Tunisia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Tunisia's biggest customs quirk is its closed currency: the dinar cannot legally be imported or exported, and undeclared foreign cash above the threshold can be seized outright. Customs also treats drones, satellite phones, and common prescription drugs as controlled items, so paperwork matters more here than the duty-free allowance.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

25,000 TND (about USD 8,000) in cash or negotiable instruments. Declare on the customs declaration form at the red channel; the form is available at the airport or downloadable from douane.gov.tn.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal effects and gifts up to 800 TND (about USD 260) are duty-free. Above that, customs applies duty and VAT — rates vary by item, typically 20–30% combined.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use)
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorisation
Pork products and by-products (for religious and health reasons)
Live animals and birds without a veterinary certificate
Drone cameras and satellite phones without a permit from the Ministry of Interior

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Prescription medicines containing controlled substances (require prior authorisation)
Firearms and ammunition (require a permit from the Ministry of Interior)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require a phytosanitary certificate)
Cultural artefacts and antiquities (require an export permit)
Professional filming equipment (require a media permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Tunisia uses the red/green channel system at Tunis-Carthage and other international airports. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel; if you are carrying goods above the allowance, cash at or above 25,000 TND, or restricted items, go to the red channel and present your customs declaration form. There is no separate arrival card for customs — the declaration is made on the form you fill out before passport control.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tunisia has a VAT refund scheme for tourists, but it is rarely used and requires purchases of at least 500 TND (about USD 160) in a single store on the same day. You must obtain a stamped invoice and export the goods within three months; claim at the customs desk at Tunis-Carthage Airport before check-in. Refunds are processed by the retailer or a handling agency, not instantly at the airport.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter; quantities should not exceed a 3-month supply. Tunisia strictly controls psychotropic and narcotic drugs — codeine, tramadol, and some ADHD medications are banned or require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Health. Do not carry any medication containing narcotics without written approval.

Food, plants & animal products

Fresh meat, dairy, and plant products from most countries are prohibited or require a phytosanitary certificate. Processed and packaged foods are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use, but declare any animal or plant products. Seeds, live plants, and soil are banned without a permit.

Rules worth knowing

Currency declaration is mandatory

You must declare cash or negotiable instruments of 25,000 TND (about USD 8,000) or more. Undeclared amounts can be confiscated and you may face a fine of up to 30% of the excess.

Drones and satellite phones are restricted

Bringing a drone or satellite phone into Tunisia without prior written permission from the Ministry of Interior is illegal. They will be confiscated at the airport and you may be fined.

Medication controls are strict

Common Western medications such as codeine, tramadol, and Ritalin are controlled or banned. Carry a prescription and keep quantities to a 3-month supply; anything more requires advance approval.

Tunisian dinar is a closed currency

You cannot import or export Tunisian dinars. Convert unused dinars back to foreign currency before departure — you will need to show the original exchange receipts.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, for personal use up to a 3-month supply, in original packaging with a prescription. However, narcotics, psychotropics, and drugs like codeine, tramadol, and Ritalin require prior authorisation from the Tunisian Ministry of Health. Without it, they will be seized and you could be prosecuted.

There is no limit, but you must declare amounts of 25,000 TND (about USD 8,000) or more. Use the customs declaration form at the red channel. Undeclared cash can be confiscated and fined.

No, not without prior written permission from the Ministry of Interior. Drones are considered surveillance equipment and are routinely confiscated at the airport. Apply well in advance if you have a legitimate reason.

Fresh meat, dairy, and plant products are prohibited or require a phytosanitary certificate. Packaged and processed foods for personal use are generally allowed in small quantities. Always declare any food items to avoid fines.

Yes, but it is not well publicised. You need to spend at least 500 TND (about USD 160) in a single store on the same day, get a stamped invoice, and export the goods within three months. Claim at the customs desk at Tunis-Carthage Airport before check-in.

If caught, you will face a fine of at least the duty owed, and potentially confiscation of the goods. Tunisian customs conducts random checks and uses scanners, so it is not worth the risk.

Yes, within the duty-free limits: 1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV or 2 litres of wine/beer, and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You must be 18 or older. Anything above these amounts must be declared and duty paid.

Official source

Tunisian Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes)