Tunisia customs rules & duty-free allowances
Tunisia's duty-free allowance for non-resident adults is 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, plus 1 litre of spirits (over 22% alcohol) or 2 litres of wine/beer, and personal goods up to TND 800 (approx. USD 260). Cash over TND 30,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency, approx. USD 10,000) must be declared. Import of Tunisian dinars is strictly prohibited for non-residents. All allowances are per person and not combinable.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (strict ban, severe penalties including imprisonment)
- Tunisian dinars (import prohibited for non-residents; only residents may bring up to TND 1,000)
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorization from the Ministry of Interior
- Pornographic materials (including digital media)
- Counterfeit goods and pirated items (including fake branded products)
- Endangered species and products derived from them (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell) without CITES permit
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medicines for personal use: must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription or medical certificate; quantity limited to 3 months' supply. Narcotic or psychotropic medications require prior authorization from the Ministry of Health.
- Plants, seeds, and agricultural products: require a phytosanitary certificate from the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles: require prior authorization from the Ministry of Defence
- Satellite phones and radio transmitters: require a permit from the National Frequency Agency
- Cultural artifacts and antiques: export requires a certificate from the National Heritage Institute
Rules worth knowing
Tunisian Dinar Import Ban
Non-residents are strictly prohibited from importing Tunisian dinars. You must exchange foreign currency at authorized banks or bureaux de change upon arrival. Keep exchange receipts for re-export of remaining dinars (up to TND 1,000 allowed on departure).
Currency Declaration for Foreign Currency
If you bring foreign currency equivalent to TND 30,000 (approx. USD 10,000) or more, you must declare it on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.
Duty-Free Limits Are Per Person
All duty-free allowances (alcohol, tobacco, goods) are per adult traveller. Children under 18 have no alcohol or tobacco allowance. Family pooling of allowances is not permitted.
Electronic Devices
Personal laptops, cameras, and mobile phones are generally allowed duty-free, but multiple units of the same item (e.g., 3 smartphones) may be treated as commercial goods and subject to duty.