Tunisia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Tunisia's biggest customs risk is its strict currency controls: the dinar is non-convertible outside the country, and you must declare any cash over 10,000 TND on arrival. Keep all exchange receipts to reconvert leftover dinars on departure. Failure to comply can result in confiscation and fines.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer (under 22% ABV). Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$3,200
Declare any amount over 10,000 TND (approx. USD 3,200) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the customs declaration form (Déclaration de Devises) at the red channel. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation and fines.
Goods duty-free
$260
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 800 TND (approx. USD 260). Above this, duty is 20% on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without special permit)
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated products
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Certain religious materials deemed offensive to Islam (e.g., Bibles in Arabic without authorization)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing codeine, tramadol, or other controlled substances (require prior authorization from Ministry of Health)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require permit from the Ministry of Defence)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require approval from the Ministry of Communication Technologies)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the National Heritage Institute)
  • Live animals (require vaccination certificates and import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, pass through customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits. Use the red channel if you have goods to declare, cash over 10,000 TND, or restricted items. No arrival card is required; just your passport and visa if applicable.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourists can claim VAT refund on purchases over 300 TND (approx. USD 96) from a single store under the 'Détaxe' scheme. Ask the store for a refund form, get it stamped at Tunis-Carthage Airport customs before check-in, then collect cash at the refund counter.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a doctor's prescription in English or French. Narcotics, psychotropics, and drugs like codeine or tramadol are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Tunisian Ministry of Health. Carry original packaging and a doctor's letter.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, dairy, fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Declare any food items at the red channel. Honey and processed foods in sealed commercial packaging are usually allowed in small quantities.

Rules worth knowing

Currency Declaration is Mandatory

You must declare any foreign currency or Tunisian dinar exceeding 10,000 TND (approx. USD 3,200) on arrival. Keep the declaration form to show on departure. You cannot export more than you imported, and you must exchange leftover dinars back to foreign currency using official exchange receipts.

Dinar is Non-Convertible

The Tunisian dinar cannot be bought or sold outside Tunisia. Do not accept dinars from street changers; only use banks or official exchange offices. Keep all exchange receipts to reconvert leftover dinars on departure (up to 30% of the original amount, max 100 TND).

Religious and Political Materials

Importing materials that criticize Islam, the Tunisian government, or the President is prohibited. Bibles in Arabic require prior authorization. Political pamphlets or literature may be confiscated.

Alcohol and Pork Restrictions

Alcohol is not available during Ramadan (except in some tourist hotels). Pork products are not widely available and may be confiscated if not declared. It's best to avoid bringing them.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need a permit from the Ministry of Defence. Apply at least 30 days in advance through the Tunisian embassy or consulate. Without a permit, the drone will be confiscated at customs.
You may face delays or fines when leaving Tunisia. The form is required to prove you legally imported the cash. Keep it with your passport. If lost, report to customs immediately.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Tunisia. You need prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Without it, the medication will be confiscated and you could face legal action. Carry a doctor's note and original packaging.
Yes. Exporting Tunisian dinars is illegal. You can only take out foreign currency up to the amount you declared on arrival, minus what you exchanged. Leftover dinars must be reconverted at the airport bank (up to 100 TND).
No, personal electronics for your own use do not need to be declared. But if you have multiple high-value items (e.g., two laptops), customs may ask for proof they are for personal use.
If you stay airside and do not clear customs, you can carry duty-free liquids in sealed bags. If you exit the transit area, you must comply with Tunisia's duty-free limits (1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer).
Declare all food items at the red channel. Processed, commercially sealed foods in small quantities are usually allowed. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy are banned. Carry a doctor's letter explaining the medical need.

Official source

Tunisian Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Tunisian Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes) before travelling.