Country Facts

Capital

Tunis

Size

163,610km²

Time Zone

UTC+1(CET)

Population

11.9 million

Currency

Tunisian Dinar TND

Flight time (from UK)

3 hours

Tunisia

Tunisia is a country of deep history and varied landscapes, where Roman ruins, Islamic architecture, and Berber traditions reflect thousands of years of cultural exchange. The north offers fertile hills, historic cities, and a long Mediterranean coast of whitewashed towns and active harbours; the south opens onto salt flats, oases, and the sweeping dunes of the Sahara. Cities like Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax blend contemporary life with visible layers of heritage in their medinas, markets, and neighbourhoods. Across the country, warm hospitality, enduring cultural practices, and diverse scenery make Tunisia an inviting destination with remarkable depth, warmth and character.

Reasons to visit Tunisia:

The history:

Few countries layer history quite like Tunisia. You can wander the ruins of Carthage, explore the world‑class Roman amphitheatre of El Jem, and step into centuries‑old medinas where Punic, Arab, Ottoman, and French influences blend into something uniquely Tunisian.

The beaches:

Tunisia’s coastline stretches for over 1,000 km, offering everything from quiet coves to lively resort towns. Places like Djerba, Hergla, and Hammamet serve up warm seas, soft sand, and that slow, sun‑drenched Mediterranean vibe.

The desert:

The Tunisian Sahara encompasses a wide range of desert environments, from extensive dune fields to large salt lakes and long‑established oasis settlements. The region also contains traditional Berber cave dwellings and several internationally recognised film locations, offering visitors a desert landscape that is both diverse and accessible.

The people:

Tunisian people are widely known for their hospitality, a tradition rooted in Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean cultures. Visitors are often welcomed with genuine warmth, whether in bustling medinas, rural villages, or coastal towns. From sharing mint tea to offering directions or local tips, Tunisians take pride in making guests feel safe, comfortable, and at home.


One of Tunisia’s greatest charms is how effortless it is to explore. In just a single day, you can journey from the golden dunes of the Sahara to ancient Roman ruins and then unwind in a seaside town. Each place feels completely different, yet together they reveal the country’s incredible variety and character.

 

Preparing For A Trip To Tunisia?

Visa and Flights

Tunisia is visa free for UK citizens for up to 90 days. Please make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

Direct flights from the UK run nearly everyday from London Heathrow and London Gatwick, with numbers increasing during peak season. Direct flights to Tunis take around 3 hours, depending on the airport.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Tunisia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive. You will also need proof of your return/onward ticket.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Make sure the border official stamps your passport.

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Health

No special vaccines are required for most travellers. The FCDO recommends being up to date with routine vaccinations and boosters as recommended in the UK. It is also worth getting travel insurance that covers health and medical emergencies. Please check the latest vaccine recommendations for Tunisia 8 weeks before your trip.

Emergency number: 190 and ask for an ambulance.

There are plenty of pharmacies across the urban parts of Tunisia. Please bring any necessary prescription medication with you.

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When is the best time to visit Tunisia?

Tunisia is a great year‑round destination, although the best time to visit depends on which region you’re heading to:

Northern Coast and Tunis

Best time to visit is April-June and September-October

Spring and Autumn offer comfortable temperatures for exploring Tunis, Carthage, and Sidi Bou Said, whilst also staying warm enough for a dip in the sea!

East coast

Best time to visit is June-October

This is the prime beach season in Tunisia, offering high sea temperatures well into October. With that in mind, don’t underestimate the shoulder seasons (April-May) with warm weather and fewer crowds! Temperatures in high summer sit around 30-34 °C.

Central highlands and inland

Best time to visit is March-May and October-November

These are the ideal times to visit historic sites such as Kairouan and Dougga. In spring time especially, you’ll see the rolling green hills and wildflowers in the north-central regions. For inland regions, it is best to avoid July to August where temperatures remain too high for exploration.

Saharan regions

Best time to visit is November-March

As a fully deserted area, the temperatures can get very high, reaching 40-50°C between June and September, so we recommend to avoid these months. Between November and March, the temperatures are safest and most comfortable for exploring the Tunisian Sahara. But don’t forget, deserts get cold at night!


So the best time to visit…

Overall, we would recommend travelling in March to May and September to November, as it provides perfect conditions for exploring Tunisia!

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Travel advice from someone who has been:


What they say is true – it does get very cold in the night in the desert! I’d recommend bringing a few extra layers as a fleece only just cut it!

Take cash out at the airport! A lot of places outside of Tunis and cities do not have card machines, especially local craftsmen and women. The Tunisian Dinar is a closed currency, so be sure to spend it all before leaving!

If you can brave the early mornings, sunrise in the Sahara is sensational. You may be tired later in the day but you won’t regret it, trust me!

Expect a lot of sweet mint tea! Tunisia prides itself on welcoming hospitality, and rightly so! They treat you as a friend, rather than a tourist, and one way of showing this is the national delicacy of tea!

Local produce > chain restaurants: the food in Tunisia is divine, and plentiful. Expect multiple courses of some of the best food you’ll ever eat! From fresh fish, traditional couscous, Djerbian rice, and enough olive oil and harissa to last you a lifetime (and you still won’t get sick of it).

For packing, aside from the obvious, I’d recommend bringing a light scarf and airy but modest clothes which will be needed in the more rural areas and when visiting mosques. It’s the traditional and respectful way of dressing, and a good way to keep the sun off.

When you’re choosing souvenirs, picking something local is a lovely way to go! Many pieces are made using traditional techniques passed down through generations, and supporting these artisans helps keep those skills alive. They are also very unique, not something you can find just anywhere.

And last of all, just really take it all in. Everything about Tunisia is extraordinary, from the landscapes, to the food, to the people. You’ll return home amazed by how special Tunisia is, and how few people realise it!

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