Tunisia blends ancient history with Mediterranean charm, from the ruins of Carthage to the blue-and-white streets of Sidi Bou Said. Explore Roman amphitheaters, Saharan oases, and pristine coastal beaches in North Africa's most accessible destination.
Tunisia is generally safe for tourists with most visitors having trouble-free visits to popular areas. The greatest risk is petty theft and tourist-targeted scams in medinas and markets rather than violent crime. Avoid border areas near Libya and Algeria where there are periodic security incidents.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal safety precautions in tourist areas. Avoid all travel within 30km of the Libyan border and within 20km of the Algerian border. Use heightened caution in the interior governorates of Kasserine, Jendouba (near Chaambi) due to periodic extremist activity.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Tunisia due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Avoid border areas near Libya and Algeria.
Amber - Be More Alert
Be more alert than normal in Tunisia. Terrorism threat is significant, particularly in border areas. Tourist zones are safer. Monitor local news.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Register with your home country embassy on arrival and keep their emergency number saved
Avoid demonstrations, political gatherings, and large crowds, particularly near government buildings
Use only licensed yellow taxis with meters or pre-negotiate the fare before entering
Stay in main tourist areas and cities overnight; avoid travel to border regions near Algeria and Libya
Keep photocopies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents stored separately from originals
Women should carry a scarf to cover shoulders and hair when visiting mosques or more conservative areas
Dress modestly in medinas and rural areas; shorts and sleeveless tops can draw unwanted attention
Haggling is expected in souks but begin at around 50% of the asking price and be respectful
Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, or police without permission
Drink bottled water only; tap water is technically safe but can cause stomach upset for newcomers
Carry small bills (1-5 TND) for tips, entry fees, and souk purchases as change is often unavailable
Be cautious of common tourist scams: unsolicited guides, carpet shop invitations, and fake student ID discounts
Carry sunscreen and stay hydrated; temperatures exceed 40C in summer inland and in the Sahara
Health: ensure routine vaccines are up to date; Hepatitis A vaccine recommended for all visitors
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unsolicited Guide Scam
Friendly local offers to show you the medina, claims you are heading the wrong way, then at the end of the walk demands payment of $20-50 for the 'tour'. Common near Tunis Medina entrance and Kairouan.
How to avoid: Politely decline all unsolicited guidance. Say 'La shukran' (No thank you) firmly and keep walking. Book official guides through hotels.
Carpet Shop Pressure
Persistent invitation to a cousin's carpet shop for 'free tea'. Once inside, high-pressure sales tactics and tea creates social obligation. You may be held inside until you buy.
How to avoid: Decline invitations to private shops unless you genuinely want to buy. Accepting tea creates expectation in some shops.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed or unofficial taxis quote inflated fares to tourists, especially at airports and medina exits. Legitimate yellow taxis should use meters.
How to avoid: Use official yellow metered taxis or Bolt/InDrive apps. Agree fare before entering if no meter. From Tunis airport official rate is 30-35 TND during day.
Fake Antiquities
Vendors in medina souks sell 'ancient Roman coins' and small statues at high prices. These are mass-produced tourist items, not genuine antiquities (which cannot legally be sold anyway).
How to avoid: Treat all 'ancient' objects as modern reproductions unless buying from licensed antiquity dealer with export certificate.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, flu), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B (for some), Typhoid (if visiting rural areas), Rabies (if extended stay or animal contact)
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in tourist hotels usually safe, avoid in local establishments. Bottled water widely available and cheap ($0.30-0.50 for 1.5L).
- Food
- Traveler's diarrhea (bring anti-diarrheal medication), sunburn (strong sun year-round), dehydration (especially in desert), heat exhaustion in summer.
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Generally safe for solo travelers. Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse, and Djerba are well-trodden with good tourist infrastructure. Solo male travelers face minimal issues. Keep valuables secure in medinas, use reliable taxis at night, and register your itinerary with your embassy.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers are largely safe in tourist areas but should expect persistent attention (verbal hassle) in medinas and public spaces. Dressing modestly significantly reduces unwanted attention. Avoid walking alone in medinas at night. The coastal resort areas are more relaxed. Carry a scarf and use it in conservative areas.
Families
Tunisia is family-friendly with beach resorts offering secure environments, children welcomed warmly, and many age-appropriate attractions from El Djem to Djerba water parks. Beach resorts are the safest option for families. Car seats should be brought from home as few rental companies have them.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex activity is illegal in Tunisia under Article 230 of the Penal Code with penalties up to 3 years imprisonment. While enforcement targeting tourists is rare, public displays of affection between same-sex couples should be avoided entirely. The environment is conservative. Discretion is strongly advised throughout the country.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 197
- Medical
- 190
- Embassy
- Tourist Police