Tunisia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Tunisia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy applies to tourism, business, and short-term visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Tunisia. Airlines at Dubai and Abu Dhabi check this before boarding. No minimum 6-month validity rule applies for UAE passport holders. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tunisia | Immigration officers at Tunis-Carthage Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Tunisair and Nouvelair enforce this at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers sometimes ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number works. Not always checked, but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers may ask for cash or bank statements to confirm you have enough for your stay. Around 500 TND (approx $160 USD) per week is a safe benchmark. ATMs are widely available in Tunis. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but don't skip the basics
UAE passport holders get 90 days visa-free in Tunisia. But immigration still checks passport validity (6 months), and may ask for a return ticket and hotel booking. Have them ready.
Overstaying is costly
The 90-day stay is not extendable. Overstaying even a day can result in fines and a record that may affect future travel to Tunisia. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' (Passeport). There are separate queues for Tunisian nationals and foreigners. Join the 'Foreigners' line. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer will stamp you in — no forms to fill. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
2
Arrival at other airports or land borders
Same process at airports like Monastir (MIR), Enfidha (NBE), or Djerba (DJE). At land borders (e.g., from Algeria or Libya), expect a more thorough check — they may ask for your hotel booking and return ticket. Keep documents handy.
Download Tunisia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD equivalent (TND 90)
For those who want a visa in advance; not necessary for visa-free entry but allows longer stay if applied for.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$60 USD equivalent (TND 180)
Allows multiple entries; useful for travellers planning to leave and re-enter Tunisia.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD equivalent (TND 300)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
retirement visa
Tunisia Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD equivalent (TND 300) per year
For retirees over 55 with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local bank account. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Tunisia Digital Nomad Visa (Freelance Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD equivalent (TND 450) per year
For remote workers with proof of income (min $2,000/month). Requires health insurance and accommodation. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Tunisia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD equivalent (TND 1,500) plus investment
For investors committing at least $50,000 USD in a Tunisian business or real estate. Includes family reunification. Fast-track residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter if needed. | N/A |
| Overstay fineOverstay fines are charged at the airport upon departure. Avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | ~10 TND (~$3 USD) per day, max 500 TND (~$160 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Tunisia
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Tunisia do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours in the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying over 24 hours, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsTunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) · Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR) · Djerba–Zarzis International Airport (DJE)
Health & vaccines for Tunisia
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabies (for remote or animal contact)Consider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, West Nile)Low risk
Rare in urban areas but present in rural regions; use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat exhaustionModerate risk
Common in summer; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Minimal risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Use mosquito nets in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tunis
Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Tunis 1000
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Sousse
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Rue de la Liberté, Sousse 4000
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the Sousse area. Expect queues.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalTunis
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyTunisian dinar (TND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.9 TND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin).
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is chlorinated but not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a visa at a Tunisian embassy before your trip.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online form required for UAE passport holders. Just show your passport at immigration.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Tunisian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa from a Tunisian embassy.
Not officially required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Tunisia can be high, and your UAE health insurance likely won't cover you abroad.
You'll face a fine (around 30–50 TND per day overstayed) and potential entry ban. Always track your days — the stamp in your passport shows your entry date.
Yes, UAE passport holders can enter at any official land border crossing. The same 90-day visa-free rule applies. Expect longer queues and more document checks at land borders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.