Tunisia
Entry requirements
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.
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.
Damaged or torn passports
If 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.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
British-Tunisian 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, 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.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
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.
Hotel tax
You 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.
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. 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.
Keep official exchange receipts.
Drones
It is illegal to bring drones into Tunisia without authorisation. Any drones detected will be confiscated and stored until your departure.
Electronic devices
Certain 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.