Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Tunisia depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for TunisiaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 197 (police)
- Ambulance
- 190
- Fire
- 198
Currency
- Name
- Tunisian Dinar
- Code
- TND
- Symbol
- DT
ATMs in Tunis, Sousse, and tourist areas. Cards accepted at hotels and tourist restaurants. Cash preferred in markets and medinas. The dinar is non-convertible — spend or exchange at the airport before leaving.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type E
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
March–May and October–November are ideal — mild temperatures for Tunis (Bardo Museum, the Medina, Carthage), Sidi Bou Said (the iconic blue-and-white clifftop village), Kairouan (one of Islam's holiest cities), and the desert (Douz — gateway to the Grand Erg Oriental). July–August is very hot (40°C+) and crowded. The Sahara's pink dunes near Douz are best in spring and autumn.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Guides | 5–10 TND per tour | — |
Dress Code
- Modest dress in medinas and religious sites
- More relaxed at coastal resorts (Hammamet, Sousse, Djerba)
- Women: headscarf for mosques; not required generally
Social Etiquette
- Tunisia is the most liberal and Westernised country in North Africa — the birthplace of the Arab Spring (2010–2011); alcohol is widely available; women have relatively strong legal rights
- The Star Wars filming locations on Tunisian soil (Tatooine was filmed around Matmata, Mos Espa, and the salt flat of Chott el-Jerid) attract many fans
- Carthage (near Tunis) was one of the ancient world's greatest cities — destroyed by Rome in 146 BCE; the ruins are atmospheric rather than spectacular
- Tunisian cuisine (harissa chilli paste, brik pastry, mechoui lamb) is outstanding and under-celebrated internationally
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ same-sex activity is illegal with up to 3 years imprisonment — exercise caution
- Cannabis: Algeria produces significant cannabis; possession is illegal in Tunisia
- Photography near military, presidential palace, and border areas restricted
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Tunisian Arabic / Darija) | Aslema / Labas? | ahs-LEH-mah / lah-BAHS — 'peace / how are you?' |
| Thank you (Tunisian Arabic) | Yishkrek / Barak Allahu fik | YEESH-krek / BAH-rahk ah-LAH-hoo FEEK |
| No problem (Tunisian) | Mashi mushkil / Barkallahu | MAH-shee MOOSH-keel |
| Beautiful (Tunisian) | Zwina (f) / Zwin (m) | ZWEE-nah / ZWEEHN |
| Cheers! (Tunisian) | Bisahtik! | bih-SAHH-tik — 'to your health' |
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