Northern Africa
Northern AfricaTunisiaTravel guide
- Tunis
- Gabes
- Kairouan
- El Kef
- Mahdia
- Monastir
Tunisia is a North African country on the Mediterranean Sea. It has well-developed tourist facilities, beaches, ancient ruins and desert culture.
Why go
Mediterranean beaches.
Ancient ruins at Carthage.
The well-preserved Roman amphitheatre at El Jem.
Desert landscapes and culture in the south.
Tunisian food, including couscous, seafood and spicy harissa.
Getting there
By air
- Tunis-Carthage International Airport near Tunis is the main airport for scheduled international flights. Tunisair is the national airline.
- Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport receives low-cost charter flights from Europe and is near many holiday destinations. Enfidha–Hammamet International Airport is another major airport.
- Other airports include Sfax Thyna, Tozeur Nefta, Gafsa, Tabarka–Aïn Draham and Djerba.
By land
- A train runs three times a week between Tunis and Annaba in Algeria.
By sea
- Ferries link Tunis with Malta, Trapani, Palermo, Naples, Genoa and Marseille.
- Passenger boats generally use La Goulette port near Tunis.
Customs
- You must not bring Tunisian dinars into or out of the country. Change money locally.
- Keep receipts for buying or withdrawing dinars. You need them to change unused dinars back into foreign currency.
- Customs may search wallets and purses when you leave and confiscate remaining dinars.
Getting around
Domestic flights
Tunisair Express flies between Tunis and Tozeur, Djerba and Gabes. You can book online or through an agency. Its website is in French only.
Trains
The national railway company runs services from Tunis to Sousse, Sfax, Monastir, Tozeur and Gabes. Delays and cancellations are common. Ask which train is yours at larger stations. Seat numbers are often ignored, so groups should board promptly to find seats together. A weekly blue card pass allows travel on local and long-distance trains. Long-distance trips still need a reservation and a small extra payment.
Buses
Long-distance buses are a safe, low-cost way to travel between major cities. Buy tickets at the bus station. Buses are rarely full, so advance booking is usually unnecessary. Some buses offer air conditioning and television.
Local rail and shared taxis
The light railway called TGM connects Tunis with Carthage, La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said. The green tramway, called Metro, serves central Tunis. Shared taxis, called louages, are common across Tunisia.
What to see and do
El Jem amphitheatre
See a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
Carthage and Byrsa Hills
Explore remains of ancient Carthage.
The Tunisian desert
Experience desert landscapes and culture in the south.
Spend time on the Mediterranean coast
Tunisia has Mediterranean beaches and developed tourist facilities.
Visit ancient ruins
Carthage and El Jem offer a look at Tunisia's ancient past.
Try food in a souk
Food stalls in souks, or traditional markets, are suggested places to find tasty local cooking.
Food and drink
Couscous and marqa
Couscous and marqa stews form the basis of many Tunisian meals.
Harissa
A very hot chilli paste, often served with bread and olive oil.
Tunisian tajine
An oven-baked, omelette-like pie with eggs, cheese, herbs and meat or vegetables.
Brik
A thin, crisp pastry containing a whole egg, parsley and onions, sometimes with tuna or minced lamb. Eat it carefully with your fingers.
Coucha
Lamb shoulder cooked with turmeric and cayenne pepper.
Salade méchouia
A mashed grilled vegetable salad, often seasoned with harissa and served with olive oil and sometimes tuna.
Money
Tunisian dinar, written as DT; its currency code is TND. One dinar equals 1,000 millimes.
- Many cash machines accept Visa and MasterCard for withdrawals in dinars.
- A price such as 5.600 means 5 dinars and 600 millimes.
- Market prices are usually per kilogram. A sign saying 480 can mean 480 millimes per kilogram.
- In many self-service supermarkets, take loose produce to the weighing counter for a price sticker.
Typical costs
- A medium-sized rental car costs around DT100 per day.
- Example train fares from Tunis to Sousse are DT10.3 in first class and DT7.6 in second class.
- In June 2025, a weekly rail pass cost DT40 for second class, DT56 for first class or DT60 for the higher Confort class.
- Long-distance reservations with a rail pass cost an extra DT1–2.1, depending on distance.
- In June 2025, a one-way TGM light railway ticket cost about DT1.
Language
- Arabic is the official language.
- Tunisian Arabic, also called Tounsi, is the everyday spoken language.
- Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools.
- French is widely spoken and useful for travel arrangements.
- English is less common and mainly spoken in tourist areas.
- Non, merci
- No, thank you, in French. A polite smile can help when refusing sellers.
Staying safe
- The travel warning dated 7 September 2025 says some governments advise against visiting parts of the south, interior and west, including the Chaambi Mountain National Park area and areas near Libya.
- Theft is reported in hotels, room safes and airports. Keep airport belongings in sight and use a supervised hotel safe deposit for valuables.
- Keep wallets and bags out of pickpockets' reach. Avoid showing large amounts of cash.
- Road accidents are a major danger. Use public transport or hire a driver if you are unfamiliar with these driving conditions.
Local customs
Do
- Dress modestly outside beaches and hotel complexes.
- Adjust your clothing to the region. Southern Tunisia is more conservative and traditional.
- Be mindful that Tunisia is a Muslim-majority country with long-established Christian and Jewish communities.
Don't
- Do not assume clothing accepted at a beach or hotel will be accepted elsewhere.
- Do not assume customs in the south are the same as in Tunis.
- Do not try to convert Muslims to another religion.
Where to stay
- Hotels range from larger properties to small hotels in major cities.
- Hotel star ratings may be lower than you expect: a Tunisian four-star hotel is described as similar to a three-star hotel in Europe or the United States.
- Furnished apartments are also available, including private rentals in summer.
- Arrange accommodation before arrival, online or by phone. Many cheaper places have no website, and French is useful when booking.
Outdoor adventures in Tunisia
Tunisia offers Mediterranean beaches, desert trekking, Saharan dunes and an oasis hot spring. Beach resorts have many water sports, while the south has rocky plains and desert landscapes.
Djerba beaches
BeacheSouthern Tunisia
Choose the southern Mediterranean island of Djerba for a beach stay.
Sousse beaches
BeacheNorthern Tunisianear Sousse
Visit the beaches at Sousse, on the east-coast resort strip.
Chott Meriam beach
BeacheNorthern Tunisianear Sousse
Head to Chott Meriam, a beach not far from Sousse.
Jebil National Park desert landscapes
More to doSaharan Tunisia
Visit Jebil National Park for its dunes and rock formations. Transport and tour arrangements are not specified.
- Some governments advise against travel to parts of southern and interior Tunisia.
Ksar Ghilane hot spring
Hot springSaharan Tunisia
Visit the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, on the edge of the sand desert. Transport arrangements are not specified.
- Some governments advise against travel to parts of southern and interior Tunisia.
Saharan Tunisia desert trekking
TrekSaharan Tunisia
Plan a trek in Saharan Tunisia. No specific route or operator is identified.
- Some governments advise against travel to parts of the south and interior, western areas, and areas near the Libyan border.
Bizerte-area beach day trips
BeacheNorthern Tunisianear Bizerte
1 dayJoin an organised beach day trip from Tunis. These trips can mainly be found on Facebook.
- Cost: About TND 25 per person, including a meal.
Kelilbia beaches
Beache
Visit the beaches at Kelilbia. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Ghar El-Melh beaches
Beache
Visit the beaches at Ghar El-Melh. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Rafraf beach
Beache
Head to Rafraf beach. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Sidi El Mekki beaches
Beache
Visit the beaches at Sidi El Mekki. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Sounine beaches
Beache
Visit the beaches at Sounine. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Zarzis beaches
Beachenear Zarzis
Visit the beaches at Zarzis. Transport arrangements are not specified.
Mahdia beach running
More to doNorthern Tunisianear Mahdia
MorningGo to the beach in Mahdia for a morning run.
Monastir bicycle rental
CyclingNorthern Tunisianear Monastir
Rent a bicycle in Monastir. No specific rental business or cycling route is identified.
- Cost: TND 5 per hour, listed in November 2018.
Palm Karting Monastir
More to doNorthern Tunisianear Monastir
15 or 30 minutesVisit Palm Karting on Airport Road in the tourist area, near Sahara Beach Hotel.
- Cost: TND 20 for 15 minutes or TND 30 for 30 minutes, listed in November 2018.
Flamingo Golf Course
More to doNorthern Tunisianear Monastir
Visit Flamingo Golf Course on Route de Ouardanine, Monastir.
Palm Links Golf Course
More to doNorthern Tunisianear Monastir
Contact Palm Links Golf Course in Monastir on +216 73 521 910.
Red Lizard scenic train
More to donear Metlaoui
Board the restored Red Lizard vintage train at Metlaoui.
Airports, metros and trains in Tunisia
Airports with scheduled flights
- DJEDjerba Zarzis International AirportMellitaMain international airport
- TUNTunis Carthage International AirportTunisMain international airport
Trains
- Rail network
- 2,165 km
People and safety in Tunisia
Religion
Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.
- Muslim100%
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal
- The law allows up to 3 years in prison.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Women travellers
Ranked #100 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
55% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 106 of 198 countries can visit Tunisia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required104
- Visa on arrival2
- eVisa1
- Visa required91
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe42 of 46 countries
- Asia24 of 50 countries
- Africa23 of 53 countries
- Americas13 of 35 countries
- Oceania4 of 14 countries
Questions
What weather should I expect?
Northern Tunisia has mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The south has a desert climate.
Can I travel between cities without booking online?
Yes. Buy intercity bus tickets at the station; buses are rarely full, so advance booking is usually unnecessary.
Can I withdraw cash in Tunisia?
Yes. Many cash machines accept Visa and MasterCard and pay out Tunisian dinars.
Will English be enough?
English is mainly spoken in tourist areas and is less common elsewhere. French is widely spoken, while Tunisian Arabic is the everyday language.
What food should I try?
Try couscous, brik pastry or Tunisian tajine, an egg-based baked pie. Harissa is a common chilli paste and can be very hot.
Can I book a room by phone?
Yes. Booking before arrival by phone is advisable, especially because many cheaper places have no website; French is useful.
Is driving easy for a first-time visitor?
Driving can be unpredictable, and Tunis has narrow streets and limited parking. Visitors unfamiliar with local driving conditions are advised to use public transport or hire a driver.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly outside beaches and hotel complexes. The south is more conservative than the capital.
Can visitors buy alcohol?
Alcohol is sold in licensed restaurants, resort areas and some shops. Most shops do not sell it on Fridays, and availability is restricted during Muslim holidays.
What electricity supply does Tunisia use?
The supply is 230 volts at 50 hertz. The listed plugs are Europlug and Type E.
Reviewed by @snuck