Risk level

Safety and security

Demonstrations, strikes and civil unrest

Demonstrations and strikes occur occasionally, particularly to denounce the deterioration of economic, political and social conditions in Tunisia. They sometimes lead to civil unrest and clashes with the security forces. Although demonstrations take place throughout the country, they are mainly concentrated in downtown Tunis.

 Strikes in transportation and public services occur occasionnally. Rail, sea, air and public transport services could therefore be affected. There are reports of shortages of fuel and certain foodstuffs.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.  

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place 
• Follow the instructions of local authorities 
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations 

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism.

On May 9, 2023, a shooting took place near the Ghriba synagogue on the island of Djerba, resulting in several casualties. This attack took place despite an increased presence of security forces as part of the annual Lag Ba'omer pilgrimage.

Terrorists have previously targeted resorts and tourist attractions, as well as government and military installations. Individuals suspected of terrorism or arms trafficking have been captured in various parts of the country, including Tunis. The presence of extremist groups and regional instability pose a threat to the safety of foreigners, religious sites and tourist facilities. Security forces are on constant alert and conduct anti-terrorist operations throughout the country to prevent attacks.

Despite the preventive efforts of security forces, terrorist acts could occur at any time. Targets could include :

• government buildings
• schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks;
• public places such as tourist attractions, stadiums, restaurants, bars, cafés, shopping malls, markets, hotels and other places frequented by foreigners.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. 

Be especially vigilant at:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections.

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks. 

Zones with military presence

The Tunisian authorities have designated certain areas as “ military operations zones ”, where the army patrols to counter terrorist threats and attacks. These zones mainly include the central-western mountain ranges in the governorates of Kasserine and Kef, including :

• Mount Chaambi
• Mount Mghila
• Mount Selloum
• Mount Sammama

Avoid all travel to fenced-off military zones such as the area south of the city of Remada, in the governorate of Tataouine. The Tunisian armed forces could arrest you if you enter without prior authorization.

Border regions

Algeria

Due to the movement of suspected terrorist cell members, militants and smugglers between Tunisia and neighboring countries, the Tunisian government has increased the presence of its armed forces on the border with Algeria. However, the threat of cross-border terrorist activity remains, and attacks still target the Tunisian armed forces.

There is a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings along the Algerian border, particularly in the mountainous regions of the following governorates:

• Jendouba
• Kef
• Kasserine

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been found in these areas. The Algerian and Tunisian armed forces carry out joint anti-terrorist operations on both sides of the border, notably in the governorates of Jendouba, Kasserine and Kef.

Libya

Deteriorating security conditions and the presence of terrorist groups in Libya continue to have an impact on the security situation along the border with Tunisia. There is a strong presence of Tunisian armed forces on the border with Libya, notably to control the passage of migrants to and from Libya, as well as from the Mediterranean Sea.

The border between Tunisia and Libya may close at any time for an indefinite period.

State of emergency

The state of emergency has been in effect in Tunisia since 2015 and is regularly extended due to the threat of terrorism.

Security forces have increased rights to: 

• conduct searches
• make seizures
• detain persons of interest
• impose curfews

If you are traveling to a place where a state of emergency is in effect:

• be aware that you may be subject to searches by security forces
• always cooperate with military and police officers
• carry valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints
• allow extra time to reach your destination
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local media for the latest information

Kidnappings

Although the risk is low, kidnappings may occur, particularly along border areas.

During your stay :

• report any suspicious behavior to security forces
• exercise caution at all times

Sports events

Sports events sometimes give rise to rowdy behavior and violent incidents.

Be careful if you attend sports events.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs occasionally, especially in tourist areas.

A rise in crimes of opportunity is also reported across the country and particularly in Tunis, including:

• burglaries
• muggings

During your stay :

• exercise caution
• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents in a secure place 
• don’t show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery 
• avoid walking alone after dark 
• avoid isolated areas

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone can be subject to offensive verbal and sexual abuse and behaviour.

Advice for women travellers

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons can be victims of discrimination, harassment and acts of violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics.

There are reports of 2SLGBTQI+ people being harassed online, particularly for taking part in events related to 2SLGBTQI+ issues. In some cases, their personal information is revealed on social media, where individuals call for violence against them.

Security forces sometimes carry out arbitrary arrests and illegal searches and use violence and blackmail to force people to hand over their phones and belongings. This information may be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

If you are a victim of violence or detained by local authorities due to your sexual orientation, gender identity or any other sexual characteristic, you should report it immediately to the Canadian Embassy in Tunisia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics 

Fraud

Fraud related to online shopping occurs in Tunisia.

There have been several reports of products ordered online, including on social media, which do not correspond to the description given. Individuals trying to obtain compensation face phone numbers that are no longer in service or online pages that no longer exist.

• Avoid shopping on unencrypted websites
• Beware of overly attractive business opportunities
• Don't give your banking information to strangers

In some resorts, young Tunisians are looking to marry older Canadians either to enrich themselves or to come to Canada.

Keep in mind that you could be the victim of a scam if strangers or new acquaintances bring up the subject of marriage.

Overseas fraud

Road safety

Driving habits

The number of road accidents is rising in Tunisia, despite awareness campaigns.

Roads are busy during the summer vacations, particularly between July and mid-September.

Many accidents are caused by drivers' dangerous behavior, including :

• speeding
• sudden lane changes
• drinking and driving
• driving at night without headlights
• distractions
• failure to comply with road signs

Bicycles, electric scooters and motorcycles are not always equipped with reflectors or headlights, and often zigzag between cars.

In some isolated areas, emergency services may be limited and response times may be longer.

Road conditions

Outside major cities, roads can be dangerous for various reasons, including :

• uneven surfaces
• lack of infrastructure maintenance
• potholes
• insufficient lighting

Pedestrians sometimes walk in the street due to the absence of sidewalks, and often weave in and out of cars to cross the street. Vehicles don't always stop at crosswalks or when the light is red at an intersection.

Police officers often intercept cars for inspection, especially rental cars.

If you drive in Tunisia :

• exercise caution
• always drive defensively
• be very careful if you travel after dark
• only use main roads and highways
• fill your gas tank before you travel, especially if you're traveling to remote areas
• avoid stopping in isolated areas

In remote areas, including the area south of Jebil National Park and in desert zones, cell phone reception is not always reliable and resources for obtaining assistance are limited.

Public transportation

Taxis

Yellow taxis are generally available, but few are equipped with working seatbelts. You can hail a taxi on the street or order one via a mobile app that indicates the fare, which is usually higher.

Taxis generally only accept payment in cash.

Buses

City buses are crowded and regularly behind schedule. Crime, especially petty crime, can occur on board.

Trains

Petty crime, such as purse snatching, can occur on trains. Derailments and collisions occur every year.

Intercity trains and buses are considered more reliable, but safety standards may differ from those in Canada.

When using public transportation:

• avoid storing bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat
• always carry your valuables and identification with you

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Tunisian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tunisia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: not required
Student visa: not required

If you wish to stay in Tunisia for more than 90 days, contact the nearest Tunisian embassy or consulate before your departure for information on visa requirements.

In you are already in Tunisia, go to a police station or the Ministry of the Interior.

Dual citizenship

Tunisian authorities may ask Canadians who also have Tunisian citizenship to present their Tunisian passport when entering and leaving the country. You may be questioned extensively as to why you are not traveling with your Tunisian passport.

If your Tunisian passport is no longer valid, contact the nearest Tunisian embassy or consulate.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical services are generally adequate in major cities but may be limited in rural areas.

Doctors and hospitals generally require payment on the spot at the time of treatment, and may also ask for a deposit or payment in advance, depending on the type of consultation or treatment required.

Your private insurance may be accepted in certain clinics if they obtain a payment guarantee from your insurance company.

Medications available in Tunisia may differ from those available in Canada, and some may be difficult to find, especially in rural areas.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Those convicted of these offences are subject to heavy fines and prison sentences of up to life.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Religious proselytism

Religious proselytizing is prohibited.

This includes preaching, possessing or distributing religious literature or material.

Avoid engaging in religious activities that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Tunisian law criminalizes sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ persons could be arrested because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics. They could also be arrested and face other charges such as:

• public indecency
• offence to public morality

Convicted offenders face fines and prison sentences ranging from six months to three years.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Tunisia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Driving

You can drive in Tunisia with a valid Canadian driver's licence.

You should have an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Tunisia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Tunisia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Travellers with dual citizenship

Child custody

A child born to a Tunisian mother or father can be considered by the Tunisian authorities as a Tunisian citizen, no matter where he or she was born and what other citizenship he or she has acquired.

In cases where one or more family members hold Tunisian citizenship, parents should consider the risks before their children travel to Tunisia, including that:

• at the request of family members, Tunisian authorities can prevent children from leaving Tunisia (a procedure known as a “stop order”)
• Canadian children who are identified as Tunisian citizens will be treated as Tunisian nationals

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Tunisia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Tunisia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Tunisia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Imports and exports

Tunisian authorities strictly prohibit the import and/or export of certain goods, including :

• weapons
• narcotics and psychotropic products
• second-hand goods
• works of art and antiques
• any product likely to offend public decency, health, public safety or state security

Special permits may be required for certain types of goods. You should consult the regulations in force and contact the Tunisian customs authorities before importing or exporting goods to or from Tunisia.

Prohibitions and restrictions – Tunisian Customs (in French and Arabic)

Dress and behaviour

The majority of the population is Muslim. Dress conservatively, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending the local population.

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Photography

Avoid taking pictures of military installations, government buildings and embassies. Ask permission before taking people's pictures. 

Money

The currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND).

It’s prohibited to import and export Tunisian dinars (TND).

ATMs are widely available in tourist areas and can be found in all major centres.  Many establishments in urban and tourist areas accept credit cards.

Foreign currency declaration

Tunisian foreign exchange regulations are strict and complex.

There are restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. You must declare all foreign currency in your possession equal to or superior to the equivalent of 20,000 TND:

• upon arrival
• upon departure
• in transit

If you enter Tunisia with a sum exceeding 5,000 TND, you must declare the amount to airport customs so that the exceeding sum is not confiscated when you leave the country.

In the event of confiscation upon leaving, you must request a refund using a form available on the Tunisian customs website.

In addition, you will not be able to leave Tunisia with the equivalent of 30,000 TND or more, even if you declared it upon entry.

These rules apply to non-residents.

Residents of Tunisia may obtain a conversion allowance of up to 6000 TND in foreign currency per calendar year under certain conditions.

However, in order to leave the country as a resident with foreign currency in your possession, you must:

• declare all foreign currency you are carrying
• provide official proof to the customs authorities of the allowance obtained

If you’re travelling to Tunisia, you should:

• familiarize yourself with the regulations before you travel
• declare any foreign currency in your possession upon entry
• keep your declaration until you leave
• exchange foreign currency at recognized banks or exchange offices only
• plan accordingly

Foreign currency declarations apply to:

• bank notes
• cheques
• traveller's cheques

Currency and exchange – Tunisian Customs (in French and Arabic only)

Natural disasters and climate

Tunisia is prone to various natural disasters, such as:

• drought
• bad weather
• sand and dust storms
• earthquakes

Temperatures vary both geographically and seasonally. In the north, summers are hot and dry, and winters are rainy.  In the south, the climate is semi-arid, and it can get very hot in the Sahara, especially in the summer. Between June and September, temperatures can exceed 40°C, and sand and dust storms are frequent.

Drought

Severe droughts can last for several years, reducing water supplies.

During dry periods:

• always keep water supplies on hand
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Rainy season

In northern Tunisia, the rainy season generally extends from October to May. In the south, rainfall is significantly less frequent due to the arid climate. In the winter, downpours can block roads.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local media for updates, including road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Sand and dust storms

Sand and dust storms are common.

During a sand or dust storm :

• stay indoors
• keep windows closed
• be prepared to modify, interrupt or cancel your trip at any time
• monitor local media for the latest information

Earthquakes

Although Tunisia is not located in a high-risk zone for earthquakes, small tremors do occasionally occur.

Earthquakes - What to do?