Do you need a visa for Tunisia? Not if you hold a US, UK, Canadian or most EU passports: you can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, with your passport stamped on arrival. Some other nationalities need a visa from a Tunisian embassy before they travel. Tunisia’s entry rules are simple, but its currency rules are strict: you may need to declare foreign cash when you arrive, and you cannot take Tunisian dinars out of the country. This guide covers who needs a visa, what border officials may ask for, the money rules and other things to know before you land.
Planning a trip? Read our complete Tunisia travel guide and our honest answer to is Tunisia safe?
The quick answer
- Do I need a visa? Not for US, UK, Canadian and most EU passports, for stays of up to 90 days.
- Is there a visa on arrival? Some nationalities can get one; others need a visa in advance. Check with the Tunisian embassy.
- Passport: must be valid for your whole stay; many airlines and agencies recommend six months.
- Money: declare foreign currency if required, keep exchange receipts, and never take dinars out.
- Drones: not allowed without authorization.
Visa-free entry
Tunisia lets citizens of many countries visit for tourism without a visa. According to the UK government, British citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa, and US citizens can also visit visa-free for short stays. Most EU and many other European nationalities have similar access. Your passport is stamped when you arrive, and overstaying can lead to a fine when you leave.
If you want to stay longer than your visa-free period, you need to apply for a residence permit in Tunisia before your permitted stay ends.
Who needs a visa in advance
Travelers from countries without a visa waiver must apply for a visa at a Tunisian embassy or consulate before they travel. The rules depend on your nationality and change from time to time, so check the current list with the Tunisian embassy in your country, or ask your tour operator if you are booking an organized trip.
What to expect on arrival
Arrival in Tunisia is usually quick at the main airports, Tunis-Carthage, Enfidha-Hammamet, Monastir and Djerba.
- Fill in the arrival card if one is handed out.
- Officials may ask for your contact details in Tunisia, a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation.
- Keep your entry stamp safe and your passport undamaged; a torn passport can cause problems when leaving.
- Hotel tax: a small tourist tax per night is charged by hotels, up to a maximum number of nights.
Currency rules
Tunisia’s currency rules are the part of entry that catches visitors out, because the dinar is a closed currency.
- Declare foreign currency on arrival if required. Undeclared cash can be confiscated.
- Change money at banks, exchange offices or hotels, and keep the receipts.
- You cannot take Tunisian dinars out of Tunisia. Spend them or change them back before you leave, using your receipts.
- ATMs are widely available in cities and resorts.
Other entry rules
A few other entry rules catch visitors out, mostly about drones and electronic devices.
- Drones are illegal to bring in without authorization and will be confiscated.
- Some electronic devices, such as smart glasses and walkie-talkies, may be restricted. Check before you travel.
- Dual British-Tunisian nationals should enter and leave on the same passport.
- Medicines: carry prescriptions for personal medication.
Arriving by land or sea
You can also arrive in Tunisia by ferry from Europe or overland from Algeria.
- By ferry: car ferries link Tunis (La Goulette) with ports in France and Italy, including Marseille, Genoa and Palermo.
- From Algeria: land border crossings are open; check current advice for the border areas.
- From Libya: the border is often closed at short notice, and the US and UK advise against travel in the border zone.
Travel with a local guide
Simsem’s Tunisia host, Mohamed Ben Naceur, can meet you in Sousse or Monastir, close to the Enfidha and Monastir airports:
Monastir: History, Medina and Coastal Walk
The Ribat of Monastir, the Bourguiba Mausoleum, the medina and the seafront with a local guide.
Sousse Medina Walking Tour
A walk with Mohamed through the UNESCO-listed medina of Sousse, its souks, the Ribat and the Great Mosque.
El Jem Amphitheater Private Tour
A private trip from Sousse or Monastir to the great Roman amphitheater of El Jem, a UNESCO site.
See all Tunisia experiences on Simsem.
FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for Tunisia?
No, not for short tourist stays. US citizens can visit Tunisia without a visa; check the current maximum stay with the Tunisian embassy before you travel.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Tunisia?
No. British citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa, according to the UK government.
How long can I stay in Tunisia without a visa?
Usually up to 90 days for visa-exempt nationalities. Overstaying can result in a fine.
Can I take Tunisian dinars out of the country?
No. The dinar is a closed currency. Change leftover dinars back before you leave, using your exchange receipts.
Do I need to show a return ticket?
Border officials may ask for a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation, so keep them handy.
Can I bring a drone to Tunisia?
Not without authorization. Drones brought in without permission are confiscated.
