Holidays to Tunisia are something off a film set, from 4×4 riding across the Sahara to exploring age-old cities.
Make like Indiana Jones
With its ancient cities, forgotten villages, mosques and hammams, Tunisia serves up an XXL side order of history. You already know it sounds like a bit of Indiana Jones… Well, Raiders of the Lost Ark was filmed here. When you’re not starfishing on its gorg beaches, you could be sussing out the secrets of Sousse, a Medieval town with a treasure-packed medina, or Kairouan – North Africa’s holiest city.
All the beaches
Golden beaches in all shapes and sizes dot along the coast, which backs itself as a 1,200-kilometre stretch of shoreline. The best beaches can be found in Hammamet, which also has some top-tier fish restaurants and three golf courses. Other sandy spots include Boujaffar Beach in Sousse and Monastir City Beach.
Star Wars and the Sahara
Tunisia’s major landmarks don’t end with historical buildings. Desert safari adventures are the thing to do here, seeing as the Sahara’s right there. Bag yourself a seat in a 4×4 and you can see the sand dunes and traditional Bedouin camps for yourself. Star Wars fans can geek out at Matmata, a village on the edge of the Sahara where the opening scenes of the first movie were filmed.
Best time to visit
It might be part of North Africa, but Tunisia has a Med-like climate. Summers are hot and dry – in July and August, you’re looking at temperatures of 32°C and climbing. So, if you want to see the Saharan dunes, come in the autumn when it dips to a more manageable 25°C. Spring is a great time to visit, too. Not only is it a nice 21°C, but the wildflowers are out on show. Winters are mild, with temperatures reaching around 17°C, but there’s a bit more rain around this time – things get drier the further south you go.
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Tunisia FAQs
UK, EU, US and Canadian citizens can enter Tunisia visa-free for up to 90 days.
This information is correct at the time of writing. Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
Tunisia uses the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Other foreign currencies aren’t accepted for purchases, and Tunisian Dinars can’t be exchanged outside Tunisia, so make sure you only get out what you’ll spend.
Modest dress is recommended to be respectful in mosques and old towns e.g. covering your knees and shoulders.
Yes, alcohol is legal and widely available in Tunisia. Most hotels, resorts and restaurants serve beer, wine and spirits.
Tipping in Tunisia isn’t mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 10% tip is pretty standard if service isn’t already included in the bill. At cafés, leaving 1-2 TND (€0.50-€1) for the waiter is a nice gesture. Then, hotel staff, including porters and housekeeping, usually get 5-10 TND (€2-€3) per service, and taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. So, many restaurants and cafés in Tunisia will be closed during the day, except in tourist areas. It’s respectful for non-Muslims to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public areas during daylight hours, although hotels and resorts will still serve meals. Some businesses and attractions may have shorter operating hours, too, so checking their schedules in advance.
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Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Tunisia but must have a valid passport. There is a Tunisian Tourism Tax which is payable at your hotel. It’s 12 Dinar per person per night for 4 and 5 star hotels, 8 Dinar per person per night for 3 star hotels and 4 Dinar per person per night for 2 star hotels. Please note that the star rating measure refers to the official star rating and not our TUI or First choice rating. The tax will be paid for a maximum of 10 nights and is not applicable for guests aged under 12 years old. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel insurance before you go.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia/health