Visitors Guide to Tunisia

Residency, Visas and Passports

Passports with a minimum validity of 6 month from the date of departure are required by all visitors to Tunisia. Visa requirements vary between nationalities, with exemptions of between 1 and 3 months facilitated for most Europeans. It is advisable to consult an official source for accurate and up to date information prior to travelling, this will ensure correct details relating to individual requirements is received.

Tunisia is considered to have a type of open-door policy towards foreign work and residency visas, yet the application can be time consuming to be processed. Applications for residency will require several types of documentation that can vary between towns, confirming requirements with the local immigration department is advised to ensure correct information is obtained.

Generally proof of accommodation and means of financial support will be required, along with providing the reason for applying for the residential permit. The process for residency can take on average 3 months to be approved, followed by a renewal requirement every year or two.

You can find more on visas and immigration here: Tunisian Embassy

Getting There

Tunisia is an increasingly convenient destination to reach, located less than 3 hours flight from the majority of the main European cities. Flight time to London is approximately 2.5hrs and around 7 of the country’s 30 airports are international. The main international airports are in Tunis, Monastir and Tozeur.

Along the Mediterranean coastline in the north of the country are sea ports, where ferry transport to Italy and France receive frequent route options. Travel time by ferry is approximately 20 to 24 hours and various cruise ships also travel stop in Tunisia.

While there are road entries to the neighbouring countries of Libya and Algeria, visitors are advised to avoid crossing into Algeria unless with a guided tour. Daily buses travel between Tunisia and Libya operate for those who wish to enter or visit from the neighbouring country.

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Local Transport

Tunisia is very well serviced by public transport systems with varied options to suit personal preferences. The national flight carrier, Tunis Air, offers daily flights between all of the main towns, with reasonable fare prices. As the flights are convenient, their popularity is always strong, so booking ahead to ensure seats on the desired dates is advisable. The Mediterranean coast along the north and east coasts of the country offers port entries for cruise ships and ferry’s.

Train travel between the capital, Tunis, and other major towns offer three distinct classes of comfort. The road networks throughout the country are also extensive and in excellent condition, enabling comfortable driving and coach transport. For long distance travel across the country, coach transport offers the most cost effective option. Coaches are pleasantly modern, comfortable and air conditioned.

There are several international hire care companies operating in Tunisia, yet they are often considered to be rather expensive. To hire a personal car, insurance and a valid national driving license is essential.

Within the cities such as Tunis and Sousse, modern tram systems operate in the central areas. Tunis also features a light rail network to connect the suburban areas with the city centre. While taxis are readily available in the cities, a 50% surcharge is added to night fares. All taxis are numbered and metered, and it is not possible to barter the fare.

Another form of transport in the cities is a "Louage" that operate as a type of shared taxi. These cars have several stations in each town and depart once the car is full. The popularity of these cars is due to the fast transport options and fares priced similar to bus and trains.

Health and Safety

Tunisia is considered to be a very safe place to visit when certain considerations are taken into account. Respecting the local customs and traditions are important, especially during the month of Ramadan, along with dressing in a modest manner outside the tourist resort areas.

The main issues in Tunisia occur from petty theft and some general harassment from un-official guides in the souk market areas. Keeping an eye on personal belongings and considering personal safety will assist with ensuring a very enjoyable visit. It should also be noted than many hotels will not allow un-married couples to share a room and that homosexuality is illegal in the country.

Very good health care services are available in the main towns, yet health insurance is highly recommended. Drinking the tap water in the major towns is mostly safe, although visitors usually prefer to opt for bottled water as a precaution.

The local currency, the Dinar, is not internationally traded and therefore unable to be exchanged outside the country. The most convenient way to access the local currency is to withdraw from the cash machines, available in the main streets of all towns. It is also possible to change currency within the banks, although they often have a less favourable exchange rate and a less convenient process.

More about investing in Tunisia:
Features & Benefits
Past, Present & Future
Reasons to Invest in Tunisia
Visitors Guide to Tunisia
Investors Guide to Tunisia
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