Africa
Is Tunisia safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Tunisia safe?
Generally safe for tourists in resorts and cities, with petty theft and persistent touts the main nuisance. Avoid border areas with Algeria and Libya and parts of the far south.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-05-20.
- Homicide rate: 4.7 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 16.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 197 · Ambulance 190 · Fire 198.
- Solo women: Solo women travel here, but street harassment is common in cities; dress modestly, avoid empty streets at night and use taxis.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Bag snatching in Tunis and medina areas
- Road accidents on fast roads and in cities
- Terrorism threat, mostly outside tourist areas
- Border zones with Libya and Algeria are restricted military areas
Common scams
- Touts steering you to carpet shops and unofficial guides in medinas
- Taxis without meters quoting inflated fares
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
Safety by place in Tunisia
Quick answers
Is Tunisia safe for tourists?
Generally safe for tourists in resorts and cities, with petty theft and persistent touts the main nuisance. Avoid border areas with Algeria and Libya and parts of the far south.
Is Tunisia safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here, but street harassment is common in cities; dress modestly, avoid empty streets at night and use taxis.
What is the emergency number in Tunisia?
Police 197 · Ambulance 190 · Fire 198.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- UK FCDO travel advice: Tunisia
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.