Middle East and North Africa

Local laws reflect the fact that Tunisia is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.

In the coastal holiday resorts and main cities, the dress code is very much like any European city or tourist areas.  If visiting religious sites or more remote areas of Tunisia, you should dress more modestly and avoid any articles of clothing which may cause offence. Topless sunbathing on beaches may cause offence.

Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offences in Tunisia.  The possession of even a small amount of 'soft' drugs could result in a prison term.

If you have any concerns about taking medication with you to Tunisia, you should contact the {InternalLink:4}, for further information.  Additionally in the case of prescription medication, we recommend that you carry a note from your GP confirming that the medication has been prescribed for an existing condition.

You should also be aware that it is not permitted to remove antiquities from Tunisia without first obtaining permission from Customs authorities.  Failure to do so could result in lengthy delays on departure, fines and/or imprisonment.

Only married couples are permitted to cohabit in Tunisia.  Homosexuality is illegal.

You should avoid taking any photographs near sensitive political or military sites.

Tunisian family law is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue. 

 

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.