Tunisia

Safety and security

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 197 for police
• Dial 190 for ambulance
• Dial 1899 for toll-free domestic violence hotline

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Commercial flights.
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains)

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens in Tunisia to stay very alert. Those living and working in Tunisia should know they accept the risks of being there. They need to carefully consider these risks.

The threat of anti-Western terrorism continues. There is also risk of death or injury for non-targeted bystanders.

• Review our Terrorism page for more information.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

Demonstrations are most common on Saturdays and in the month of January.

Since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, there has been an increase in spontaneous demonstrations, especially on weekends in Tunis near embassies. This includes on Avenue du Martyr Taoufik Missaoui and Avenue Habib Bourguiba, and foreign cultural centers.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Stay vigilant, aware of your surroundings, and take care of your valuables. Do not show cash or jewelry, as it may attract unwanted attention.

• High-value items left unattended and visible have been stolen from cars, hotel rooms, and homes.
• Criminals have targeted tourists and business travelers for theft, pickpocketing, and scams.
• Incidents of theft, robbery, and burglary have been reported in upscale neighborhoods during the day and night.
• Violent crime is rare. However, an increase in incidents of harassment and assaults against women has been reported in Tunis among the expatriate community. Some of these criminal encounters occurred in dark or remote areas near commercial zones, public beaches, and parks.
• Report any crimes against U.S. citizens immediately to the local police and the U.S. embassy.
• Report suspicious activity to the local police by dialing 197.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Tunisia. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Tunisia: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 197 and contact the U.S. embassy at +216-71-107-000.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the police first or go to the nearest police station.  If this is not possible or you do not feel safe, then please contact the U.S. embassy. Visit our website for more information about contacting the U.S. Embassy Tunis. 
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones

• Importing all types of drones, including small civilian drones used for personal or touristic use, is strictly prohibited without prior governmental authorization.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 

Travel to the desert

The Tunisian National Guard encourages anyone traveling into the desert to register their travel beforehand. You can do this through tour operators in the region.

• No special authorization is required to travel to the desert as far south as Remada.
• The desert south of Remada is designated as a military zone by the Government of Tunisia. If you wish to enter the military zone, for example to travel to Borma, a special authorization is required. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens against travel to this area.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Tunisia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and long jail sentences.
• You may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you or if you take pictures of certain buildings.
• It is against Tunisian law to photograph police, military, and government buildings.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol could land you immediately in jail.
• If you break local laws in Tunisia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Tunisia, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 

The Tunisian government is required to contact the U.S. embassy promptly when a U.S. citizen is arrested. This requirement does not apply to dual U.S.-Tunisian nationals.

Detention conditions

• Some prison and detention facilities in Tunesia are overcrowded, operate at 150% above capacity, causing prisoners to sleep on floors or share beds in cramped, unsanitary places.
• Sanitation and hygiene are inadequate. There are few toilets and showers.  Aging sewer systems increase risk of infectious diseases.
• Pre-trial detention for certain crimes can be long. Authorities may hold suspects for up to 14 months before filing charges. They can continue to hold suspects during the trial.
• Healthcare within prisons is minimal. Access to physicians, especially psychiatrists, is limited.
• There is limited access to medications. 
• Medical transfers to external hospitals are poorly coordinated, leading to delays.
• Food quality and quantity are inadequate, so many inmates rely on family for nutrition.
• Most prisons do not classify inmates properly, mixing pre-trial detainees, first-time offenders, and convicts.

Firearms and ammunitions

It is illegal for travelers to carry firearms in Tunisia, except for hunting weapons with special authorization. Carrying ammunition, even used shells, is also illegal.

If you are caught entering Tunisia with a weapon or ammunition, you could face severe penalties, including prison time. U.S. permits for carrying weapons are not valid in Tunisia. 

• Visit the Department’s Traveling Abroad with Firearms webpage.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Tunisia. Penalties include sentences of up to 3 years in prison.

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Tunisia prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. The law is generally enforced.

• Social acceptance of people with disabilities in public is common.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

Women often face verbal sexual harassment from passing cars and pedestrians.

The legal age for marriage is 18, but can be 16 with parent and judicial consent.

Forced marriages are not allowed in the country.  However, women may find the local law enforcement hesitant to help those escaping forced marriage or abuse. 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review our information on Journalist Travelers.
  
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tunisia Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 190 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not widely available or are unreliable in most areas except Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, and Monastir.
• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Ambulance services are not staffed with trained paramedics and have little or no medical equipment.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Maintain records of all health and administrative files. Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Health services are available in Tunis and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources, supplies, staffing, and hygiene. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.  Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment before admitting a patient. 
• Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care. 
• Be aware that travelers will not receive a medical report after service unless specifically requested.
• Be aware that some hotels, resorts, etc. have exclusive agreements with medical providers, which may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.
• Patients bear all costs for transfers to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are very limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or have died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.  

• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Tunisia.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Tunisia.  
• Although Tunisia has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Tunisia, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.

Prescription medications

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

• Tunisia has severe shortages of some medications. Not all medications available in the United States are available in Tunisia. Plan in advance before traveling.
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Be sure to bring enough of your prescriptions (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the duration of your trip.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. 
• Check with the Central Pharmacy of Tunisia to find available medications and restrictions on importing medication.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Tunisia. We strongly recommend against using these practices.  Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy is illegal in Tunisia.  

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA's Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Tunisia.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• Review Medicine and Health.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Driving in Tunisia can be dangerous. Visitors should avoid driving at night outside Tunis, on major resort areas, or on country roads.
• Drivers often fail to obey the rules of the road, even in the presence of police. Traffic signs and signals are often ignored. Drivers sometimes drive vehicles on the wrong side of the road or the wrong direction on a one-way street. Defensive driving is a must in Tunisia.
• Faster drivers tend to drive on the left while slower drivers stay to the right. Traffic lane markings are commonly ignored. Cars that wish to pass often signal with their headlights.
• Drivers may be stopped for inspection by police officers within cities and on highways at any time, and drivers should comply.
• Bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles are operated without sufficient lights or reflectors, making them difficult to see darting in and out of traffic.
• Motorists should also be aware of animals on the roads, particularly in rural areas.
• Drivers should be aware of pedestrians crossing multilane highways in areas not marked for crossing.

Traffic laws

• If you are in a motor vehicle accident that results in the death or serious injury of another person, the police may take you into custody until you are absolved of responsibility. This can mean spending several months in detention.
• If you are taken into custody, you should immediately request that the police inform the U.S. embassy.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Avoid unregulated taxis as they lack basic safety features.
• Avoid hailing taxis off the street. Use taxi services recommended by your hotel or a well-known company.
• If you choose to hail a taxi, be sure to agree on the amount of the fare or insist they use the meter before you get into the taxi.
• U.S. government employees are not allowed to use uses or buses or louage (inter-city bus).
• Bolt, Uber and Lyft are not available in Tunisia.  InDrive can be used but only with cash.

Public and commercial transportation

Exercise caution when using public transportation, due to safety and security concerns.

• Trains, buses, and taxi minibuses (known as “louages”) are not safe. They may be overcrowded, have unsafe driving practices, poor maintenance, and increased likelihood of criminal activity.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Tunisia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.

• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners planning travel to Tunisia should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Tunisia experiences a Mediterranean climate in the north and a semi-arid to arid climate in the central and southern regions. The country generally enjoys mild winters and hot, dry summers.

• Heatwaves – Tunisia is prone to heatwaves in the summer months.
• Sandstorms – These are locally known as ‘chammal’ and may occur in the spring and summer. 
• Heavy rainfall – Common during the autumn. They can lead to flash flooding, especially in cities with poor drainage systems.
• Drought – Long periods of low rainfall in the central and southern regions can lead to drought conditions from late spring to early autumn.
• Earthquakes—Tunisia is located near tectonic fault lines and has occasional earthquakes. These are unpredictable but have historically occurred in the northern regions.

Helpful resources:

• The Tunisian National Institute of Meteorology (INM) provides weather forecasts, alerts, and climate data.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates