Africa
Tunisia
Mediterranean beaches, Roman ruins, medinas and Sahara edges, cheap and close to Europe. Easy for solo travelers; persistent hassle from touts, limited cash access for foreign cards and a restrictive political climate are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa99 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyTNDUS$1 ≈ DT2.97Details
- Price level30%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, E230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency197Police 197 · Ambulance 190 · Fire 198
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is treated but salty and not advised for visitors; buy bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedArrests and anal-test prosecutions have occurred; a small underground community exists.Details
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are accepted for short stays; an IDP is advised. Driving in cities is aggressive; police checkpoints are common.
Where to go in Tunisia
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TunisCapital city | 3/5 | $944–1,520 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 64/100 |
| DjerbaIsland | 4/5 | $674–1,080 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 93/100 |
| HammametTown | 4/5 | $742–1,180 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 90/100 |
| SousseCity | 4/5 | $674–1,080 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 92/100 |
| Sidi Bou SaidTown | 4/5 | $944–1,520 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 76/100 |
| MonastirCity | 4/5 | $944–1,420 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 79/100 |
| TozeurTown | 4/5 | $742–1,150 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 89/100 |
When to visit Tunisia
April-June and September-October are best for coast and cities. July-August is very hot; winter is mild and rainy in the north, and the Sahara is best November-March.
Good to know
Entry
- Citizens of many countries, including the EU, UK and US, enter visa-free for up to 90 days; other nationalities need a visa from a Tunisian embassy.
- Border officers may ask for a hotel booking and onward ticket; some visitors have been refused entry for lacking accommodation proof.
- Declare foreign currency on arrival to export it on departure; the dinar cannot be taken out or bought outside Tunisia.
- Drones are prohibited and confiscated without prior authorisation.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Same-sex relations are criminalised under Article 230 of the Penal Code
- Photographing police, military or government buildings is prohibited
- Drug offences carry harsh prison terms
Etiquette
- Greet with 'Salam' and a handshake or hand to heart
- Dress modestly outside resorts, especially in religious sites and rural areas
- Eat with your right hand and avoid public eating during Ramadan days
- Bargain politely in souks, then be ready to walk away
Tipping
5-10% in restaurants if service is not included; small coins for porters and guides.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- UK FCDO travel advice: Tunisia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.