Tunisia Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Tunisia trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Tunisia is generally safe for tourists with most visitors having trouble-free visits to popular areas. The greatest risk is petty theft and tourist-targeted scams in medinas and markets rather than violent crime. Avoid border areas near Libya and Algeria where there are periodic security incidents.
Tunisia blends ancient history with Mediterranean charm, from the ruins of Carthage to the blue-and-white streets of Sidi Bou Said. Explore Roman amphitheaters, Saharan oases, and pristine coastal beaches in North Africa's most accessible destination.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal safety precautions in tourist areas. Avoid all travel within 30km of the Libyan border and within 20km of the Algerian border. Use heightened caution in the interior governorates of Kasserine, Jendouba (near Chaambi) due to periodic extremist activity.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution in Tunisia due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Avoid border areas near Libya and Algeria.
UK FCDO
Be more alert than normal in Tunisia. Terrorism threat is significant, particularly in border areas. Tourist zones are safer. Monitor local news.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Unsolicited Guide Scam
Friendly local offers to show you the medina, claims you are heading the wrong way, then at the end of the walk demands payment of $20-50 for the 'tour'. Common near Tunis Medina entrance and Kairouan.
Carpet Shop Pressure
Persistent invitation to a cousin's carpet shop for 'free tea'. Once inside, high-pressure sales tactics and tea creates social obligation. You may be held inside until you buy.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed or unofficial taxis quote inflated fares to tourists, especially at airports and medina exits. Legitimate yellow taxis should use meters.
Fake Antiquities
Vendors in medina souks sell 'ancient Roman coins' and small statues at high prices. These are mass-produced tourist items, not genuine antiquities (which cannot legally be sold anyway).
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Register with your home country embassy on arrival and keep their emergency number saved
Avoid demonstrations, political gatherings, and large crowds, particularly near government buildings
Use only licensed yellow taxis with meters or pre-negotiate the fare before entering
Stay in main tourist areas and cities overnight; avoid travel to border regions near Algeria and Libya
Keep photocopies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents stored separately from originals
Women should carry a scarf to cover shoulders and hair when visiting mosques or more conservative areas
Dress modestly in medinas and rural areas; shorts and sleeveless tops can draw unwanted attention
Haggling is expected in souks but begin at around 50% of the asking price and be respectful
Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, or police without permission
Drink bottled water only; tap water is technically safe but can cause stomach upset for newcomers
Carry small bills (1-5 TND) for tips, entry fees, and souk purchases as change is often unavailable
Be cautious of common tourist scams: unsolicited guides, carpet shop invitations, and fake student ID discounts
Carry sunscreen and stay hydrated; temperatures exceed 40C in summer inland and in the Sahara
Health: ensure routine vaccines are up to date; Hepatitis A vaccine recommended for all visitors
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Generally safe for solo travelers. Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse, and Djerba are well-trodden with good tourist infrastructure. Solo male travelers face minimal issues. Keep valuables secure in medinas, use reliable taxis at night, and register your itinerary with your embassy.
Female Travelers
Female solo travelers are largely safe in tourist areas but should expect persistent attention (verbal hassle) in medinas and public spaces. Dressing modestly significantly reduces unwanted attention. Avoid walking alone in medinas at night. The coastal resort areas are more relaxed. Carry a scarf and use it in conservative areas.
Families
Tunisia is family-friendly with beach resorts offering secure environments, children welcomed warmly, and many age-appropriate attractions from El Djem to Djerba water parks. Beach resorts are the safest option for families. Car seats should be brought from home as few rental companies have them.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex activity is illegal in Tunisia under Article 230 of the Penal Code with penalties up to 3 years imprisonment. While enforcement targeting tourists is rare, public displays of affection between same-sex couples should be avoided entirely. The environment is conservative. Discretion is strongly advised throughout the country.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, flu), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B (for some), Typhoid (if visiting rural areas), Rabies (if extended stay or animal contact)
Water Safety
Not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in tourist hotels usually safe, avoid in local establishments. Bottled water widely available and cheap ($0.30-0.50 for 1.5L).
Food Safety
Traveler's diarrhea (bring anti-diarrheal medication), sunburn (strong sun year-round), dehydration (especially in desert), heat exhaustion in summer.
Medical Facilities
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Tunisia
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide