Africa · Northern Africa

Tunisia

Tunisian Republic

Flag of Tunisia
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+01:00
🏛️ Capital
Tunis
👥 Population
11,972,169
📐 Area
163,610 km²
💱 Currency
Tunisian dinar (د.ت)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic
📞 Calling Code
+216
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+01:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Northern Africa

About Tunisia

Tunisia is North Africa's most accessible and diverse travel destination, a country where the ancient Sahara meets the sparkling Mediterranean and the footprints of Phoenician, Roman, Arab, and Ottoman civilizations overlap at every turn. Straddling the crossroads of Africa and Europe, Tunisia offers visitors an astonishing variety of landscapes — golden sand dunes stretching toward the horizon, azure coastal waters flanked by white-and-blue villages, fertile northern valleys, and the otherworldly salt flats of Chott el-Djerid. Within a single trip, you can experience multiple worlds without ever crossing a border.

You'll find that Tunis, the capital, rewards those who venture beyond the modern boulevards and into the medina, a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of mosques, souks, and riads that has operated continuously since the 7th century. The souks sell everything from hand-woven carpets and burnished copper lanterns to fragrant jasmine and spices, and bargaining is not only expected but enjoyed as a social ritual. Step outside the medina walls to Carthage, now a suburb of Tunis, where ruins of the ancient Phoenician city that once rivaled Rome rise above the sea breeze.

Beyond the capital, Tunisia's interior opens into extraordinary landscapes. The Star Wars filming locations of Matmata and the Mos Espa set near Tozeur draw cinema fans, while the Roman amphitheater at El Djem — one of the best-preserved in the world — fills visitors with awe at the scale of ancient engineering. The island of Djerba, with its whitewashed architecture and one of the oldest Jewish communities in Africa, adds yet another layer to Tunisia's remarkable story.

History & Background

Tunisia's history stretches back to the founding of Carthage around 814 BC by Phoenician settlers from the Lebanese coast. Carthage grew into one of the ancient world's most powerful city-states, commanding trade routes across the Mediterranean and fielding armies that challenged Rome itself. The great general Hannibal Barca, who famously crossed the Alps with war elephants, was Carthaginian. Three Punic Wars ultimately ended with Rome's destruction of Carthage in 146 BC, and the Romans rebuilt the city as a prosperous provincial capital — ruins at Carthage, Dougga, and El Djem testify to the centuries of Roman civilization that followed.

Arab armies arrived in the 7th century AD, bringing Islam and founding the holy city of Kairouan in 670, which became the fourth holiest site in Islam and a center of Islamic scholarship. Ottoman rule followed in the 16th century, and France made Tunisia a protectorate in 1881. The independence movement led by Habib Bourguiba brought Tunisia its freedom in 1956, and Bourguiba's modernizing, secular government introduced reforms that defined the nation for decades. The 2010–2011 Jasmine Revolution, the catalyst for the Arab Spring, saw Tunisians overthrow long-time president Ben Ali and transition toward democratic governance, a process that has faced ongoing challenges but stands as one of the region's most significant political transformations.

Culture & People

Tunisian culture is a layered blend of Berber, Arab, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences that has produced a society simultaneously traditional and open. Islam is central to daily life — the call to prayer shapes the rhythm of the day, Ramadan is observed widely, and Friday afternoon is treated as a time for family and worship. Yet Tunisia has historically been among the most liberal Arab societies, particularly regarding women's rights. The 1956 Code of Personal Status, introduced after independence, granted Tunisian women legal rights that were groundbreaking in the Arab world, and women are visibly present in professional and public life throughout the country.

Music, art, and coffee-house culture are deeply embedded in social life. The traditional malouf music, rooted in Andalusian classical traditions brought by Muslims and Jews expelled from Spain in 1492, is played at weddings and cultural events across the country. You'll find that the hammam (bathhouse) remains a genuine social institution rather than a tourist attraction — a place for community, relaxation, and ritual. The art of zellige tilework, intricate plaster carving, and mosaic craft passed down through generations of artisans gives Tunisian architecture its distinctive visual richness, most visible in the palatial mansions and mosques of Tunis's medina.

Food & Cuisine

Tunisian cuisine is bold, aromatic, and unapologetically spicy — shaped by Berber, Arab, Mediterranean, and Ottoman culinary traditions. You'll find harissa, the fiery red chili paste made with dried chilies, garlic, and cumin, appears in almost every dish as a condiment, a cooking ingredient, and a flavor foundation. Shakshuka, eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce, and brik, a crispy fried pastry filled with egg, tuna, and parsley, are beloved breakfast staples you'll encounter everywhere from roadside cafes to hotel buffets. Couscous, steamed semolina served with lamb or chicken and a rich broth, is the undisputed national dish and is traditionally prepared on Fridays for family gatherings.

Lablabi, a chickpea soup loaded with crusty bread, poached egg, and a generous swirl of harissa, is the working-class comfort food of Tunis — warming, filling, and deeply satisfying. You'll find merguez sausages grilled over charcoal at every food stall, alongside kefta (spiced ground meat skewers) and grilled fish fresh from the Mediterranean. The coastal regions produce exceptional seafood — octopus, sea bream, and tuna are staples. For sweets, baklava and makroudh (semolina pastries stuffed with dates and honey) fill patisserie windows. Mint tea poured ceremonially from a height, and strong, sweet Turkish-style coffee accompany almost every social interaction.

Top Attractions

  • Medina of Tunis — A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest preserved Islamic medinas in the world, with the Great Mosque of the Olive Tree, hundreds of artisan workshops, and narrow alleys unchanged for centuries.
  • El Djem Amphitheater — A remarkably intact Roman colosseum built in the 3rd century AD, capable of seating 35,000 spectators, rising dramatically from the central Tunisian plains.
  • Sidi Bou Said — An iconic clifftop village of blue-and-white painted houses above the Bay of Tunis, offering breathtaking Mediterranean views and a timeless atmosphere.
  • Dougga — Tunisia's best-preserved Roman city, a UNESCO-listed hillside complex with a spectacular theater, temples, and baths overlooking rolling countryside.
  • Chott el-Djerid — A vast, otherworldly salt lake in the Saharan south that shimmers with heat mirages and surreal colors, flanked by oasis towns and Star Wars filming locations.
  • Djerba Island — A Mediterranean island with whitewashed architecture, the ancient El Ghriba synagogue, excellent beaches, and a distinctive culture blending Berber, Arab, and Jewish heritage.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting medinas, mosques, and rural areas — covering shoulders and knees shows respect for local customs and avoids unwanted attention.
  • Negotiate prices firmly but politely in souks — initial asking prices in tourist areas are typically several times the expected sale price.
  • Carry Tunisian dinars in cash, as card acceptance is unreliable outside major hotels; dinars cannot legally be exported, so exchange only what you need.
  • Hire a licensed guide for visiting Dougga, Carthage, and El Djem — context transforms these ruins from impressive stones into living history.
  • For Sahara desert trips from Tozeur or Douz, book with established tour operators and avoid extreme midday heat by scheduling dune excursions at dawn or dusk.
  • Tap water in major cities is generally treated but has a mineral taste — bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.
  • The national train network (SNCFT) connects Tunis to major cities affordably; book seats in advance for popular routes during public holidays.

Visa Overview

Citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and many other countries can enter Tunisia visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity is required. Upon arrival, you'll need to complete an entry form and may be asked to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. Citizens of some countries do require a visa obtained in advance. As regulations can change, always verify current entry requirements with the nearest Tunisian embassy or consulate before travel, particularly given political and diplomatic developments.

Getting Around

Tunisia has a reasonably functional transport network for a North African country. The national rail service (SNCFT) connects Tunis to Sfax, Sousse, and other major cities at low cost. Louages (shared long-distance taxis) are faster and depart when full — efficient for intercity travel. In cities, taxis are metered, affordable, and widely available; always insist on the meter. Renting a car gives the most flexibility for exploring Roman ruins, the Sahara, and rural areas. Driving standards can be erratic, especially in cities. Domestic flights connect Tunis to Djerba, Tozeur, and Monastir, which is useful for longer distances in the south.

Safety Notes

Tunisia is generally safe for tourists, though the security situation in border areas near Libya and Algeria warrants caution — avoid these regions. Tunis, Sousse, Hammamet, Djerba, and most tourist areas are well-policed and welcoming. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists occur in busy medinas and markets, so keep valuables secured and be wary of overly persistent guides or vendors. Solo female travelers may experience unwanted attention, particularly in traditional urban areas; assertive but polite disengagement is usually effective. Check your government's current travel advisories before visiting, especially for southern border regions.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Tunisia.

Tunisian dinar (TND) د.ت
Updated: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 3.160591
AAVE 0.001838
ADA 1.239996
AED 1.227102
AFN 21.588733
AKT 0.436618
ALGO 2.601721
ALL 27.406977
AMD 120.881426
AMP 521.090849
ANG 0.600844
AOA 306.069827
APE 2.085516
APT 0.406977
AR 0.074122
ARB 1.638999
ARS 507.855550
ATOM 0.183521
ATS 4.099707
AUD 0.479472
AVAX 0.029428
AWG 0.598098
AXS 0.255135
AZM 2,840.167127
AZN 0.568033
BAKE 1,301.781427
BAM 0.582715
BAT 3.167652
BBD 0.668265
BCH 0.001057
BDT 41.074934
BEF 12.018762
BGN 0.582715
BHD 0.125634
BIF 1,003.875665
BMD 0.334133
BNB 0.000428
BND 0.427516
BOB 4.008218
BRL 1.670236
BSD 0.334133
BSV 0.016733
BSW 811.991080
BTC 0.000004
BTCB 4.782226
BTG 0.506475
BTN 32.216429
BTT 898,765.291937
BUSD 0.334076
BWP 4.598750
BYN 1.019347
BYR 6,549.907787
BZD 0.671973
CAD 0.476760
CAKE 0.136631
CDF 772.179352
CELO 3.212850
CFX 6.089413
CHF 0.277916
CHZ 19.974932
CLP 325.120875
CNH 2.239698
CNY 2.240415
COMP 0.013632
COP 1,068.770065
CRC 152.894758
CRO 4.920406
CRV 0.906377
CSPR 130.991068
CUC 0.334179
CUP 8.003752
CVE 32.853548
CVX 0.150945
CYP 0.174375
CZK 7.288730
DAI 0.334269
DASH 0.005894
DCR 0.018119
DEM 0.582715
DFI 365.591821
DJF 59.442536
DKK 2.226797
DOGE 3.523942
DOP 20.024943
DOT 0.270056
DYDX 2.286889
DZD 44.916274
EEK 4.661718
EGLD 0.074761
EGP 17.517936
ENJ 10.093177
EOS 3.287997
ERN 5.011991
ESP 49.572598
ETB 54.350667
ETC 0.037654
ETH 0.000124
EUR 0.297937
EURC 0.297897
FEI 0.334279
FIL 0.279920
FIM 1.771455
FJD 0.751830
FKP 0.252864
FLOW 10.560593
FLR 46.355146
FRAX 0.337516
FRF 1.954341
FTT 1.293472
GALA 137.909788
GBP 0.252864
GEL 0.867237
GGP 0.252864
GHC 39,282.836322
GHS 3.928284
GIP 0.252864
GMD 24.729512
GMX 0.038056
GNF 2,937.751299
GNO 0.002752
GRD 101.522141
GRT 11.475416
GT 0.029848
GTQ 2.549908
GUSD 0.334822
GYD 69.750022
HBAR 3.319155
HKD 2.622091
HNL 8.959379
HNT 0.643929
HOT 729.611660
HRK 2.244809
HT 9.160932
HTG 43.661785
HUF 109.448185
ICP 0.095831
IDR 5,986.068165
IEP 0.234645
ILS 1.021829
IMP 0.252864
IMX 1.822260
INJ 0.044081
INR 32.216429
IQD 436.824580
IRR 600,946.520036
ISK 40.796952
ITL 576.887088
JEP 0.252864
JMD 52.875006
JOD 0.236900
JPY 52.830196
KAS 7.788465
KAVA 4.819774
KCS 0.044014
KDA 34.223790
KES 43.373405
KGS 29.222806
KHR 1,353.606410
KLAY 8.022708
KMF 146.575551
KNC 2.332724
KPW 300.761178
KRW 448.561174
KSM 0.065219
KWD 0.103282
KYD 0.277769
KZT 152.123571
LAK 7,497.514296
LBP 30,132.962223
LDO 0.729420
LEO 0.037575
LINK 0.024158
LKR 110.207778
LRC 32.544923
LRD 57.019383
LSL 5.562940
LTC 0.004796
LTL 1.028718
LUF 12.018762
LUNA 6.543169
LUNC 6,319.201095
LVL 0.209390
LYD 2.143832
MAD 3.334870
MANA 3.231093
MBX 11.297545
MDL 5.988366
MGA 1,479.687763
MGF 7,398.438817
MINA 2.480037
MKD 18.331047
MKR 0.000166
MMK 701.402954
MNT 1,201.265852
MOP 2.700753
MRO 133.776567
MRU 13.377657
MTL 0.127904
MUR 15.838636
MVR 5.165580
MWK 578.326786
MXN 6.039529
MXV 0.686575
MYR 1.365151
MZM 21,327.440718
MZN 21.327441
NAD 5.562940
NEAR 0.063942
NEO 0.131834
NEXO 0.392922
NFT 1,400,237.942780
NGN 441.738412
NIO 12.283777
NLG 0.656567
NOK 3.206959
NPR 51.570448
NZD 0.596954
OKB 0.002563
OMR 0.128594
ONE 2.281329
OP 2.485591
ORDI 0.073437
PAB 0.334133
PAXG 0.000081
PEN 1.150460
PEPE 77,259.100234
PGK 1.505360
PHP 20.999015
PI 3.827737
PKR 92.387793
PLN 1.305153
POL 3.055476
PTE 59.731069
PYG 1,951.999837
QAR 1.216243
QNT 0.001292
QTUM 0.340866
ROL 15,925.789279
RON 1.592579
RPL 0.174738
RSD 34.994052
RUB 28.347768
RUNE 0.430374
RVN 136.184951
RWF 492.501911
SAND 5.081211
SAR 1.252998
SBD 2.696014
SCR 4.732569
SDD 20,054.000032
SDG 200.540000
SEK 3.356252
SGD 0.427516
SHIB 57,080.082498
SHP 0.252864
SIT 71.397699
SKK 8.975660
SLE 7.703393
SLL 7,703.393459
SNX 1.334526
SOL 0.002785
SOS 190.105630
SPL 0.055689
SRD 12.598748
SRG 12,598.748040
SSP 1,913.456477
STD 7,351.193141
STN 7.351193
STX 0.891651
SUI 0.279969
SVC 2.923661
SYP 4,344.995036
SZL 5.562940
THB 11.246792
THETA 1.442981
TJS 3.075237
TMM 5,862.990098
TMT 1.172598
TOP 0.804741
TRL 16,431,174.897216
TRX 0.994338
TRY 16.431175
TTD 2.262327
TUSD 0.334397
TVD 0.479472
TWD 10.619357
TWT 0.585305
TZS 881.571579
UAH 15.049103
UGX 1,343.262266
UNI 0.037715
USD 0.334133
USDC 0.334224
USDD 0.334370
USDP 0.336119
USDT 0.334302
UYU 13.497655
UZS 3,930.438471
VAL 576.887088
VEB 29,093,757,656.1312
VED 290.937577
VEF 29,093,757.656131
VES 290.937577
VET 38.288992
VND 8,685.903365
VUV 40.166785
WAVES 1.120003
WEMIX 1.744766
WOO 24.409976
WST 0.929956
XAF 195.434068
XAG 0.005523
XAU 0.000081
XAUT 0.000081
XBT 0.000004
XCD 0.904471
XCG 0.600844
XCH 0.213505
XDC 9.942942
XDR 0.246977
XEC 41,900.612628
XEM 532.203514
XLM 1.548214
XMR 0.000596
XOF 195.434068
XPD 0.000286
XPF 35.553379
XPT 0.000195
XRP 0.222388
XTZ 1.000060
YER 78.921387
ZAR 5.562940
ZEC 0.000250
ZIL 91.566118
ZMK 6,605.921364
ZMW 6.605921
ZWD 120.922635
ZWG 8.945244
ZWL 22,351.697706

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Cities in Tunisia 399
Browse all cities and towns
'Amirat-al-Fahul 'Amirat-al-Hajjaj 'Amirat-at-Tawazarah 'Aqarib 'Awsajah 'Ayn Darahim 'Ayn Jalulah ad-Dahmani ad-Dandan Akkudah al-'Ala al-'Aliyah al-'Arusah al-'Ayn al-Baqalitah al-Baradi'ah al-Battan al-Fahs al-Hammah al-Hammamat al-Hanashah al-Huwariyah al-Jadidah al-Jamm al-Jarissah al-Kaf al-Karib al-Ma'murah al-Ma'qulah al-Madilah al-Mahdiyah al-Mahras al-Marsa al-Masa'din al-Masdur al-Matlin al-Matwiyah al-Middah al-Mitlawi al-Muknin al-Munastir al-Murnaqiyah al-Qal'ah al-Qal'at-al-Kabirah al-Qal'at-al-Khasba' al-Qal'at-as-Saghirah al-Qasr al-Qasrayn al-Qatar al-Qayrawan al-Qusur al-Wardanin al-Waslatiyah an-Nafidah an-Nazur ar-Rawhiyah ar-Rudayyif Aryanah as-Sama'ah as-Sanad as-Sars as-Sawasi as-Subaykhah as-Sukhayrah ash-Shabbah ash-Shabikah ash-Sharahil ash-Sharardah ash-Shayhiyah at-Tadaman Dawwar Hishar at-Tawiraf Awlad ash-Shamakh az-Zarat az-Zaribah az-Zuhur Azimur Bajah Banan Budar Banblat wal-Manarah Bani Hassan Bani Hiyar Bani Khaddash Bani Khallad Bani Matir Bardaw Barqu Ben Arous Bi'r Ali Bin Khalifah Bi'r Mashariqah Bi'r-al-Ahmar Bin Qirdan Binzart Bir Lahmar Bordj Aalouine Bou Salem Bu 'Aradah Bu 'Urqub Bu Fishah Bu Hajjar Bu Ruwis Bu Salim Buhajlah Bumirdas Burj-al-'Amri Carthage Daqash Dar 'Alush Dar Sha'ban Dhahibah Dkhilet Toujane Duz Erriadh Firnanah Firyanah Fussanah Ghanadah Ghannush Ghar-ad-Dima' Ghar-al-Milh Ghumrassin Habirah Haffuz Hajib-al-'Ayun Halq-al-Wadi Hammam Susah Hammam-al-Aghzaz Hammat-al-Jarid Harqalah Haydrah Jabal-al-Wust Jabinyanah Jadliyan Jammal Jamnah Jarbah Ajim Jarbah Hawmat-as-Suq Jarbah Midun Jarjis Jundubah Karkar Kasra Khunays La Soukra Lamtah Les Jardins de Zaghouan Madaniyin Majal Bal 'Abbas Majaz-al-Bab Makthar Mallulash Manubah Manzil 'Abd-ar-Rahman Manzil Bu Ruqaybah Manzil Bu Zalafah Manzil Farsi Manzil Hayah Manzil Hurr Manzil Jamil Manzil Kamil Manzil Mahidi Manzil Nur Manzil Salim Manzil Shakir Manzil Tamim Marath Masakin Matir Matmata el Qadima Matmatat-al-Jadidah Matmatat-al-Qadimah Megrine Monastir Nabul Naftah Nafzah Nasr Allah Nibbar Qa'afur Qabis Qafsah Qal'at-al-Andalus Qal'at-as-Sanan Qalibiyah Qarmadah Qarqannah Qartaj Qasr Hallal Qibili Quballat Qurbah Qurbus Qurunbaliyah Qusaybat-al-Madyuni Qusaybat-ath-Thurayat Qusur-as-Saf Rafraf Rajish Ras-al-Jabal Rimadah Sabibah Safaqis Sahilin Ma'atmar Sajanan Sanini an-Nahal Saqiyat Sidi Yussuf Saqiyat-ad-Dair Saqiyat-az-Zayt Sayyadah Sfax Sfax Shurban Sidi 'Amara Sidi 'Ulwan Sidi al-Hani Sidi Bin Nur Sidi Bu 'Ali Sidi Bu Sa'id Sidi Thabet Sidi Thabit Silyanah Smar Subaytilah Sulayman Suq-al-Ahad Susah Tabarqah Tabulbah Taburbah Tabursuq Tajarwin Taklisah Talabat Talah Tamaghzah Tastur Tatawin Tawzar Tazirkah Tinah Tinjah Tozeur Tunis Tuzah Umm-al-'Arais Wadhraf Wadi al-Layl Wadi Maliz Zaghwan Zahrat Madina Zaramidin Zawiyat Quntash Zawiyat Susah Zawiyat-al-Jadidi أجيم أريانة أم العرائس أولاد الجلاصي البطان الجديدة الجريصة الجم الحامة الحمامات الدهماني الذهيبة الرديف الرقبة الرملة الزهراء الساحلين السند الشابة الصمعة الطويرف العالية العوينة الفحص القصرين القطار القلعة الخصبة القلعة الكبرى القيروان الكاف الكرم اللوزة الماي المتلوي المحرس المحمدية المدينة الجديدة المرسى المظيلة ‎ المكنين المنستير المهدية النفيضة الوسلاتية بئر الباي بئر الحفي بئر علي بن خليفة باب العسل باجة باردو بن عروس بن قردان بنزرت بني خداش بني خيار بوشمة بوغرارة بومهل البساتين تاجروين تازركة تالة تبرسق تستور تطاوين توزر تونس جبنيانة جرجيس جندوبة ‫حزق‬ حفوز حلق الوادي حمام الأتف حمام الزريبة حمام الشط حومة السوق دار شعبان الفهري دقاش دوار هيشر دوز رأس الجبل رادس رمادة زغوان ساقية الدائر ساقية الزيت ساقية سيدي يوسف سبيطلة سدويكش سليانة سوسة سوق الأحد سيدي الظريف سيدي بوزيد سيدي حسين سيدي سعد سيدي عمر بوحجلة سيدي مخلوف صفاقس طبربة طبرقة عقارب عمدون عين دراهم غار الدماء غمراسن غنوش فرنانة فريانة فوشانة‎ قابس قبلي قربة قرطاج قرمبالية قصر هلال قصور الساف قفصة قلالة قلعة الأندلس قلعة سنان قليبية ماجل بلعباس مارث ماطر مجاز الباب مدنين مرناق مساكن مسجد عيسى مطماطة الجديدة مقرين مكثر ملولش منزل بورقيبة منزل تميم منزل جميل منوبة ميدون نابل نبر نصر الله نعسان نفطة وادي الليل وذرف

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Tunisia needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Tunisia?
The capital of Tunisia is Tunis.
What currency does Tunisia use?
Tunisia uses the Tunisian dinar (د.ت) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Tunisia?
The official language(s) of Tunisia include Arabic.
What is the population of Tunisia?
Tunisia has a population of approximately 11,972,169 people.
What region is Tunisia in?
Tunisia is located in Africa, specifically in the Northern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Tunisia?
The international dialing code for Tunisia is +216.
What time zones does Tunisia observe?
Tunisia observes the following time zone(s): UTC+01:00.
What is the current time in Tunisia?
The local time in Tunisia is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Tunisia?
Tunisia covers a total area of 163,610 km².
How many states or provinces does Tunisia have?
Tunisia is divided into 51 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Tunisia in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Tunisia in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Tunisia?
Visa requirements for citizens of Tunisia vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.