Tunis Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Tunisia offers visa-free entry to citizens of numerous countries for tourism purposes, making it an accessible destination for international travelers. Visa requirements depend primarily on nationality and purpose of visit.
Citizens of these countries can enter Tunisia without a visa for tourism purposes
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Travelers may be asked to show proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds for their stay. This applies to tourism only; other purposes may require different documentation.
Some nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tunisian ports of entry
Cost: Approximately 30-50 TND (Tunisian Dinars), varies by nationality
Requirements include valid passport, passport photos, proof of accommodation, and return ticket. Check with Tunisian embassy as eligibility varies.
Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival must obtain a visa in advance
Processing time varies from 5-15 business days. Some nationalities may require additional documentation or security clearances. Business visas and work permits have separate requirements.
Arrival Process
The entry process at Tunis-Carthage International Airport and other Tunisian ports of entry follows standard international procedures. Most travelers experience a smooth and efficient process, typically taking 30-60 minutes from arrival to baggage claim.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Tunisia's customs regulations are designed to prevent smuggling while allowing travelers reasonable personal allowances. Understanding these rules helps avoid delays, fines, or confiscation of goods at entry points.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including imprisonment
- Weapons and ammunition - unless proper permits obtained in advance
- Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
- Pornographic materials - strictly prohibited
- Items that offend Islamic values or public morals
- Endangered species products - including ivory, certain animal skins, protected plants
- Drones - require special authorization from Ministry of Defense and Interior
- Certain medications - particularly psychotropic substances without proper prescription
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring original packaging, prescription, and doctor's letter. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during stay
- Professional camera/video equipment - may require temporary import permit or deposit for commercial equipment
- Satellite communication devices - require special authorization
- Archaeological artifacts and cultural items - export strictly controlled, significant penalties for violations
- Plants and plant products - may require phytosanitary certificates
- Meat and dairy products - restricted due to health regulations, certificates may be required
Health Requirements
Tunisia maintains health entry requirements primarily based on travelers' origin countries and recent travel history. While routine vaccinations are generally not mandatory for most visitors, certain precautions are recommended.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival. Certificate of vaccination must be presented.
- Polio - Travelers from polio-affected countries may need to show proof of vaccination
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential food/water exposure
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
- Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major hotels and restaurants
- Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure MMR, DPT, and seasonal influenza are up to date
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to Tunisia. While not typically verified at entry, comprehensive insurance covering medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation is essential as healthcare costs for foreigners can be significant. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though private insurance is still advisable. Ensure your policy covers COVID-19 related issues if applicable.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Minors traveling with one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent, especially if parents have different surnames. Children traveling alone or with adults other than parents require notarized parental authorization letters, copies of parents' passports, and contact information. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationships. Adoption papers should be carried for adopted children.
Pets (dogs and cats) require: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior), veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, microchip identification, and import permit from Tunisian veterinary authorities. Some breeds of dogs may be restricted. Pet must enter through designated ports of entry. Quarantine may be required if documentation is incomplete. Contact the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture well in advance for current requirements and permit applications.
Tourist visas typically allow 90 days. For longer stays, apply for an extension at the local police station (Commissariat) or Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require valid reasons (study, work, family). For stays exceeding 4 months, you must obtain a residence permit (carte de séjour) which requires proof of accommodation, financial means, health insurance, and purpose of stay. Work permits are separate and must be obtained through employers. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
Business visitors may enter on tourist visas for short business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) but cannot work or receive payment in Tunisia. For actual employment, a work visa and work permit are required, obtained through the employing company. Business travelers should carry invitation letters from Tunisian companies, proof of business registration, and evidence of business activities. Temporary import of professional equipment may require ATA Carnet or temporary import permits.
Students require acceptance letter from recognized Tunisian educational institution, proof of financial means (scholarship letter or bank statements), valid health insurance, and accommodation proof. Student visas are obtained from Tunisian embassies abroad before travel. Upon arrival, students must register with local authorities and obtain a student residence permit. Documents must be authenticated and may require Arabic or French translation.
Tunisian dual nationals must enter and exit Tunisia using their Tunisian passport. Foreign passport holders with Tunisian ancestry may face questions about their status. If you have Tunisian citizenship (even if acquired through descent), you are subject to Tunisian laws including potential military service obligations for males. Consult with Tunisian consulate before travel if you have Tunisian heritage.