Is Monastir safe?
Calm resort city with low violent crime. Petty theft, persistent touts and rough driving are the main annoyances; stay aware of regional security advice.
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 Monastir at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Bag snatching and pickpocketing in markets and beaches, theft from parked cars, and occasional harassment of women; violent crime against visitors is uncommon. |
| At night | The corniche and cafés stay lively and feel safe. Take a taxi late at night rather than walking dark streets. |
| Solo women | Manageable with modest dress; catcalling and staring are common, especially alone at night. Use taxis late. |
| Other risks | Summer heat above 40°C; Rip currents in windy weather; Fast, chaotic traffic |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxis refusing the meter and quoting inflated fares
- Touts steering visitors to carpet and souvenir shops
- Unofficial guides at the Ribat asking for payment
Take care
- Beaches in strong wind: rip currents and few lifeguards
- Dark back streets of the medina at night
- Roundabouts and local driving: aggressive and unpredictable
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 Monastir compares in Tunisia
Quick answers
Is Monastir safe for solo female travelers?
Manageable with modest dress; catcalling and staring are common, especially alone at night. Use taxis late.
Is Monastir safe at night?
The corniche and cafés stay lively and feel safe. Take a taxi late at night rather than walking dark streets.
What is the crime rate in Monastir?
Bag snatching and pickpocketing in markets and beaches, theft from parked cars, and occasional harassment of women; violent crime against visitors is uncommon. Nationally, Tunisia records 4.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Monastir?
Police 197 · Ambulance 190 · Fire 198.
More about Monastir
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tunisian National Tourist Office
- Sahel Metro (SNCFT)
- Glovo Monastir
- La Presse: Sahel trains resume (May 2026)
- TechCabal: Bolt suspended in 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.