Tunisia🇹🇳
Tunisia is located in North Africa, along the Mediterranean Sea. This Arab country is neighbors with Algeria to the west and southwest, and Libya to the southeast. They have had a tumultuous relationship with these nations due to political and economic instability. Tunisia is known for its sandy beaches and centuries-old history, including ancient ruins like Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The capital, Tunis, houses the Bardo National Museum, which has a vast collection of Roman mosaics and other antiquities. Most notably, Tunisia was the birthplace of the Arab Spring, a wave of revolutionary protests, uprisings, and disturbances in Arab countries that started in 2010. Recommended activities include visiting the Sahara desert, swimming in the spectacular Mediterranean Sea, and discovering the diverse cultures and traditions of Tunisia.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Don't expect everyone to speak English. Learning some basic French or Arabic phrases can be beneficial.
- Don't drink tap water in remote or rural areas.
- Don't disregard local customs and traditions, especially in religious places like mosques.
- Avoid poor lit areas and walking alone at night
- Don't take photographs of military bases, infrastructure, or individuals without their consent.
- Avoid public displays of affection. Tunisia is still a conservative society, and such displays could offend locals.
- Avoid asking about political topics, as these can be sensitive subjects in Tunisia.
- Don't ignore travel advisories and always stay informed about areas which are unsafe to visit.
- Don't litter. Tunisia is trying to keep its beautiful beaches pristine for everyone.
- Don't engage in public displays of LGBTQ+ related activity due to the local laws.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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There is a moderate level of crime in Tunisia, particularly in urban areas such as Tunis. Main crimes include bag snatching, pickpocketing and mugging. Tourist areas are especially targeted. However, violent crime is relatively low. The situation has improved since the revolution in 2011, but minor crime rates remain moderately high.
Terrorism 💣
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Tunisia has a moderate risk of terrorism, mainly from Jihadist groups like Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and Daesh. Notable incidents include the 2015 Bardo National Museum and Sousse attacks that killed dozens of tourists. The government has increased security presence in tourist sites, but the risk remains.
War ⚔️
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Tunisia has largely remained peaceful and avoided major conflicts. It was last involved in a major war in 1943 during World War II when it gained independence from France. The country remains politically delicate since the Arab Spring, but no war-like situations have happened within recent years.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Tunisia experiences infrequent natural disasters. It is susceptible to severe weather, droughts, and earthquakes. The flood in Nabeul and Sidi Bouzid in October 2018 caused significant damage to the infrastructure and claimed lives. However, large-scale disasters are relatively rare.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical services in Tunisia are relatively good in larger cities but can be limited in remote areas. Emergency medical care isn't up to Western standards. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has significantly strained the healthcare system.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The tap water in urban areas of Tunisia is generally considered safe to drink, but it may be slightly salty due to local infrastructure. In remote or rural areas, stick to bottled water.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Tunisia has a relatively low burden of infectious diseases. The most common diseases are hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and schistosomiasis. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has affected the country severely.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption remains a significant issue in Tunisia, despite efforts to combat it since the 2011 revolution. Many Tunisians continue to face bribery and petty corruption in daily life.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Women, particularly solo travelers, may experience some harassment in Tunisia. Instances of verbal harassment and unwanted attention are not uncommon. If gender-specific laws are obeyed, and traditional views are respected, it is generally safe for women.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Homosexuality is criminalized in Tunisia, and social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals can be hostile. Having said that, enforcement is inconsistent and usually does not affect foreigners.
Censorship 📺
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There has been progress in media freedom since the 2011 revolution, but journalists often face harassment, and some self-censorship still exists. The government often attempts to constrain freedom of speech and expression.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Tunisia has a relatively reliable public transportation system in cities, but it is less developed in rural areas. Road accidents are common due to often disregarded traffic laws, while trains and buses are typically safe and punctual.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Overall, Tunisia is safe to visit. Violent crime is rare, and police are responsive. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can be a problem, especially in tourist areas. The political situation is calm but remains delicate. Keep up-to-date with travel advice and avoid political gatherings. Take basic precautions like keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated areas after dark.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are dozens of foreign embassies in Tunisia, mostly located in the capital, Tunis, including the United States Embassy, the British Embassy, the French Embassy, and the German Embassy.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
All travelers should make sure they are up-to-date on their routine vaccines which includes the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and polio vaccine, flu shot. In addition, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended, as you can get these diseases through contaminated food or water in Tunisia. Depending on what you will be doing, you may also need vaccines for Hepatitis B and Rabies.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
There is a variety of wildlife in Tunisia but not many are dangerous to humans. Scorpions and venomous snakes exist in desert and rural areas. Always be cautious when venturing into these areas. The Mediterranean Sea can also host some potentially dangerous marine life.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Tunisia is a visa-free country for many nationalities, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the European Union countries. Visitors can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Always check the latest visa regulations before you travel.
💲 Currency
The currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar (TND). Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and bureaux de changes. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and many shops and restaurants.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas and larger hotels and restaurants. However, smaller vendors and rural areas may only accept cash. ATMs are readily available in cities and larger towns.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
It is possible to work and travel in Tunisia. However, it might be challenging as unemployment rates are high and most of the jobs available require proficiency in French or Arabic. There are opportunities in the tourism industry or in teaching English.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in Tunisia is relatively low compared to most western countries. Eating out and public transportation are cheap. Depending on the standard of accommodation, your accommodations can also be very affordable. However, imported goods and luxury items can have a similar price as in Europe or America.