CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Tunisia

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 8 (Ramadan) has been updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Tunisia

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadians travelling to Tunisia do not experience problems.

Tunisia is generally a peaceful and safe country though extremist groups may be present and the conflicts of the Middle East region continue to pose a threat to the security of foreigners. Canadians should exercise caution, regularly review their security practices, remain alert to the changing situation in the region, and contact the Embassy of Canada in Tunis-Belvédère for assistance and advice.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Borders

Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution when travelling near the Algerian border, especially when crossing the southeastern border because of the risk of terrorism and kidnappings. The borders with Algeria and Libya are open, but Canadians should consult with local authorities or the Embassy of Canada in Tunis-Belvédère for the latest security information, as well as to register with the embassy. Canadians should also monitor local news reports and review the Travel Report for those two countries prior to departure.

Authorities must be informed if foreigners travel overland through the Sahara. A copy of the itinerary, including the point of departure, must be given to the National Guard Post at Médenine. Such travel should be undertaken in group accompanied by an experienced tour guide, a car equipped with features such as a GPS (global positioning system) and adequate supplies. Due to the intense heat, travel in the Sahara during the months of July and August is not recommended.

Two Austrians were abducted at the end of February 2008 while on an excursion in the desert and released eight months later. The al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, which occurred in the southern border zone between Tunisia and Algeria.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occasionally occur throughout the country to protest socio-economic conditions or international political developments, among other things.

In January 2008, sporadic strikes and demonstrations related to difficult socio-economic conditions have occurred in the mining regions of Gafsa (specifically in Gafsa, Redeyef, Metlaoui and Fériana) in the south-west region of the country. Some events deteriorated and became confrontational with the security forces.

Canadians are advised to avoid all demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they are expected to take place, as they may turn violent without warning. 

Crime

Petty crime, including theft, pick-pocketing, purse-snatching and scams occur. Ensure personal belongings are secure at all times and carry photocopies of identification and travel documents. Originals should be stored in a safe place.

Women's Safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Soccer Games

Travellers should keep informed of current events and specifically soccer game schedules as such events have sometimes led to incidents of violence.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Tunisian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Tunisia. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from the country.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

Tunisian authorities expect Canadians with Tunisian citizenship to enter Tunisia on their Tunisian passports. If you are able to enter on a Canadian passport, it is likely that you will be required to obtain a Tunisian passport before exiting the country. Incidences of dual nationals being questioned and detained have occurred.  Consular access may be limited for dual nationals. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at dual citizens.

A child born of a Tunisian mother or father may be considered a Tunisian national by Tunisian authorities, regardless of the place of birth or whether the child has acquired the nationality of another country.

Canadians who intend to stay in Tunisia for more than three months should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in Ottawa for information about visa, work permit or temporary resident status regulations prior to their departure.

Travellers over the age of one are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if they arrive in Tunisia from infected areas.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Tunisia - TUNIS-BELVÉDÈRE, Embassy of Canada
Address: 3, rue du Sénégal, Place d'Afrique, 1002 Tunis-Belvédère
Postal Address: P.O. Box 31, Tunis-Belvédère,
Tel.: 216 71-104-000
Fax: 216 71-104-191
E-Mail: tunis@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.tunisia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Tunis-Belvédère and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The quality of medical care varies depending on the facility, but is generally adequate especially in urban centres. Physicians and hospitals often require a deposit or upfront cash payment for medical care. Some clinics may accept private insurance coverage, if they have a guarantee of payment from the insurance provider.

Arabic is the first language and French is the second language used at medical facilities. Knowledge of English is limited.

Travellers should ensure they have a sufficient supply of prescription medicine.

Medical evacuation services are available. A decompression chamber is available at the naval base in Bizerte (60 km from Tunis).

Water outside major cities should be regarded as potentially contaminated.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

The majority of the population is Muslim. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. 

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2010, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11.

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of firearms, religious material, antiquities, medications, and business equipment. Canadians should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Taking photographs of military installations, government buildings and embassies is strongly discouraged. Ask permission before photographing individuals.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Driving can be dangerous, particularly after dark. Traffic signs and signals are routinely ignored. Travellers should be especially cautious as cars rarely stop at pedestrian crosswalks or stoplights. Motorists sometimes drive on the wrong side of the road and ignore priority lanes. Bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles, often operate without sufficient lights and reflectors, and regularly dart in and out of traffic. Pedestrians compound the problem by dodging traffic and ignoring vehicles. Police officers frequently stop cars for inspection, especially rental cars.

A valid Canadian driver’s licence or International Driving Permit is accepted in Tunisia.

Taxis are available but may be scarce in major cities at peak hours.

Buses are crowded. Rail service is generally safe, fast, and efficient.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND).  Automated bank machines (ABMs) are widely available in tourist areas and can be found in all major centers. Traveller's cheques and credit cards are accepted at many establishments in urban and tourist areas. Banks and other establishments could refuse to cash traveller's cheques if they are not accompanied by original proof of purchase (the purchase contract). Visitors must declare all foreign currency upon arrival in Tunisia and retain this declaration. Tourists are expected to make foreign exchange transactions at authorized banks or dealers and to retain receipts for dinars obtained. Prior to departure from Tunisia, a maximum of 3,000 Tunisian dinars may be converted back into foreign currency, but documentation proving the purchase should be available (customs declaration or proof of purchase abroad). Tunisian law prohibits the import and export of Tunisian dinars.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The Sahara can be very hot, especially in the summer, with temperatures well above 40°C. Dust storms and sand storms frequently occur.

Although Tunisia is not in a high-risk earthquake zone, low seismic activity can occasionally occur. In winter, roads can be blocked by downpours.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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