Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Tunisia is a popular North African destination where main tourist areas like Tunis, Sidi Bou Said and coastal resorts are generally visited safely. Border zones with Algeria and Libya and remote southern desert areas warrant extra caution.
- Overall risk
- Moderate; main tourist areas are routinely visited
- Main concern
- Petty theft in cities; heightened caution near border and remote desert zones
- Emergency number
- Police 197, Ambulance 190
- Popular sites such as Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, the Tunis Medina and Djerba are widely visited. Check your government's latest travel advice before travelling to areas near the Algerian and Libyan borders and parts of the southern Sahara.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Main cities and coastal resorts are visited normally. Some governments advise against travel to areas near the Algerian and Libyan borders and remote parts of the southern desert.
- Border zones
- Areas near Algeria and Libya: check current advice
- Southern desert
- Remote Sahara areas may carry travel restrictions
- Cities
- Tunis and coastal resorts visited routinely
- Follow your government's advice and local guidance, especially for the far south and border regions. Organised desert excursions from Douz or Tozeur typically use established routes; travel with reputable operators.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate in the north and a hot, dry Sahara in the interior and south. Summers can bring extreme heat, and flash floods can follow heavy rain.
- Summer
- Extreme heat, especially inland and in the desert
- Rain
- Occasional flash flooding after heavy downpours
- Seismic risk
- Generally low
- In the desert south (Douz, Tozeur) daytime heat can be extreme in summer; carry water, sun protection and plan travel for cooler hours. In the north, autumn and winter rains can cause temporary flooding.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Private clinics in tourist areas are generally good; public facilities vary. Many travellers avoid tap water and choose bottled water. Take care against heat and sun.
- Healthcare
- Good private care in cities and resorts; public care varies
- Tap water
- Bottled water commonly preferred
- Emergency
- 190 for ambulance
- Bring personal medication with a prescription. Guard against heat, sun and stomach upsets; wash hands and be careful with unfamiliar food. Check recommended vaccinations with a travel clinic before departure.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in cities and markets. Persistent vendors and unofficial guides are common at tourist sites.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Medinas, markets, transport hubs, tourist sites
- Advice
- Keep valuables secure; agree taxi fares in advance
- Be firm but polite with pushy vendors and unofficial guides. Use metered or agreed-fare taxis, keep bags closed and in front of you, and avoid displaying valuables in busy areas.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Tunisia is generally calm for visitors, though occasional demonstrations and strikes occur. Avoid protests and large gatherings, which can disrupt transport.
- Government
- Republic; political situation can shift
- Demonstrations
- Occur occasionally; avoid crowds and protests
- Demonstrations and strikes can occur, sometimes affecting roads and public transport. Avoid political gatherings, follow local news and comply with instructions from the authorities.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Tunisia is a Muslim-majority country with a relatively secular, moderate character. Dress modestly at religious sites and in rural areas, and be mindful during Ramadan.
- Dress
- Modest clothing advised, especially outside resorts
- Ramadan
- Be discreet with eating and drinking in public by day
- Currency
- The dinar (TND) is a closed currency with import/export limits
- Respect local customs and religious sites, covering shoulders and knees where appropriate. The Tunisian dinar cannot generally be taken in or out of the country; change money at banks or official bureaus and keep receipts.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Key emergency numbers are Police 197, Ambulance 190 and Fire 198. Operators may speak limited English; French and Arabic are widely used.
- Police
- 197
- Ambulance
- 190
- Fire
- 198
- Call 197 for police, 190 for ambulance and 198 for fire. Having a French- or Arabic-speaking contact or hotel staff assist can help; keep your accommodation address written down.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover and repatriation. Confirm it covers any activities you plan, such as desert excursions.
- Medical cover
- Ensure treatment and hospital costs are covered
- Repatriation
- Include emergency medical repatriation
- Activities
- Cover desert trips and any adventure activities
- Private treatment can be costly, so buy comprehensive insurance before travel. Check that your policy covers medical care, repatriation and specific activities like desert excursions or quad biking.