Tunisia : Safety by City
Tunisia officially referred to as the Tunisian Republic is a country located in Northern Africa with a Mediterranean Sea coastline right at the heart of Mediterranean Africa.
Tunisia is located immediately to the south of Italy and Malta and it also shares its borders with Libya to the south-east, and Algeria to the west.
Even though Tunisia has much to offer, this country has lived through a major decline during the recent decades.
Its economy is in major depression, infrastructure decay, and with it, the mass tourism lowering down.
However there are signs of renewal, especially in Tunis, and they’re certainly are many ways to enjoy Tunisia, the first one enjoying your days on the gorgeous Mediterranean beaches.
However, if you’re planning a circuit of Tunisia, it is highly recommended you get a reputable tour guide, since the regions adjacent to the Algerian and Libyan borders are very dangerous to visit, with kidnappings having been reported in this region.
But with that in mind, Tourism is still well developed in Tunisia, although not as much as in other countries like Egypt and Morocco.
Warnings & Dangers in Tunisia
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Overall, Tunisia is a safe country, but there are extremely high rates of petty crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something going wrong.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
When it comes to transport, it isn't very safe or reliable. You have to be very careful in public transport because there may be thieves lurking around, and sexual harassment toward women is common. Make sure that the taxi drivers aren't ripping you off under the excuse that their meters aren't working.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
There is an extreme threat to petty crime. Pickpockets are practically an everyday occurrence and you should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket. The riskiest locations are crowded places such as markets, public transport and bus, and train stations.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Tunisia is susceptible to natural disasters, particularly floods, earthquakes, and droughts. In the past couple of years, various regions of Tunisia have been suffering from flooding.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
The chances of getting mugged or kidnapped are high around the border with Libya, and there are areas that are best avoided, such as poorly lit and deserted areas in the big cities.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorists are likely to try and attack in Tunisia. Authority in Tunisia is alert at all times in Tunis and other regions of Tunisia. You should remain aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid protests and public gatherings and festivals.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Watch out for street vendors trying to rip you off and overcharge for their service, double-check the authenticity of everything you want to buy as well as the change you receive and negotiate everything in advance.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Tunisia is not the safest choice for female solo travelers. Sexual assaults do occur occasionally, and women, in general, tend to attract unwanted attention.
So... How Safe Is Tunisia Really?
Tunisia is relatively safe to visit.
It is a country where theft and petty crime is common.
Be very careful with your valuables and keep them in a safe place with you, or better yet, just leave them in your accommodation and only carry enough cash to cover your requirements for that day.
Among dangers you can encounter on the streets of Tunisia is the harassment of women and of the LGBT population.
LGBT are not welcome here and homosexuality is punishable by law and illegal.
Members of the LGBT community are advised to stay out of Tunisia, though in the past couple of years more and more young people are gaining some understanding of this community and are becoming more accepting of them.
Men in Tunisia tend to verbally harass western women on the streets, due to their image of western women they get over the media.
They get truly stunned when they ask female tourists to kiss them, and they don’t do it.
If you receive unwanted attention, just say ‘Harem Alek‘, which, in Arabic means ‘shame on you‘.
This usually works quite well.
Another issue you should be very aware of is that traveling to within 10km of the Tunisia-Libya border is strongly advised against, as well as traveling south of El Borma.
Just generally be careful when moving around Tunisia, since there have been attacks carried out on the country by Islamic extremists recently.
How Does Tunisia Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Tunisia | 53 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Switzerland | 89 |
| South Korea | 82 |
| Oman | 76 |
| Canada | 88 |
| Estonia | 82 |
| Albania | 75 |
| Czech Republic | 88 |
Useful Information
Visas
Many countries in Canada, the U.S, and Europe don't need a visa in order to enter Tunisia. Your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Tunisian dinar is the official currency in Tunisia. Bear in mind that you are not allowed to take Tunisian currency out of the country. Tunisian banks will probably ask to see your passport when you change money.
Weather
Tunisia has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate in most regions, with mild winters characterized by moderate rainfall and not too low temperatures and hot and dry summers. Temperatures during summer, in July and August, can exceed 34 °C.
Airports
Tunis–Carthage Airport is the biggest airport serving Tunisia. It is located in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. It is named for the historic city of Carthage, which is very near, just outside the airport.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Tunisia, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Tunisia Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 16 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 34 | 34 | 30 | 26 | 21 | 17 |
| Low °C | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 9 |
| High °F | 61 | 63 | 66 | 72 | 79 | 86 | 93 | 93 | 86 | 79 | 70 | 63 |
| Low °F | 46 | 46 | 48 | 52 | 57 | 64 | 70 | 72 | 68 | 61 | 54 | 48 |
Tunisia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bab Bhar | 56 |
| Djerba | 53 |
| Hammamet | 78 |
| Kairouan Medina | 52 |
| Mahdia | 32 |
| Sidi Bou Said | 42 |
| Sousse | 48 |
| Tunis | 59 |
Not Bad
Tunisia Is Very Safe
Lovely people
Love going too been 4 time hoping going this 0ct21
Safety
Tunisia is a safe country! I’ve been there several times during the year and there is no kidnapping thing wtf are you talking about?! The people are so kind and friendly! Beaches are perfect but be careful from the scams and taxi drivers! If you need any further information i recommend the instagram account : Samvtraveller ! Don’t hesitate to contact him if you need any information.
Yes I agree
Tunisia is a lovely place. I went there once a year and i never encounter any dangerous. Tunisian are friendly
i think its over exaggerating about women safety , they’re the most independent woman in the Islamic world and they the same rights as men
Beautiful place for vacation, I've been there for the new year celebration it was wonderful people are simple, there's no danger for women I wish I can go back also this summer
I’ve been there for the new year celebration it was wonderful, people are lovely, there’s no danger for women, it’s totally the contrary I saw really strong independent women in my journey, I wish I can go back also this summer.
Amazing experience
I had beautiful moments, there’s no danger for women, it’s a safe place, people are lovely.
Good County
Tunisia is Good Country last One year stay In Tunis. Tunis is Following France Culture…
Always miss you Tunis we again try to go to Tunis.
Tunisia needs animal protection laws
Tunisia has his beauty but unfortunately it can be hell for cats and dogs, in particular for so called strays, frequently kicked out for convienence. As such they may meet friendly folks feeding them or viciously poisoning cats and catching dogs to shoot them. If you love your pets, please state that it is horrible even violatesthe Quran, which demands of good Moslems protectin of nature and animals.
A wonderful place and well worth a visit
I’ve been three times and another holiday booked for later in 2022.
They are lovely people and they deserve to have more tourists.
Some of the hotels need a little TLC, but are all serviceable, clean and the food is always well prepared. Taxi drivers have this scam, where they ask which hotel you are from and then phone a friend who meets you so they can take you to a “government shop” where prices are “controlled”
It’s all pretty harmless and quite entertaining if you know what they are doing.
Never be afraid to say NO.
Better option in my opinion is the collective or shared taxi. It can be daunting the first time, but they often have signs on the front as to where they are heading and is very safe and a fraction of the cost for a “normal” taxi.
Tunisia is well worth a visit and I’m confident you’ll enjoy the experience.
Hi I am going end of next month and wanted to know if u need a proof of a pcr test?
Tunisia is so beautiful and safe
Tunisia is so beautiful and safe i went there with my wife and we just came back a week ago.
The food is amazing ! people are so friendly too.
you need to visit Hammamet, Sousse, Djerba , Zriba Oliya… and of course Tunis the capital .
im going back very soon .
Tunisia is very safe and beatiful , the people are so welcoming and nice , even in tourists markets and hotels , beach bars and lounges aswell . Tunisia is really amazing .
I had no problem visiting Tunisia what so ever, all people are friendly, there I had no problem having information from stranger and also keeping my stuff next to them while am swimming (even though I was scared that they would rob me).
I had an exceptional vacation there and I will always remember the hospitality and generosity of their kind people.