Tunisia

Recommended Vaccinations For Tunisia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Tunisia

There are no recommendations for Tunisia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Tunisia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Tunisia.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Tunisia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Tunisia through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Tunisia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in Tunisia. It is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs mostly in the northern half of Tunisia. It is usually more common in rural than urban areas. The risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night when sand flies typically feed.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Tunisia

Personal Safety

Tunisia maintains a moderate crime environment for visitors. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs primarily in crowded tourist areas, souks, and busy shopping streets. Opportunistic theft from vehicles and hotel rooms has been reported. Confidence tricks and distraction techniques are sometimes employed during thefts. You should secure valuables in hotel safes rather than leaving them in rooms or vehicles. The country has experienced political and economic instability since 2021, which has contributed to increased protest activity and occasional social tensions. Demonstrations occur regularly, particularly in central Tunis and major cities, often on weekends and national dates such as January 14 and December 17. While many protests remain peaceful, they can turn violent and disrupt transport networks. Security forces may use tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. You must carry identification at all times. Security officials and police checkpoints are common and you can be asked to present ID without warning. A state of emergency has been in effect since 2015, granting security forces enhanced powers including the ability to conduct searches and make arrests.

Extreme Violence

Tunisia faces an ongoing terrorism threat. The country has been under a continuous state of emergency since 2015 following major attacks. In 2023, a fatal shooting occurred at a Jewish pilgrimage site on Djerba island, killing five and injuring ten. The terrorism threat comes from both established groups and self-initiated individuals. Recent incidents include a 2022 knife attack near a synagogue in central Tunis that injured two security officers, a 2021 knife and axe attack at the Interior Ministry, and a 2020 suicide bombing that killed one police officer and injured four others. Tunisian security forces remain the primary targets, particularly in border areas including the Chaambi Mountains. Security forces maintain high alert in Tunis and other locations with visible presence at entry points to towns and cities. Terrorist groups continue operating in mountainous areas of western Tunisia near the Algerian border. Between January and April 2022, authorities dismantled 148 terrorist cells. The Ministry of Interior announced 203 terrorism-related arrests in 2023. Border regions with Libya and Algeria experience instability and violence. Improvised explosive devices have been found in border areas. The risk of kidnapping exists along border regions, though incidents remain low.

Political Unrest

Political unrest has intensified since President Kais Saied seized extraordinary powers in July 2021. He suspended parliament, dissolved it entirely in March 2022, and introduced a new constitution granting himself extensive authority. This has triggered regular protests and demonstrations by opposition groups. Between 2019 and 2023, the country recorded hundreds of annual protests demanding reforms to address unemployment, inflation, and poverty. Demonstrations concentrate in downtown Tunis but occur throughout the country. They can start with little warning and sometimes turn violent. Security forces have used excessive force to disperse protesters, including water cannons and physical assaults. Labour strikes and industrial action regularly disrupt public transport, airports, seaports, and road networks. Land border crossings experience delays or temporary closures. Authorities may impose curfews or establish checkpoints at short notice. The government has arrested dozens of opposition figures, journalists, and activists on politically motivated charges since 2023. Over 97 members of the opposition Ennahda party were arrested in September before the 2024 presidential election. Economic grievances have sparked desperate acts including multiple self-immolation incidents in early 2025. High unemployment particularly affects university graduates, with more than half of young women and a third of female graduates unemployed in 2024.

Areas To Avoid

You should avoid all travel within 16 km of the Algerian border due to terrorism, except for the cities of Tabarka and Ain Draham. Terrorist groups continue operating in mountainous western border regions. The Mount Chaambi National Park, Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma, and Mount Mghila in Kasserine governorate are high-risk zones where security forces conduct active counterterrorism operations. The Mount Orbata area in Gafsa governorate also experiences terrorist activity. Avoid all travel within 16 km of the Libya border due to terrorism and regional instability. Developments in Libya continue affecting security along the Tunisian-Libyan border in areas such as Ras Jedir and Dehiba, and the cities of Ben Guerdan and Medenine. The border with Libya frequently closes to all traffic with short notice for extended periods. The desert south of Remada is designated as a military zone by the government. Special authorization is required for travellers wishing to enter this military zone. Areas north and west of Ghardimaou in Jendouba governorate, including El Feidja National Park, should be avoided. Improvised explosive devices have been found in border areas. Joint Algerian and Tunisian armed forces carry out anti-terrorist operations on both sides of the Algeria-Tunisia border. The instability in Libya and Algeria has resulted in greater volatility in southern Tunisia with kidnapping risks in border regions.