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: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 4.732334
AAVE 0.003839
ADA 1.807071
AED 1.245786
AFN 21.567256
AGIX 4.347876
AKT 0.540847
ALGO 3.789423
ALL 27.806389
AMD 124.822901
AMP 760.513294
ANG 0.611730
AOA 311.537824
APE 2.419827
APT 0.542403
AR 0.169937
ARB 4.241064
ARS 506.307796
ATOM 0.214522
ATS 4.082839
AUD 0.489685
AVAX 0.049134
AWG 0.607204
AXS 0.335937
AZM 2,883.370640
AZN 0.576674
BAKE 451.453015
BAM 0.580317
BAT 3.851728
BBD 0.678440
BCH 0.001406
BDT 41.816850
BEF 11.969311
BGN 0.580317
BHD 0.127547
BIF 1,009.860619
BMD 0.339220
BNB 0.000580
BND 0.438444
BOB 2.349832
BRL 1.753118
BSD 0.339220
BSV 0.022976
BSW 1,013.520632
BTC 0.000005
BTCB 6.401109
BTG 1.175581
BTN 32.319143
BTT 1,279,057.322961
BUSD 0.338931
BWP 4.578363
BYN 0.985069
BYR 6,649.356665
BZD 0.683211
CAD 0.482025
CAKE 0.234249
CDF 782.663226
CELO 5.049128
CFX 7.582173
CHF 0.272882
CHZ 18.789842
CLP 312.489485
CNH 2.303771
CNY 2.302858
COMP 0.020240
COP 1,133.853569
CRC 154.578110
CRO 5.675217
CRV 1.586790
CSPR 174.664589
CUC 0.339253
CUP 8.990202
CVE 32.718373
CVX 0.282046
CYP 0.173658
CZK 7.176337
DAI 0.339381
DASH 0.009643
DCR 0.030559
DEM 0.580317
DFI 408.299572
DJF 60.412689
DKK 2.217893
DOGE 4.389594
DOP 20.104324
DOT 0.388863
DYDX 2.568614
DZD 45.114226
EEK 4.642538
EGLD 0.122734
EGP 16.663161
ENJ 11.721249
EOS 4.683292
ERN 5.088302
ESP 49.368634
ETB 54.260133
ETC 0.047762
ETH 0.000191
EUR 0.296711
EURC 0.296928
FEI 0.339341
FIL 0.429616
FIM 1.764166
FJD 0.761721
FKP 0.254237
FLOW 12.104517
FLR 48.802224
FRAX 0.342914
FRF 1.946300
FTT 1.424120
GALA 148.071834
GBP 0.254237
GEL 0.890977
GGP 0.254237
GHC 38,538.720857
GHS 3.853872
GIP 0.254237
GMD 25.015560
GMX 0.057242
GNF 2,974.125526
GNO 0.003227
GRD 101.104432
GRT 17.879537
GT 0.050037
GTQ 2.589283
GUSD 0.339668
GYD 71.003961
HBAR 4.492397
HKD 2.660517
HNL 9.081678
HNT 1.415549
HOT 940.027525
HRK 2.235573
HT 9.467807
HTG 44.402098
HUF 104.918086
ICP 0.153883
IDR 6,103.417020
IEP 0.233679
ILS 1.018903
IMP 0.254237
IMX 2.455209
INJ 0.069434
INR 32.319143
IQD 444.783348
IRR 466,795.015355
ISK 42.726909
ITL 574.513512
JEP 0.254237
JMD 53.740127
JOD 0.240507
JPY 54.902690
KAS 11.058393
KAVA 7.518370
KCS 0.046986
KDA 58.200802
KES 43.858052
KGS 29.669626
KHR 1,360.215483
KMF 145.972473
KNC 3.043180
KPW 305.327721
KRW 519.976897
KSM 0.096267
KWD 0.105260
KYD 0.282204
KZT 160.363950
LAK 7,669.443484
LBP 30,463.124559
LDO 1.255756
LEO 0.036243
LINK 0.042482
LKR 113.603170
LRC 27.609021
LRD 61.610504
LSL 5.513612
LTC 0.007515
LTL 1.024485
LUF 11.969311
LUNA 6.907508
LUNC 5,525.192476
LVL 0.208529
LYD 2.175882
MAD 3.176337
MANA 4.875055
MBX 13.488094
MDL 5.970656
MGA 1,439.489823
MGF 7,197.449116
MINA 7.155225
MKD 18.277944
MKR 0.000237
MMK 712.133829
MNT 1,215.811908
MOP 2.740332
MRO 135.474449
MRU 13.547445
MTL 0.127378
MUR 15.945610
MVR 5.244135
MWK 588.423540
MXN 5.929337
MXV 0.672332
MYR 1.383088
MZM 21,664.803318
MZN 21.664803
NAD 5.513612
NEAR 0.170251
NEO 0.171496
NEXO 0.440947
NFT 1,279,978.037867
NGN 464.826288
NIO 12.486987
NLG 0.653866
NOK 3.336714
NPR 51.734869
NZD 0.596231
OKB 0.004253
OMR 0.130559
ONE 271.393722
OP 3.155320
ORDI 0.104499
PAB 0.339220
PAXG 0.000082
PEN 1.155141
PEPE 124,367.742776
PGK 1.492327
PHP 20.866414
PI 2.998669
PKR 94.374342
PLN 1.273682
POL 4.612586
PTE 59.485308
PYG 2,063.349618
QAR 1.234761
QNT 0.005066
QTUM 0.477207
ROL 15,506.169679
RON 1.550617
RPL 0.167542
RSD 34.801874
RUB 26.139512
RUNE 0.820241
RVN 89.008213
RWF 497.252911
SAND 6.798895
SAR 1.272075
SBD 2.744990
SCR 4.847386
SDD 20,361.525516
SDG 203.615255
SEK 3.274435
SGD 0.438444
SHIB 77,477.922920
SHP 0.254237
SIT 71.103936
SKK 8.938730
SLE 7.747771
SLL 7,747.770739
SNX 1.481398
SOL 0.004204
SOS 193.708508
SPL 0.056537
SRD 12.769812
SRG 12,769.811816
SSP 1,611.019433
STD 7,323.373584
STN 7.323374
STX 1.983792
SUI 0.454053
SVC 2.968176
SYP 37.498334
SZL 5.513612
THB 11.275771
THETA 2.418073
TJS 3.144327
TMM 5,951.939846
TMT 1.190388
TOP 0.816946
TRL 15,880,741.530162
TRX 1.032939
TRY 15.880742
TTD 2.298551
TUSD 0.339931
TVD 0.489685
TWD 10.885655
TWT 0.986763
TZS 891.337834
UAH 15.117545
UGX 1,239.685201
UNI 0.107333
USD 0.339220
USDC 0.339325
USDD 0.339565
USDP 0.340246
USDT 0.339586
UYU 13.653293
UZS 4,059.717691
VAL 574.513512
VEB 21,860,651,698.6338
VED 218.587055
VEF 21,858,705.450112
VES 218.587055
VET 71.907300
VND 8,921.560689
VUV 40.771521
WAVES 1.276562
WEMIX 1.310252
WOO 28.648920
WST 0.938219
XAF 194.629964
XAG 0.005494
XAU 0.000081
XAUT 0.000082
XBT 0.000005
XCD 0.918226
XCG 0.611730
XCH 0.215243
XDC 12.072544
XDR 0.250204
XEC 63,860.305822
XEM 792.400326
XLM 1.699171
XMR 0.001048
XOF 194.629964
XPD 0.000267
XPF 35.407096
XPT 0.000207
XRP 0.296322
XTZ 1.363285
YER 80.392943
ZAR 5.513612
ZEC 0.000745
ZIL 109.965003
ZMK 6,224.455005
ZMW 6.224455
ZWD 122.763762
ZWG 9.099097
ZWL 22,736.134966

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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.