred in some Tunisian cities, including outside some western embassies.
\n\nDemonstrations and protests happen occasionally and may start with little or no warning. Although rare, 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.
\n\nLabour strikes and industrial action can cause disruption to public transport, airports, seaports and road networks. Land border crossings may have delays or temporary closures.
\n\nThe authorities may impose curfews or set up checkpoints at short notice in response to events. To reduce your personal risk:
\n\nLarge 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nReports 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.
\n\nAs 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.
\n\nBeach-appropriate clothing in holiday resorts is acceptable, however when visiting religious sites or remote areas of the country, local custom is to dress modestly.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country, next starting in February 2027. During this time, eating or drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime may cause offence.
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. You should also:
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nIt is illegal to bring any controlled or prohibited substances into Tunisia. Travellers found in possession of illegal drugs can face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. Tunisian legislation relating to illegal drugs applies regardless of the traveller’s country of residence, country of departure, whether the substance is legal elsewhere or the quantity being carried. Do not carry any such substances into the country.
\n\nDo not take photographs of or near government buildings or military sites.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nIt 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.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Tunisia. Members of the LGBT+ community have been targeted by criminals.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nSome beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings.
\n\nAlways 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.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nQuad 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.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Tunisia, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nDrink-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.
\n\nRoad 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.
\n\nDriving 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.
\n\nDriving 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.
\n\nPedestrians tend to walk on the roads and they have the right of way.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nRail travel is generally safe, although safety standards tend to be lower than in the UK. There is a risk of petty crime on trains.
\n\nIn summer months, heatwaves and extreme temperatures may occur. This can cause an increase in the pressure on the electricity grid. In response, the Tunisian electricity and gas company (STEG) may carry out temporary power cuts. These disruptions can have a direct impact on infrastructure across the country, including in some hotels. Power cuts can temporarily affect air conditioning, mobile phone networks and Internet connections. In extreme cases cuts can impact water supply and payment transactions (ATMs and card payments). Disruptions are usually only temporary. Find out more from your tour operator, at your accommodation or via local media regarding potential restrictions in your area.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Tunisia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to:
\n\nIn addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
\n\nThere is a heightened Tunisian security presence at the border with Algeria. See Algeria travel advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to:
\n\nIn addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma but excluding Zarzis, the C118 road and all areas in Medenine Governorate north of the road.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 190 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Tunisia, including biting insects and ticks.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nFCDO has a list of list of medical providers in Tunisia where some staff will speak some English.
\n\nThere’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.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nAmbulance: 190
\n\nFire and car accidents: 198
\n\nPolice (when in towns and cities): 197
\n\nNational Guard (when in rural areas and small villages): 193
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe 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.
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