Is Djerba safe?
Safe in resort areas and towns with normal care. Heavy police and army presence guard the synagogue; petty theft and touts are the main issues.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-05-20.
- Homicide rate in Tunisia: 4.7 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Tunisia: 16.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 197 · Ambulance 190 · Fire 198.
Safety in Djerba at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Petty theft from beaches and cars, persistent vendors, and occasional scams on boat trips and souvenir shops. |
| At night | The Zone Touristique stays lively until late. Houmt Souk and villages are quiet after dark; take taxis instead of walking in unlit areas. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable; dress modestly in Houmt Souk and villages and expect some attention. Use taxis at night. |
| Other risks | Strong afternoon winds and rough seas in winter; Jellyfish in summer; Sunburn and heat above 35°C in July–August |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Camel and quad-bike operators quoting high fixed prices
- Souvenir sellers claiming items are 'handmade' or antique
- Unmetered taxis quoting resort-zone prices
- Boat excursions that skip promised stops
Take care
- Beaches and dunes after dark: isolated, avoid
- Main road to Midoun: fast traffic and few lights
Calmer areas to stay
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
How Djerba compares in Tunisia
Quick answers
Is Djerba safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable; dress modestly in Houmt Souk and villages and expect some attention. Use taxis at night.
Is Djerba safe at night?
The Zone Touristique stays lively until late. Houmt Souk and villages are quiet after dark; take taxis instead of walking in unlit areas.
What is the crime rate in Djerba?
Petty theft from beaches and cars, persistent vendors, and occasional scams on boat trips and souvenir shops. Nationally, Tunisia records 4.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Djerba?
Police 197 · Ambulance 190 · Fire 198.
More about Djerba
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Djerba–Zarzis Airport (OACA)
- Tunisian National Tourist Office
- UK FCDO travel advice: Tunisia
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.