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: 2026-08-20
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 3.987219
AAVE 0.003606
ADA 1.853518
AED 1.267221
AFN 22.584232
AGIX 6.064122
AKT 0.671206
ALGO 4.191544
ALL 27.378297
AMD 125.253767
AMP 899.494856
ANG 0.618072
AOA 316.894795
APE 2.683158
APT 0.616844
AR 0.185650
ARB 3.945119
ARS 516.577687
ATOM 0.231220
ATS 4.064660
AUD 0.485430
AVAX 0.050939
AWG 0.617652
AXS 0.382823
AZM 2,932.913174
AZN 0.586583
BAKE 496.054831
BAM 0.577733
BAT 5.518447
BBD 0.690114
BCH 0.001634
BDT 41.985527
BEF 11.916018
BGN 0.577733
BHD 0.129741
BIF 1,026.311699
BMD 0.345057
BNB 0.000552
BND 0.438751
BOB 3.963298
BRL 1.786865
BSD 0.345057
BSV 0.021551
BSW 952.119513
BTC 0.000005
BTCB 5.829666
BTG 0.786376
BTN 32.994805
BTT 1,268,298.067540
BUSD 0.344828
BWP 4.641289
BYN 1.043281
BYR 6,762.111568
BZD 0.693103
CAD 0.476268
CAKE 0.214118
CDF 791.011238
CELO 5.513678
CFX 7.878203
CHF 0.275592
CHZ 26.992724
CLP 317.997521
CNH 2.320652
CNY 2.320770
COMP 0.018724
COP 1,053.384836
CRC 155.348214
CRO 6.924846
CRV 1.322527
CSPR 129.196671
CUC 0.345006
CUP 9.142651
CVE 32.572695
CVX 0.213319
CYP 0.172884
CZK 7.139463
DAI 0.345015
DASH 0.010859
DCR 0.029207
DEM 0.577733
DFI 346.773390
DJF 61.285999
DKK 2.208274
DOGE 4.596080
DOP 20.152196
DOT 0.435966
DYDX 3.136781
DZD 45.793881
EEK 4.621867
EGLD 0.121461
EGP 17.477658
ENJ 13.636399
EOS 5.228240
ERN 5.175852
ESP 49.148821
ETB 56.077191
ETC 0.052302
ETH 0.000153
EUR 0.295390
EURC 0.297485
FEI 0.344620
FIL 0.512569
FIM 1.756311
FJD 0.759249
FKP 0.253595
FLOW 11.934372
FLR 53.666377
FRAX 0.348003
FRF 1.937634
FTT 1.662465
GALA 239.467048
GBP 0.253595
GEL 0.899013
GGP 0.253595
GHC 38,181.591415
GHS 3.818159
GIP 0.253595
GMD 25.570094
GMX 0.050714
GNF 3,028.111694
GNO 0.002847
GRD 100.654266
GRT 24.661052
GT 0.049581
GTQ 2.626409
GUSD 0.345625
GYD 71.773644
HBAR 4.868782
HKD 2.705957
HNL 9.224823
HNT 1.990760
HOT 1,021.794829
HRK 2.225619
HT 3.038340
HTG 44.878903
HUF 107.496143
ICP 0.148786
IDR 6,142.680842
IEP 0.232639
ILS 1.027718
IMP 0.253595
IMX 3.298270
INJ 0.074288
INR 32.994805
IQD 449.416641
IRR 474,244.824538
ISK 42.007688
ITL 571.955498
JEP 0.253595
JMD 54.206093
JOD 0.244645
JPY 54.641842
KAS 12.940347
KAVA 8.383160
KCS 0.047304
KDA 73.485991
KES 44.664877
KGS 30.207736
KHR 1,389.677546
KLAY 14.038168
KMF 145.322532
KNC 3.260649
KPW 310.505224
KRW 480.872978
KSM 0.112067
KWD 0.106362
KYD 0.286637
KZT 159.165242
LAK 7,735.897026
LBP 30,842.360662
LDO 1.018340
LEO 0.037110
LINK 0.032922
LKR 113.538470
LRC 43.373173
LRD 62.476507
LSL 5.555664
LTC 0.007345
LTL 1.019924
LUF 11.916018
LUNA 7.804036
LUNC 6,829.862997
LVL 0.207600
LYD 2.183433
MAD 3.193380
MANA 5.146995
MBX 16.685847
MDL 5.914960
MGA 1,477.939321
MGF 7,389.696607
MINA 8.074442
MKD 18.218049
MKR 0.000238
MMK 724.431083
MNT 1,241.313386
MOP 2.787136
MRO 137.429820
MRU 13.742982
MTL 0.126811
MUR 16.207309
MVR 5.334132
MWK 595.586206
MXN 5.847886
MXV 0.667536
MYR 1.394988
MZM 22,019.568883
MZN 22.019569
NAD 5.555664
NEAR 0.197924
NEO 0.189575
NEXO 0.462069
NFT 1,225,193.359517
NGN 464.688143
NIO 12.660858
NLG 0.650955
NOK 3.218698
NPR 52.816434
NZD 0.580493
OKB 0.003370
OMR 0.132810
ONE 478.268395
OP 3.885021
ORDI 0.093728
PAB 0.345057
PAXG 0.000077
PEN 1.156201
PEPE 119,117.247021
PGK 1.549130
PHP 21.261958
PI 3.839695
PKR 95.389999
PLN 1.275750
POL 4.227123
PTE 59.220451
PYG 2,064.685816
QAR 1.256007
QNT 0.005839
QTUM 0.478036
ROL 15,497.303025
RON 1.549730
RPL 0.221888
RSD 34.663367
RUB 28.981483
RUNE 0.809019
RVN 132.364482
RWF 505.980038
SAND 8.353979
SAR 1.293963
SBD 2.760581
SCR 5.005277
SDD 20,709.016369
SDG 207.090164
SEK 3.256420
SGD 0.438751
SHIB 72,824.443483
SHP 0.253595
SIT 70.787347
SKK 8.898930
SLE 7.906091
SLL 7,906.090956
SNX 1.683376
SOL 0.004067
SOS 195.692043
SPL 0.057509
SRD 13.045044
SRG 13,045.044347
SSP 1,956.114438
STD 7,284.276212
STN 7.284276
STX 2.645244
SUI 0.488929
SVC 3.019247
SYP 4,485.763978
SZL 5.555664
THB 11.329564
THETA 2.295777
TJS 3.165022
TMM 6,037.233361
TMT 1.207447
TOP 0.821972
TRL 16,547,031.856086
TRX 1.033022
TRY 16.547032
TTD 2.332505
TUSD 0.345575
TVD 0.485430
TWD 10.985517
TWT 0.862795
TZS 913.278043
UAH 15.411207
UGX 1,282.068781
UNI 0.094231
USD 0.345057
USDC 0.344980
USDD 0.345211
USDP 0.345422
USDT 0.345185
UYU 13.805871
UZS 4,052.805651
VAL 571.955498
VEB 26,785,720,926.6551
VED 267.257275
VEF 26,725,727.499546
VES 267.257275
VET 71.088662
VND 9,013.762508
VUV 40.813059
WAVES 1.749765
WEMIX 1.782952
WOO 31.281907
WST 0.929293
XAF 193.763376
XAG 0.005158
XAU 0.000077
XAUT 0.000077
XBT 0.000005
XCD 0.934048
XCG 0.618072
XCH 0.243561
XDC 12.404571
XDR 0.251983
XEC 49,212.024179
XEM 737.007968
XLM 2.009008
XMR 0.000808
XOF 193.763376
XPD 0.000260
XPF 35.249447
XPT 0.000191
XRP 0.310969
XTZ 1.583966
YER 81.802968
ZAR 5.555664
ZEC 0.000615
ZIL 141.953744
ZMK 6,463.932647
ZMW 6.463933
ZWD 124.876064
ZWG 9.202773
ZWL 22,995.192659

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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.