Is Sousse safe?
Safe in resorts and the center with normal care. A 2015 beach attack led to heavy security; today petty theft and touts are the main problems.
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 Sousse at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Pickpocketing in the medina and on beaches, theft from rooms and cars, and persistent vendors. |
| At night | The hotel zone and Port El Kantaoui stay lively late. In the medina and quieter streets, take taxis after dark. |
| Solo women | Comfortable in resorts and the center; dress modestly in the medina and avoid empty streets at night. |
| Other risks | Jellyfish in summer; Heat above 35°C in July–August; Chaotic traffic and few crossings |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Medina touts steering you to carpet and souvenir shops
- Taxis charging tourist fares without a meter
- Fake guides outside the ribat
- Overpriced boat and camel excursions
Take care
- Medina alleys after dark: poor lighting
- Beaches at night: isolated
- Crowded buses and louage stations: pickpockets
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 Sousse compares in Tunisia
Quick answers
Is Sousse safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable in resorts and the center; dress modestly in the medina and avoid empty streets at night.
Is Sousse safe at night?
The hotel zone and Port El Kantaoui stay lively late. In the medina and quieter streets, take taxis after dark.
What is the crime rate in Sousse?
Pickpocketing in the medina and on beaches, theft from rooms and cars, and persistent vendors. Nationally, Tunisia records 4.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Sousse?
Police 197 · Ambulance 190 · Fire 198.
More about Sousse
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Monastir Airport (OACA)
- SNCFT (Tunisian National Railways)
- 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.