Tunisia travel insurance

From Roman ruins on the coast to golden dunes in the Sahara, Tunisia packs an extraordinary amount into a relatively small country. This guide covers some of the best places to visit, the local laws and customs worth knowing, and how to get around once you're there. We also explain why travel insurance matters for a trip to Tunisia, so you can relax and enjoy everything the country has to offer.

Places to go and things to do in Tunisia

Tunis medina

The medina in Tunis is one of the best preserved old towns in the Arab world, and another UNESCO-listed site. Its narrow, covered lanes are packed with souks selling everything from spices and leather goods to traditional chechia hats. Getting a little lost here is half the fun, and there's usually a rooftop cafe nearby to help you get your bearings. Be prepared to haggle, as it’s expected here.

Carthage

Once the seat of a great Phoenician empire that rivalled Rome itself, Carthage now sits as a UNESCO-listed archaeological site on the outskirts of Tunis. You can wander the remains of Roman villas and bath houses, including the Antonine Baths, one of the largest Roman bath complexes ever built, all while looking out over the Gulf of Tunis.

Sidi Bou Said

A short trip from Tunis, Sidi Bou Said is known for its whitewashed houses with bright blue doors and shutters, perched on a clifftop above the sea. It's postcard perfect, but can be quite popular, so an early morning or late afternoon visit will help you beat the crowds and catch the best light for photos.

Sahara Desert excursions

Head south towards Douz or Tozeur and the landscape shifts dramatically into the Sahara. This is the place for camel trekking and four-wheel drive dune tours, and if you can stay overnight, some of the clearest stargazing you're ever likely to see. Tozeur's old town and its palm oasis are also worth exploring before or after a desert trip.

El Djem Amphitheatre
 

Built in the third century, the amphitheatre at El Djem is one of the best-preserved Roman colosseums anywhere in the world and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It once held tens of thousands of spectators, and you can still walk through the underground passageways once used to bring gladiators and animals into the arena.

Matmata's underground homes

In the hills of southern Tunisia, the Berber town of Matmata is known for its cave dwellings: homes carved directly into the ground to stay cool in the desert heat. Some have been turned into guesthouses, so you can even spend a night underground. If you’re a Star Wars fan you might recognise this landscape, as it was used as a filming location for Luke Skywalker’s house. 

Djerba

The island of Djerba, connected to the mainland by a causeway or a short ferry ride, is one of Tunisia's most popular beach destinations. Beyond the sand, it's home to the El Ghriba synagogue, one of the oldest in Africa, and Houmt Souk, a relaxed town with a good market and plenty of seafood restaurants.

Kairouan

Kairouan is considered one of the holiest cities in Islam and is home to the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and most significant in the Muslim world. The old town is also known for its carpet weaving, a craft that's been practised here for centuries.

Do you need travel insurance for Tunisia?

Travel insurance isn't a legal requirement for entering Tunisia, but the FCDO recommends that all travellers take out appropriate cover before they go.

There's no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Tunisia, so a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) won't be accepted there, even though Tunisia is included within our European travel insurance cover.

Travel insurance can also help if your trip is cancelled or cut short, your luggage is lost or delayed, or you need support after an accident.

How much do things cost in Tunisia?

Tunisia is generally an affordable destination for UK visitors, particularly once you get away from the main tourist resorts.

Tunisia's currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND). It's a closed currency, which means you can't buy it before you leave the UK or exchange leftover dinars back into pounds once you get home. You'll need to change money once you arrive, at the airport, a bank or an authorised exchange bureau, and it's worth keeping your exchange receipts in case you need to convert dinars back before you fly home.

Here are some examples of average costs in Tunisia. The data is collected by Numbeo and is accurate as of September 2026:

What doesn't travel insurance cover for Tunisia trips?

We aim to be as transparent as possible about what your policy covers, as well as things that can invalidate it. You might not be covered if:

• You don't tell us about a pre-existing medical condition when taking out your policy
• You travel to an area the FCDO advises against
• You do particular high-risk sports or activities that are exempt (you can find the full list in your policy)
• You're under the influence of alcohol or drugs when an incident occurs
• You break local laws or ignore official advice

Always read your policy carefully so you know exactly what's covered.

Healthcare and vaccinations in Tunisia

Private clinics and hospitals in Tunis and the main tourist resorts are generally well equipped, but facilities can be more limited in rural areas and the south of the country, including around the Sahara.

It's worth checking that your routine vaccinations, including tetanus, are up to date before you travel. Depending on your plans, a GP or travel clinic may also suggest vaccinations such as hepatitis A or typhoid. It's a good idea to book an appointment four to six weeks before you travel, as some vaccines need time to take effect.

With Post Office travel insurance you can also access Medical Assistance Plus¹ , giving you access to an English-speaking GP 24/7 via video call for non-emergency health queries while you're away.

Legal and cultural differences in Tunisia

There are a number of differences between the UK and Tunisia that are worth knowing before you travel. Breaking local laws, even unintentionally, could invalidate your insurance policy.

• It’s advised to dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites, covering your shoulders and knees. Some mosques don't allow non-Muslim visitors inside at all
• Alcohol is legal in Tunisia but is mostly sold and consumed in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants rather than openly in public
• Photographing military installations, government buildings, airports and some other infrastructure is illegal and can lead to arrest. When in doubt, ask before taking a photo
• You can't take Tunisian dinars out of the country, and you may need to declare foreign currency such as pounds sterling on arrival
• Most hotels charge a local hotel tax per person per night, payable directly to the hotel rather than in advance
• If you're visiting during Ramadan, be mindful that eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours may be frowned upon in some areas, even if you're not fasting yourself

Staying safe in Tunisia

Most visits to Tunisia are trouble-free, but the FCDO advises against all travel to some parts of the country. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice for Tunisia before you go, as travelling against this advice is likely to invalidate your travel insurance.

Away from these areas, petty theft and pickpocketing can happen in busy tourist spots and markets, so keep an eye on your belongings. Emergency services in Tunisia can be reached on 197 (police), 190 (ambulance) and 198 (fire).

Getting around Tunisia

• Louage: Shared taxis called louages connect towns and cities cheaply, leaving when full rather than on a set timetable
• Train: Tunisia's rail network connects Tunis with cities including Sousse, Sfax and Monastir, and is a comfortable way to travel along the coast
• Bus: National and regional bus services cover most of the country, including many rural areas the train doesn't reach
• Car hire: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore, but roads outside the main cities and resorts can be poorly maintained and driving standards vary, so it's worth taking extra care, particularly at night

Visas and entry requirements

You don't need a visa to visit Tunisia as a tourist for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for the whole of your stay.

If your passport is damaged or torn, you could run into problems leaving the country, so it's worth checking its condition before you travel.

On arrival, border officials may ask for your contact details, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of your accommodation, so keep these details to hand.

If you're planning to stay longer than 90 days, contact the Tunisian Embassy in the UK for advice on the visa or permit you'll need.

Why Post Office?

• Tunisia is included within our European travel insurance cover, so you don't need to arrange separate worldwide cover for your trip
• We consider all pre-existing medical conditions as part of our screening process, and will point you towards a specialist provider if we're unable to help
• Kids under 18 with no medical conditions go free on family policies
• Emergency medical cover up to £5 million on Economy, rising to £15 million on Premier
• Medical Assistance Plus¹ gives you access to an English-speaking GP 24/7 by video call for non-emergency health queries while you're away