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U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Tunisia

Tunisia
Tunisian Republic
Reissued to update information to high-risk areas, country summary, and the “If you decide to travel” section, and Level 4 “Do Not Travel” areas. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reissued to update information to high-risk areas, country summary, and the “If you decide to travel” section, and Level 4 “Do Not Travel” areas.

Exercise increased caution in Tunisia due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

  • Within 16 km of the Algerian border due to terrorism, except for the cities of Tabarka and Ain Draham.
  • Within 16 km of the border with Libya due to terrorism.
  • The Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, and Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate due to terrorism.
  • The Mount Orbata area in the Gafsa governorate due to terrorism.
  • The desert south of Remada due to the military zone.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Tunisia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, museums, resorts, hotels, festivals, nightclubs, restaurants, religious sites, markets/shopping malls, government facilities and security forces. A country-wide state of emergency, which grants security forces more authority to maintain civil order and enables the government to focus on combating terrorism, is in effect.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in some areas of Tunisia.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Tunisia.

If you decide to travel to Tunisia:

  • Exercise caution when using public transportation, due to safety and security concerns.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Avoid staying overnight outside of the main cities and tourist locations.
  • Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage valid for Tunisia.
  • When entering or transiting through Tunisia, do not bring in Tunisian currency in any amount and avoid bringing in any foreign currency, including dollars, over TND 10,000 (about $3,000 USD). Upon departure, including transit through Tunisia, travelers leaving Tunisia must declare any currency amounts above TND 5,000 (about $1,600 USD) if they wish to export or depart with that amount.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow U.S. Embassy Tunis on FacebookInstagramTwitter/X, and YouTube, and the Department of State's Consular Affairs/Travel.gov on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Tunisia.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Border with Algeria – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel within 16 km of the Algerian border due to terrorism, except for the cities of Tabarka and Ain Draham.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Border with Libya – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Developments in Libya continue to affect the security situation along the Tunisian-Libyan border in areas such as Ras Jedir and Dehiba along with the cities of Ben Guerdan and Medenine. The border with Libya is frequently closed to all traffic with short notice for extended periods. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Libya.

Visit our webpage for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

The Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, and Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate due to terrorism – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist groups continue to operate in mountains of Western Tunisia near the Algerian border.

Visit our webpage for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Orbata Mountains in Gafsa in West-Central Tunisia – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist groups continue to operate in the mountainous areas of Western Tunisia near the Algerian border.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

The Desert South of Remada – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The desert south of Remada is designated as a military zone by the Government of Tunisia. Special authorization is required for travelers wishing to enter the military zone.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
No

Hague Convention Information

Tunisia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Tunisia did not change.

The Department of State does not maintain information on the adoption process in Tunisia because adoptions from Tunisia are rare; fewer than five adoptions by American citizen parents have taken place in the past five years. Please visit the Department's Country Specific Information sheets for more information on travelling to Tunisia and the U.S. Embassy Tunis's website for information on consular services.

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Tunisia, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.

Last Updated: July 5, 2023

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Tunis
Les Berges du Lac
1053 Tunis, Tunisia
Telephone
+(216) 71-107-000
Emergency
71-107-000, press 0 and ask for the duty officer
Fax
+(216) 71964-360

Tunisia Map