Is it safe to travel to Tunisia right now?

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.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tunisia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: not required
Student visa: not required

If you wish to stay in Tunisia for more than 90 days, contact the nearest Tunisian embassy or consulate before your departure for information on visa requirements.

In you are already in Tunisia, go to a police station or the Ministry of the Interior.

Dual citizenship

Tunisian authorities may ask Canadians who also have Tunisian citizenship to present their Tunisian passport when entering and leaving the country. You may be questioned extensively as to why you are not traveling with your Tunisian passport.

If your Tunisian passport is no longer valid, contact the nearest Tunisian embassy or consulate.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).