Arabic in culture and tradition, Tunisia is nevertheless one of the more liberal and tolerant Muslim countries. The Tunisians’ varied origins are shown in the country’s architecture, crafts, music and food. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. Hospitality is important and a small gift in appreciation of hospitality or as a token of friendship and is always well received.
Dress can be informal and the locals appreciate if visitors dress with decorum and avoid wearing skimpy clothing, especially outside the main resorts. Visitors should respect the conventions of Islam when visiting religious monuments (shoulders and knees must be covered).
International Travel:
Getting There by Air
The national airline is Tunis Air (TU).
Departure Tax
None.
Main Airports
Tunis (TUN) (Carthage International) is 8km (5 miles) northeast of the city and journey time is normally 15 to 30 minutes. An airport-city coach, buses and taxis are available.
Getting There by Water
Main ports: Tunis.
SNCM , CTN and Viamare Travel run ferry services from France and Italy to Tunisia. The major routes are Marseilles-Tunis and the journey time 21 hours and Genoa-Tunis the journey time 22-24 hours. Ferries also run from Tunis to Palermo (Sicily), Cittavecchia, Naples from June to September, Salerno and Livorno.
Getting There by Road
Theoretically, there are several points of entry by road from Algeria, served by louages (shared taxis),Annaba and Constantine both in Algeria to Tunis. However, political unrest means that it is difficult for tourists to cross the border.
Entry by road from Libya is at Ras al-Jedir, east of Ben Guerdane. There are daily buses to Tripoli from Tunis and the journey time 16 hours, and louages from Tunis, Sfax, Gabès, Medenine, Houmt Souq and Ben Guerdane.
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Tunisia by anyone, irrespective of age, without incurring customs duty:
• 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 400g of tobacco.
• 1l of spirits or 2l of alcoholic beverages.
• 250ml of perfume.
• Gifts up to a value of TND100.
Note: The export of antiques is subject to a permit from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Pets must have a health certificate from the Veterinary authorities, stating they are free from any diseases.
Prohibited Imports
Firearms (unless for hunting), explosives, narcotics, walkie-talkies, obscene publications, any other items which may be regarded as dangerous to public security, health, morality and so on.
Internal Travel:
Getting Around By Air
Tuninter runs around four flights daily in summer between Tunis and Djerba normally one hour flight time, and about two flights a week between Tunis and Tozeur, Sfax about 45 minutes flight time, and Gafsa.Prices are reasonable and services are normally heavily subscribed, so it is advisable to book ahead.
Getting Around by Water
Ferries operate between Sfax and the Kerkennah Islands, and between El Jorf and Jerba Island.
Getting Around by Rail
Regular trains are run by SNCFT and connect Tunis with major towns. The main route is north-south between Tunis and Gabès, via Sousse and Sfax, one train per day branches at Mahres, south of Sfax, to Gafsa and Metaloui. There are also branch lines to Bizerte, Nabeul (in the Cap Bon), and the Metro de Sahel links Sousse to Monastir and Mahdia. There are three classes (first, second and confort). It is a good idea to book in advance for popular routes, especially in summer. Superb views of the Selja Gorge can be seen from the Lezard Rouge (Red Lizard), a restored train dating from 1910, which runs daily between Metlaoui and Redeyef.
Travelers to Port el Kantaoui are advised to take the train to Sousse and travel the remaining 7km (4 miles) by taxi. For Jerba, travelers can take the train to Gabès and then a bus is three daily.
Getting Around by Road
Tunisia has an extensive road network; all but the smallest roads are tar-sealed. Traffic drives on the right.
Bus: National buses, run by SNTRI are air-conditioned, fast, comfortable and cheap, and travel daily to most towns across the country.
Taxi: Long-distance shared taxis are called louages. They leave their departure points when full. They serve the whole of Tunisia. This is the quickest form of public road transport. There are many louages stations and prices are similar to those of buses and trains.
Car hire: Major international and local companies are plentiful, but hire is relatively expensive; the charge usually includes insurance and breakdown cover. To hire a self-drive car, the driver must be over 21 and hold a full driving license that has been valid for at least one year.
Driving Regulations: Speed limits are 50kph in built-up areas, 90kpm on the open road and 110kph on the A1 toll road between Tunis and Msaken, south of Sousse. Seatbelts are compulsory in the front seats. The legal driving age is 18 years.
Documentation: Log books, valid national driving licenses and insurance are essential.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
A suburban train line, Tunis-Goullete-Marsa (TGM) links Tunis with the northern suburbs. Tunis and Sousse also have a modern and convenient tram system.
Taxi: Within Tunis and other cities, city taxis are numbered and have meters. The price on the meter is what you should pay. There is a 50% surcharge on night fares.
Bicycle: Bicycles and motorcycles are available for hire in most major towns and do not require a license.
VISAS
The following Nationals do not require Visa: USA,BRITISH, AUSTRALIAN (1),CANADIAN, and OTHER EU (2) countries
Not required by Nationals referred to above for stays of up to three months, with the following exceptions:
(a) 1. Nationals of Australia who do need a visa;
(b) 2. Nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the Slovak Republic traveling on a recognized package holiday do not require a visa. However, if traveling independently a visa is required.
(c) 3. Nationals of Cyprus do need a visa
Note: Visas are not required by all nationals referred to above if transit passengers, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport or ship or continuing their journey within 48 hours of arrival.
Visa Note
(a) All visitors must hold sufficient funds for the duration of stay. (b) 1. Nationals of Australia who do need a visa, can obtain it on arrival at the point of entry. Check with the embassy for details of length of stay. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Types of Visa and Cost
Short-stay visa is USD 32.00
Validity
Short-stay usually for stays of up to three months. For up-to-date lengths of stay, contact nearest consulate.
Applications to:
Consulate or Consular Section at embassy in your country.
Working Days Required
Approximately three weeks, for both postal and personal applications.
Warning
Travelers should be aware of the threat from terrorism in Tunisia.
Travelers are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to personal security whilst in Tunisia.
Travelers are strongly advised not to attempt to cross the border into Algeria if traveling independently. Caution is advised to those intending to travel to the southeastern Algerian provinces of Tamanrasset, Djanet and Illizi are recommended that visitors travel with a reputable tour company or an approved local guide.
Vaccinations
Special Precaution Certificate is required. The following vaccinations are required: HEPTITIS A and TETNUS and sometimes other vaccinations required are Diptheria,Malaria, Rabies and Typhoid. Yellow Fever is not required.
Health Care
Health insurance is essential. Tunisia’s public healthcare system often provides excellent care in larger towns and you have to pay for treatment, usually in cash. There are a few private ’polyclinics’ available in the larger towns, which function as hospitals and provide a range of procedures.
Note
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.
