Tunisia

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Tunisia due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.

US Embassy/Consulate

[216] 71 107-000; US Embassy Tunis, Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis, Tunisia; tunisacs@state.gov; https://tn.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

216

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 190; Fire: 198; Police: 197

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tunisia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south

Currency (Code)

Tunisian dinars (TND)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E

Plug Type CPlug Type E

Major Languages

Arabic, French, Berber

Major Religions

Muslim (Sunni) 99.1%, other (includes Christian, Jewish, Shia Muslim and Baha'i) 1%

Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Tunis (includes Medina, Al-Zaytuna Mosque, Ville Nouvelle); Carthage; Bardo National Museum; Sidi Bou Said; El Jem amphitheater; Monastir; Dougga

Major Sports

Soccer, handball, basketball, volleyball

Cultural Practices

Tunisians take their time during greetings to converse about their families, friends, and other general topics. Handshakes are the customary greeting among individuals of the same sex.

Tipping Guidelines

Tip 5-15%, or round up the bill at restaurants. Hotel porters expect 5 dinars per bag and hotel maids 20 dinars per week as a gratuity. Round up the fare for taxis or add 5% to the total.

Souvenirs

Woven carpets/rugs, copper and brassware, olivewood sculptures, carved wooden birdcages, ceramic and tile goods, kaftans, shisha water pipes

Traditional Cuisine

Couscous — semolina flour sprinkled with water until it forms into tiny pellets that are then pushed through a sieve; typically steamed to a crumbly paste and tossed with a variety of ingredients including carrots, potatoes, turnips, and parsley


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Tuesday, October 03, 2023