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: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 3.704648
AAVE 0.003868
ADA 1.372363
AED 1.263745
AFN 21.625610
AGIX 4.072559
AKT 0.434440
ALGO 2.933719
ALL 28.252558
AMD 126.589401
AMP 408.296540
ANG 0.620272
AOA 315.516450
APE 2.350600
APT 0.359460
AR 0.154252
ARB 3.040755
ARS 481.061759
ATOM 0.170939
ATS 4.073573
AUD 0.480928
AVAX 0.036747
AWG 0.615957
AXS 0.282536
AZM 2,924.936189
AZN 0.584987
BAKE 395.882076
BAM 0.579000
BAT 3.460144
BBD 0.688220
BCH 0.000922
BDT 42.300581
BEF 11.942148
BGN 0.579000
BHD 0.129385
BIF 1,024.668129
BMD 0.344110
BNB 0.000530
BND 0.439784
BOB 2.377570
BRL 1.722396
BSD 0.344110
BSV 0.022829
BSW 464.102213
BTC 0.000004
BTG 1.076511
BTN 33.268283
BTT 1,067,409.101097
BUSD 0.344258
BWP 4.667829
BYN 0.942865
BYR 9,428.654759
BZD 0.692847
CAD 0.473170
CAKE 0.234589
CDF 789.730444
CELO 4.204165
CFX 5.798155
CHF 0.270914
CHZ 7.491690
CLP 309.268089
CNH 2.340228
CNY 2.340337
COMP 0.015052
COP 1,277.292712
CRC 155.610791
CRO 4.965855
CRV 1.431492
CSPR 115.935478
CUC 0.344110
CUP 8.258817
CVE 32.644123
CVX 0.199174
CYP 0.173263
CZK 7.193512
DAI 0.344317
DASH 0.006831
DCR 0.019712
DEM 0.579000
DFI 380.735183
DJF 61.334690
DKK 2.212257
DOGE 3.289650
DOP 20.266339
DOT 0.274775
DYDX 2.251812
DZD 45.669454
EEK 4.632002
EGLD 0.086734
EGP 18.384198
ENJ 7.616441
EOS 4.222000
ERN 5.161652
ESP 49.256598
ETB 55.547116
ETC 0.037902
ETH 0.000161
EUR 0.296038
EURC 0.295817
FEI 0.346188
FIL 0.354827
FIM 1.760163
FJD 0.757450
FKP 0.255990
FLOW 9.526397
FLR 41.180845
FRAX 0.346594
FRF 1.941883
FTT 1.048618
GALA 100.553076
GBP 0.255990
GEL 0.918252
GGP 0.255990
GHC 39,736.193251
GHS 3.973619
GIP 0.255990
GMD 25.332800
GMX 0.051448
GNF 3,018.797726
GNO 0.002878
GRD 100.874987
GRT 13.619821
GT 0.048592
GTQ 2.623724
GUSD 0.344849
GYD 71.985422
HBAR 3.844918
HKD 2.695411
HNL 9.153250
HNT 0.414474
HOT 852.064882
HRK 2.230499
HT 2.386452
HTG 45.057152
HUF 106.467286
ICP 0.134501
IDR 6,075.458751
IEP 0.233149
ILS 0.999720
IMP 0.255990
IMX 1.989009
INJ 0.067735
INR 33.268283
IQD 450.840765
IRR 454,820.891963
ISK 42.452334
ITL 573.209719
JEP 0.255990
JMD 54.455360
JOD 0.243974
JPY 54.676521
KAS 9.843951
KAVA 5.830792
KCS 0.042921
KDA 41.613860
KES 44.561970
KGS 30.100287
KHR 1,380.306679
KLAY 6.728711
KMF 145.641205
KNC 2.394164
KPW 309.705450
KRW 515.020063
KSM 0.068659
KWD 0.106284
KYD 0.286168
KZT 162.513227
LAK 7,550.321785
LBP 30,718.990793
LDO 0.950652
LEO 0.034223
LINK 0.035617
LKR 118.577360
LRC 20.420250
LRD 62.990055
LSL 5.667504
LTC 0.006330
LTL 1.022160
LUF 11.942148
LUNA 5.375279
LUNC 4,483.724175
LVL 0.208056
LYD 2.190558
MAD 3.174324
MANA 3.847413
MBX 8.794128
MDL 5.981672
MGA 1,444.994169
MGF 7,224.970846
MINA 5.998613
MKD 18.248722
MKR 0.000201
MMK 722.541003
MNT 1,231.327576
MOP 2.776273
MRO 137.557858
MRU 13.755786
MTL 0.127089
MUR 16.312244
MVR 5.314906
MWK 596.705148
MXN 5.952812
MXV 0.676074
MYR 1.365915
MZM 21,977.478372
MZN 21.977478
NAD 5.667504
NEAR 0.205869
NEO 0.118188
NEXO 0.389407
NFT 1,218,007.173442
NGN 471.994387
NIO 12.664388
NLG 0.652382
NOK 3.189284
NPR 53.254204
NZD 0.586110
OKB 0.004237
OMR 0.132467
ONE 169.455333
OP 2.645990
ORDI 0.080286
PAB 0.344110
PAXG 0.000076
PEN 1.176312
PEPE 91,827.902904
PGK 1.500651
PHP 21.158591
PI 2.266064
PKR 95.890305
PLN 1.257465
POL 3.781552
PTE 59.350313
PYG 2,122.638584
QAR 1.252561
QNT 0.004661
QTUM 0.382032
ROL 15,506.981065
RON 1.550698
RPL 0.196735
RSD 34.761696
RUB 24.604253
RUNE 0.779334
RVN 62.417569
RWF 503.707207
SAND 4.740382
SAR 1.290413
SBD 2.765309
SCR 5.031827
SDD 20,653.412983
SDG 206.534130
SEK 3.213674
SGD 0.439784
SHIB 59,177.674161
SHP 0.255990
SIT 70.942574
SKK 8.918444
SLE 7.862888
SLL 7,862.888332
SNX 1.083419
SOL 0.003963
SOS 196.376940
SPL 0.057352
SRD 12.778713
SRG 12,778.712581
SSP 1,619.886669
STD 7,310.848818
STN 7.310849
STX 1.411280
SUI 0.318855
SVC 3.010964
SYP 38.041183
SZL 5.667504
THB 11.204105
THETA 1.698736
TJS 3.198725
TMM 6,037.181163
TMT 1.207436
TON 0.166755
TOP 0.828735
TRL 15,685,479.183137
TRX 0.960352
TRY 15.685479
TTD 2.333529
TUSD 0.344586
TVD 0.480928
TWD 10.870190
TWT 0.742851
TZS 899.279326
UAH 15.234053
UGX 1,298.037283
UNI 0.095249
USD 0.344110
USDC 0.344288
USDD 0.344310
USDP 0.344645
USDT 0.344516
UYU 13.877355
UZS 4,160.779114
VAL 573.209719
VEB 17,843,538,678.8966
VED 178.429097
VEF 17,842,909.679828
VES 178.429097
VET 51.540882
VND 9,073.609282
VUV 40.934337
WAVES 0.885354
WEMIX 1.228943
WOO 19.969183
WST 0.931786
XAF 194.188273
XAG 0.004528
XAU 0.000076
XAUT 0.000076
XBT 0.000004
XCD 0.931654
XCG 0.620272
XCH 0.095131
XDC 9.820078
XDR 0.251869
XEC 47,304.536935
XEM 512.184281
XLM 2.382570
XMR 0.000851
XOF 194.188273
XPD 0.000250
XPF 35.326744
XPT 0.000176
XRP 0.249942
XTZ 1.005292
YER 82.110783
ZAR 5.667504
ZEC 0.000526
ZIL 86.531579
ZMK 6,535.401824
ZMW 6.535402
ZWD 124.533462
ZWG 9.031081
ZWL 22,566.180582

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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.