Is Tunis safe?
Safe for most visitors with normal care. Bag snatching, persistent touts and unlicensed taxis are common; avoid demonstrations and nighttime walks in poorly lit areas.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- 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 Tunis at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Pickpocketing and bag snatching in the medina and on public transport, theft from cars and occasional harassment of foreigners. |
| At night | Centre Ville and La Marsa are lively until late; use Bolt or a radio taxi at night rather than walking through the medina. |
| Solo women | Street harassment is common. Dress modestly, avoid empty streets after dark and use app or radio taxis at night. |
| Other risks | Chaotic traffic and few pedestrian crossings; Summer heat above 35°C; Jellyfish at some northern beaches |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Medina touts steering you to shops and unofficial guides
- Taxis without meters quoting tourist fares
- Fake 'student' guides at Carthage and Bardo
- Overpriced items and demanded tips at souk stalls
Take care
- Medina alleys at night: poor lighting, snatch thefts
- Avenue Habib Bourguiba during protests: avoid
- Hammam el-Lif and outer suburbs after dark: stick to main roads
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 Tunis compares in Tunisia
Quick answers
Is Tunis safe for solo female travelers?
Street harassment is common. Dress modestly, avoid empty streets after dark and use app or radio taxis at night.
Is Tunis safe at night?
Centre Ville and La Marsa are lively until late; use Bolt or a radio taxi at night rather than walking through the medina.
What is the crime rate in Tunis?
Pickpocketing and bag snatching in the medina and on public transport, theft from cars and occasional harassment of foreigners. Nationally, Tunisia records 4.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Tunis?
Police 197 · Ambulance 190 · Fire 198.
More about Tunis
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tunisia–Carthage Airport (OACA)
- SNCFT (Tunisian National Railways)
- Transtu (Tunis public transport)
- 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.