Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, covering 163,610 square kilometres. Its northernmost point, Cape Angela, is also the northernmost point on the African continent.

Often seen as simply a beach destination, Tunisia has a bucketful of surprising tourist attractions and things to do for those that venture off the sandy shores.

This is North Africa wrapped up into one bite-sized package. There are alleyways of pastel-washed houses and crowded souk streets to explore in the cities; ancient ruins to discover out in the countryside; and the vast desert expanse of the Sahara to the south with its sweeping dunes, craggy mountains, and hidden, palm-tree-filled oases.

Tunisia was Rome’s breadbasket, and the cultural riches the Romans left behind are more than enough reason to visit. But the history of Arab Empires has also bestowed the country with some of the region’s most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture.

When you’ve craned your neck at Kairouan’s minarets and played gladiator at El Djem it’s time to head into the Sahara to sample the raw, empty beauty of the desert. The sun-soaked beaches of the Mediterranean coastline, fringed by palms and lapped by gentle waves, will still be waiting for you when you get back.

Discover more places to visit in this diverse country with our list of the top tourist attractions in Tunisia.

How to get to Tunisia

Tunis is the sprawling capital of Tunisia, a country in North Africa. It sits along with Lake Tunis, just inland from the Mediterranean Sea’s Gulf of Tunis. It’s home to a centuries-old medina and the Bardo, an archaeology museum where celebrated Roman mosaics are displayed in a 15th-century palace complex. The parklike ruins of ancient Carthage sit in the city’s northern suburbs.

Foreign visitors are able to access Tunisia by boat, via land border crossings from Algeria or Libya, or by air. It is possible to take a direct flight to Tunisia’s main airport, Tunis-Carthage International, from various destinations in Europe and North and West Africa.

Passport, Visa and Entry requirements for Tunisia

For stays of up to 3 months, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

Tunisian visa policy currently states that there are around 100 nationalities which can travel to the country without a visa if they are planning to spend short periods of time in the country for tourism purposes.

However, all other foreign nationals need a visa for Tunisia in order to travel to the country, no matter the purpose or length of the intended visit.

The health sector of Tunisia

Tunisia’s health care system includes three levels of care: primary, with a network of 81 clinics and 2091 basic health centres; secondary, with 109 district hospitals; and tertiary, with 33 regional hospitals and 24 modern CHUs, according to MoS figures. Meaning their health sector is pretty good but does not cover international travellers meaning you may need medical insurance in order to have access to the private health care services

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Tunisia

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.

Although malaria has been eradicated in Tunisia since 1979, the disease is still a health issue due to the persistence of mosquitoes and coexistence with a potential parasite reservoir in the form of imported cases.

Currency of Tunisia

The Tunisian dinar is the official currency in Tunisia, subdivided into 1,000 milim or millimetres. However foreign currency can be used in Tunisia like Euros and American dollars and also credit cards can be used in many tourist attractions.

Official Language of Tunisia

Tunisia is essentially a bilingual country: Arabic is the official language, with French as its second language. English is widely taught in schools, so increasing numbers of urban Tunisians speak it, as do many people in the resort areas.

A good grasp of French will make life much easier in Tunisia, but there’s no better way to make friends and impress people than to venture even a few words in Arabic.

Best time to travel to Tunisia

The best time to go to Tunisia is outside of summer in the spring (April/May) or autumn (Oct/early Nov). For sun-worshippers, July and August are absolutely sweltering. September also sees the sun but the beaches are less crowded.

What to wear in Tunisia

Travel in a Muslim country is very different from Europe or North America; dress modestly and cover up away from your resort hotel.

During the day it’s hot, so our advice is to pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen, silk, bamboo and cotton that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.

What to bring while travelling to Tunisia

• A Tunisian electrical plug adaptor
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the medinas and Roman ruins on foot
• A hat to protect against the strong Tunisian sun, and a scarf for the desert dust
• Local phone and sim card for communication
• swimming consumes for swimming
• Cash
• full body clothing

Car hire and driving in Tunisia

Tunisia drives on the right and you can drive on your own countries licence through an International Permit is recommended for drivers from outside Western Europe. Road standards are good with all but the smallest roads being sealed. There may be occasional potholes though, especially in the South of the country.

Accommodation in Tunisia

Their many accommodation facilities in Tunisia, however, advance booking may be required for major tourist attractions across the country the smaller towns will have local guest houses available and an advance booking is not required.

Local food of Tunisia

Brik is probably the most famous and traditional Tunisian dish. Most restaurants and hotels have it on their menu and some street shops as well. It is delicate pastry dough called Malsouka, which is fried and stuffed with egg, parsley and tuna.

Tipping while Travelling in Tunisia

Tipping is the only form of extra income for everyone working in the Tunisian tourist industry. When paying, it is customary to add approximately 10%, and if the tip is given at the beginning of the vacation, the level of service shown to you will go up. Give your tip with a smile.

Further information for Tunisia

The Republic of Tunisia is the northernmost African country and is bordered by Algeria, Libya, and the Mediterranean Sea. It has a population of just over 11.78 million and an area of 165,000 sq. It was known as the “Regency of Tunis” under the Ottomans and became a French protectorate in 1881.

Safety of Tunisia

While much of Tunisia is safe to visit now, including the capital Tunis and much of the north of the country, much of the south and the western border is still considered dangerous for tourist travel, because of terrorism or military operations.

Bou-Hedma National Park

Boukornine National Park

Chaambi National Park

El Feidja National Park

Ichkeul National Park

Jebil National Park

Sidi Toui National Park

Zembra and Zembretta Islands National Park

Wildlife

Birds

Vegetation

2 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 Day Gorilla & Golden Monkey

4 Day Gorilla, Golden Monkey & Diana Fossey

3 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 Day Gorilla & Golden Monkey

4 Day Gorilla, Golden Monkey & Diana Fossey

3 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari

Kigali City Tour

Rwanda Genocide Memorial Visits

Lake Kivu Beach Holidays

Nyanza King’s Palace

Ethnographic Museum

Nyabarongo Wetlands