Local Laws

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Tunisia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  You may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you or if you take pictures of certain buildings.  Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.  If you break local laws in Tunisia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our webpage for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  Islam is the state religion of Tunisia.  The government does not interfere with the country's religious minorities’ public worship.  Many religious denominations hold regularly scheduled services.  It is illegal to proselytize or engage in other activities that the Tunisian authorities could view as encouraging conversion to another faith.  In the past, U.S. citizens who engaged in such activities were asked to leave the country.  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Tunisia.  Penalties include sentences of up to three years in prison.  In February 2015, a Swedish man was sentenced to two years in prison, and in September 2015 a Tunisian man was sentenced to one year in prison for violating Tunisia’s law against consensual same-sex sexual relations.  See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report for further details.

Money:  Credit cards are accepted at some establishments in Tunisia, mainly in urban or tourist areas.  Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted for payment, even at large tourist hotels, and may only be cashed at a bank where the check holder has an account.  Cash machines (ATMs) are available in urban and tourist areas.  The Tunisian dinar is not a fully convertible currency. While the export or import of Tunisian banknotes and coins is prohibited, the export of foreign currency declared when entering Tunisia is allowed.  Tourists are expected to make foreign exchange transactions at authorized banks and to retain receipts.  A tourist may reconvert to foreign currency 30 percent of the amount previously exchanged into dinars, up to a maximum of 100 USD.  Declaring foreign currency when entering Tunisia and obtaining receipts for dinars purchased thereafter will facilitate the conversion of dinars to U.S. dollars when leaving the country.  Please keep all receipts of monetary transactions for presentation when departing.

Persons with Mobility Issues:  Disabled individuals in Tunisia may find accessibility and accommodation very different from that in the United States. Though the government has been generally progressive and forward-leaning on the rights of the disabled, there remains a significant gap between theory and practice.  Budgetary constraints have so far precluded the uniform retro-fitting of public buildings to make them accessible to disabled citizens.                                                                                                           Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. 

Women Travelers:  Harassment of unaccompanied females occurs rarely in hotels, but it occurs more frequently elsewhere. Dressing in a conservative manner can diminish potential harassment, especially for young women.  It is always wise to travel in groups of two or more people.  Women are advised against walking alone in isolated areas.  Travelers are advised to avoid buses and commuter rail when possible, and to never enter a taxi if another passenger is present.  See our travel tips for Women Travelers.