Bringing a pet to Tunisia

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Tunisia requires dogs to have a microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and an official veterinary health certificate, but does not operate routine quarantine for properly documented pets. The same core rules apply regardless of origin country; there is no tiering by rabies status. Owners should carry original documents and be ready to present them to Tunisian customs and the veterinary border service (Direction Générale des Services Vétérinaires).

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Tunisia.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or veterinarian authorised by the competent authority in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Tunisia does not maintain a national breed ban list for dogs. However, some airlines serving Tunis (e.g. Tunisair, Air France, ITA) refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers in the cargo hold, especially in summer — check with your carrier. Additionally, local municipal rules in Tunis and other cities may restrict certain breeds classed as dangerous (e.g. pit bull types), so confirm with the local municipality if you plan to keep the dog long-term.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport or ID
  • Proof of ownership or pet passport where applicable

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$50–150, rabies vaccination ~$20–60, consular legalisation (if required) ~$30–100. No import permit fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tunisian veterinary authority.

No quarantine and no titer test. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and should be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. Some origin countries require the certificate to be legalised by the Tunisian embassy or consulate before departure.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or veterinarian authorised by the competent authority in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Tunisia does not maintain a national breed ban list for dogs. However, some airlines serving Tunis (e.g. Tunisair, Air France, ITA) refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers in the cargo hold, especially in summer — check with your carrier. Additionally, local municipal rules in Tunis and other cities may restrict certain breeds classed as dangerous (e.g. pit bull types), so confirm with the local municipality if you plan to keep the dog long-term.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport or ID
  • Proof of ownership or pet passport where applicable

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$50–150, rabies vaccination ~$20–60, consular legalisation (if required) ~$30–100. No import permit fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tunisian veterinary authority.

Same requirements as the free tier — Tunisia does not differentiate low-risk from free-tier origins. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and may need consular legalisation depending on the origin country. Carry originals; copies are often refused at the border.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or veterinarian authorised by the competent authority in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Tunisia does not maintain a national breed ban list for dogs. However, some airlines serving Tunis (e.g. Tunisair, Air France, ITA) refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers in the cargo hold, especially in summer — check with your carrier. Additionally, local municipal rules in Tunis and other cities may restrict certain breeds classed as dangerous (e.g. pit bull types), so confirm with the local municipality if you plan to keep the dog long-term.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport or ID
  • Proof of ownership or pet passport where applicable

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$50–150, rabies vaccination ~$20–60, consular legalisation (if required) ~$30–100. No import permit fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tunisian veterinary authority.

Tunisia does not impose additional titer testing or quarantine on high-risk-origin pets beyond the standard requirements. Because Tunisia itself is not rabies-free, some origin countries may impose their own export conditions on the return trip — check with your origin country's authority. The Tunisian border vet can still refuse entry or order isolation if the animal looks sick or documents are incomplete.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Tunisian practice generally allows up to 3 pets per traveller under non-commercial rules without triggering commercial import requirements. Above that number, the shipment may be treated as commercial and require additional veterinary and customs formalities. If you are travelling with more than 3 dogs, contact the Direction Générale des Services Vétérinaires in advance.
No. Tunisia does not exempt emotional-support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements — microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival are still required. Some airlines may allow a service dog in the cabin, but that is an airline policy, not a border exemption. Do not assume your assistance animal can enter without paperwork.
No. Tunisia does not require a rabies antibody titer test for dogs entering from any origin country, including high-risk countries. A current rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel is sufficient. This is different from EU rules, where a titer test is required for pets from certain non-EU countries.
No routine quarantine applies if your dog has a valid rabies vaccination, a microchip, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Tunisia does not operate a standard post-arrival quarantine for pets. However, if documents are missing or the animal appears sick, the border veterinary service can order isolation or refuse entry.
At least 21 days before arrival in Tunisia. The vaccine must still be valid on the date of entry — most rabies vaccines are valid for 1 to 3 years depending on the product used. If your dog was vaccinated less than 21 days before travel, it will not meet the requirement. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine, so the minimum realistic age for a fully compliant puppy is about 15 weeks.
It depends on your origin country. Tunisia requires the health certificate to be issued by an official government veterinarian or an authorised vet, and in many cases the certificate must be legalised by the Tunisian embassy or consulate in the origin country before travel. Check with the nearest Tunisian embassy at least 2–3 weeks before departure, because legalisation can take several days and cannot be done at the airport.
The border veterinary service can refuse entry, order the dog into isolation at your expense, or require return to the origin country. There is no grace period and no on-the-spot vaccination option that will satisfy the 21-day waiting rule. Carry originals of the rabies certificate, health certificate, and microchip proof, and keep a scanned copy on your phone as backup.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Tunisia.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • International health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tunisian veterinary authority.

No rabies titer test or quarantine required for cats from free-tier countries. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. Health certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • International health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tunisian veterinary authority.

No rabies titer test or quarantine required for cats from low-risk countries. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. Health certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
  • Import permit issued by the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture
  • International health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150. No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tunisian veterinary authority.

Cats from high-risk countries require a valid rabies titer test and an import permit. The titer test must be done at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are correct. Import permit must be obtained in advance from the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Tunisia allows up to 5 pets (cats and dogs) per traveller for non-commercial movement. If you exceed this number, the animals are considered commercial and require additional import permits and veterinary inspections. For cats, the same limit applies.
No. Tunisia does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of function, must meet the same entry rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, a titer test and import permit. There is no separate category for assistance animals.
No. The United States is considered a low-risk country for rabies. Cats from the US do not need a rabies titer test or an import permit. They need a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), an ISO microchip, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Kittens must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old for the rabies vaccination to be valid. They must also be vaccinated at least 21 days before travel. So the minimum age for entry is 15 weeks (3 months + 21 days).
No. Tunisia does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with valid documentation. If your cat meets all entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk countries, titer test and import permit), it can enter without quarantine.
You need: 1) A rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired. 2) An international health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel. 3) Proof of an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. For high-risk countries, also a FAVN rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) and an import permit from the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture.
No. Tunisia does not have any breed-specific bans or restrictions for cats. All breeds are allowed as long as they meet the general health and documentation requirements.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Tunisia.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the central veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel and be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, in French or with certified translation
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011)
  • Import declaration for live animals (Déclaration d'importation d'animaux vivants) to be submitted to Tunisian customs

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import declaration fees ~$20-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tunisian veterinary authority.

Ferrets are not listed in the EU Pet Travel Scheme, but Tunisia accepts them under its national rules for carnivores. A rabies vaccination is mandatory. The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian and endorsed by the central veterinary authority of the origin country. Upon arrival, customs may require a visual inspection. No quarantine is imposed for ferrets from free countries.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the central veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel and be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, in French or with certified translation
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011)
  • Import declaration for live animals (Déclaration d'importation d'animaux vivants) to be submitted to Tunisian customs

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import declaration fees ~$20-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tunisian veterinary authority.

Ferrets are not listed in the EU Pet Travel Scheme, but Tunisia accepts them under its national rules for carnivores. A rabies vaccination is mandatory. The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian and endorsed by the central veterinary authority of the origin country. Upon arrival, customs may require a visual inspection. No quarantine is imposed for ferrets from low-risk countries.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the central veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel and be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (minimum 0.5 IU/ml), at least 90 days old before travel
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, in French or with certified translation
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011)
  • Import permit issued by the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture (Direction Générale des Services Vétérinaires)
  • Import declaration for live animals (Déclaration d'importation d'animaux vivants) to be submitted to Tunisian customs

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, import declaration fees ~$20-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Tunisian veterinary authority.

Ferrets from high-risk countries must have a valid rabies titer test and an import permit. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The import permit must be obtained in advance from the Tunisian veterinary authorities. Upon arrival, customs may require a visual inspection. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but Tunisia imposes strict requirements. Ferrets are not covered by the EU Pet Travel Scheme, so you must comply with Tunisian national rules for carnivores. You will need a rabies vaccination, an ISO microchip, an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import declaration. If your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country, you also need a rabies titer test and an import permit.
Tunisian regulations do not specify a maximum number for non-commercial import of ferrets. However, if you are bringing more than five ferrets, customs may consider the movement commercial and require additional permits and veterinary inspections. It is advisable to contact the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture in advance if you plan to bring more than two or three ferrets.
No. Tunisia does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and import declaration. If coming from a high-risk country, a titer test and import permit are also mandatory.
A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must show a minimum antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be performed at an OIE-approved laboratory.
The official veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. It must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. The certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian and endorsed by the central veterinary authority of the origin country.
No, Tunisia does not impose quarantine on ferrets if all import requirements are met. However, if your ferret arrives without the necessary documents, it may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at your expense. Ensure all paperwork is complete before travel.
Ferrets must be at least 3 months old to enter Tunisia. This ensures they have received the rabies vaccination, which is typically given at 12 weeks of age, and that the 21-day waiting period after vaccination has been observed.

Good to know

Tunisia does not publish a tiered import scheme based on the origin country's rabies status. The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian or a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority in the origin country, and may require consular legalisation depending on the origin country. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel and be valid at entry. No routine post-arrival quarantine applies for pets with valid documentation, but customs or the border veterinary service can order isolation or return of an animal if documents are missing or the animal appears sick.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Tunisia, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Tunisia's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.