Tunisia Travel Guide

Full Name

Tunisian Republic

Former Name

NA

Capital City

Tunis

Government Type

republic

Area Size

163,610 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +1 hour

Climate

Tunisia is a land of constant sunshine and warm water. The height of summer is a little too hot for most tastes, so July and August are regarded as 'off-season'. Between October and May is a more comfortable time to visit, with temperatures ranging between 54°F and 82°F (12°C and 28°C). Springtime (March to May) brings displays of wild flowers throughout the countryside.

Geography

Tunisia is in northern Africa, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert. It is bordered by Algeria in the west and Libya in the south-east. Much of the southern region is semi-arid and desert. The north of the country is mountainous, with a climate that is temperate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The south of the country is dominated by the Sahara desert.

Languages

Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

Culture

An ideal climate, a long and gentle seacoast, Tunisia, the northernmost country of Africa has for over 3000 years witnessed the passage of Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. They came as fugitive s or adventurers, to conquer or to claim, warriors and missionaries, traders and farmers each leaving a part of their story in stone or mosaics, on hills of Carthage and the threshold of the Sahara. This heritage, Tunisia's greatest wealth has been held in trust and preserved in hundreds of sites and museums from the small Punic [Antonin Baths]museum in Utica to the vast collections of the prestigious National Museum of Bardo.

History

Following independence from France in 1956, President Habib BOURGUIBA established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In recent years, Tunisia has taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more open political society.

Travel Information

The national airline is Tunis Air (TU). Tunis (TUN) (Carthage International) is 8km northeast of the city (journey time - 15 to 30 minutes). An airport-city coach and buses are available. Taxis are available; a surcharge is levied at night. Airport facilities consists of Duty-free shop, banks/bureau de change, restaurant and car hire. Monastir (MIR) (Skanes) is 8km west of the city. Buses are available to the city centre. Tozeur (TOE) (Nefta) is 10km from the city. Taxis are available at all the airports. Both Monastir and Tozeur have bars, restaurants, both incoming and outgoing duty-free shops, bank and car hire. Main ports: Tunisia has seven major ports. SNCM (Ferry Terranée) runs ferry services from France and Italy to Tunisia. The major routes are Marseilles- Tunis (journey time - 23 hours) and Genoa-Tunis (journey time - 23 hours). A hydrofoil service is available from Sicily between May and September. Theoretically, there are several points of entry by road from Algeria, normally served by buses and long-distance taxis: Annaba (in Algeria) to Tabarka (following the coast road); Souk Ahras (in Algeria) to Ghardimaou and El Oued (Algeria) to Gafsa. However, political unrest means that it is difficult for tourists to cross the border. Entry by road from Libya is via the coast road at Gabès, via Ben Gardane and Ras Ajdir.

Accommodation

Tunisia has approximately 160,000 hotel beds. There are also several vacation villages within each area. There is a luxury resort in Tabarka which hosts the International Coral Festival of Underwater Photography. Grading: Hotel accommodation is classified by a star system ranging from deluxe (5-star) to clean but simple (1-star).

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by nationals from the EU, Canada and USA for stays of up to three months (up to one month for nationals of Greece; up to four months for nationals of Germany and USA), with the following exceptions: 1. nationals of Australia who do need a visa; 2. nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the Slovak Republic, who must travel on a recognised package holiday, and nationals of Cyprus who do need a visa. Passport valid six months after return date required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Visas are not required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above if transit passengers, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport or ship or continuing their journey within 48 hours of arrival. All visitors must hold sufficient funds for the duration of stay. Nationals of Australia who do need a visa, can obtain it on arrival at the point of entry. Check with the embassy for details of length of stay. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Apply to Consulate or consular section at embassy.

Getting Around

Tuninter runs regular services seven to eight times a day between Tunis and Djerba airports (flight time - approximately one hour). There is a daily flight to Sfax from Tunis Tuesday to Friday, with two flights on Monday. There are flights to Tozeur on most weekdays. Tuninter is represented internationally by Tunis Air. Prices are reasonable and services are normally heavily subscribed, so it is advisable to book ahead. Ferries operate between Sfax and the Kerkennah Islands twice daily, and between Jorf and Jerba Island regularly during the day. Regular trains (run by SNCFT) connect Tunis with major towns. The main route is between Tunis and Gabès, via Sousse, Sfax and Gafsa. It is essential to purchase a ticket before boarding the train or double the fare may be charged. Several daily trains run on each route, many with Tunisia has an extensive road network. In case of breakdown, the Garde Nationale will assist free of charge (they usually contact the nearest garage). Traffic drives on the right. The green and yellow coloured national buses, run by SNTRI, are air conditioned and travel daily to most towns across the country. Other services include the intercity buses which are cheap and reasonably comfortable. The destination is written in French and Arabic on the front of the bus. Passengers are allowed 10kg of luggage without additional charge. Each piece of luggage must, however, be registered. Long-distance taxis (usually large Mercedes or similar), called louages, are authorised to carry five passengers. They have no fixed schedule and leave their respective departure points when full. They serve the whole of Tunisia. This is the quickest form of public road transport. There are many louage stations and prices are similar to those of buses and trains. Car hire can be very expensive. To rent a self-drive car, the driver must be over 21 years of age. A full driving licence, which has been valid for at least one year, is acceptable. Speed limits: 50kph (30mph) in towns; 110kph (60mph) on major highways. Documentation: Log books, valid national driving licences and insurance are essential. Both the AA and RAC are affiliated to the National Automobile Club (NACT) based in Tunis. Insurance valid for up to 21 days can be purchased at the border. For safety reasons, it is forbidden to drive a car in the Sahara without first contacting the National Guard post at the nearest town, giving the planned itinerary and the expected point of exit from the area. Full provisions, a suitable vehicle and an experienced guide are necessary for any travel in the Sahara. A suburban train line (TGM) links Tunis with the northern suburbs. Tunis and Sousse also have a modern and convenient tram system (métro léger). Within Tunis and other cities, city taxis are numbered and have meters. The price on the meter is what you should pay. There is a 50 per cent surcharge on night fares. Bicycles and motorcycles are available for hire in most major towns and do not require a licence.

Health & Safety

No vaccinations are required for entry to Tunisia and no serious health risks exist. Travellers' diarrhoea and other parasitic infections may be contracted, but is unlikely in the modern seaside resorts. Visitors travelling outside these resorts should ensure they drink only boiled, purified water and eat well-cooked food. All medical costs must be paid for immediately after treatment in Tunisia, and costs can be quite high. The availability of medication is limited. Visitors should bring adequate supplies of their own medication. Health insurance is a necessity. Tourist areas in Tunisia are regarded as being at risk of being targeted by international terrorism. There is little violent crime, but petty theft and pick-pocketing does occur. An increase in bag snatching has been noted in tourist areas and visitors are advised to keep bags close at all times. Travellers are advised to avoid the border areas with Algeria, and be extra cautious if travelling alone in the southern desert areas.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day. 20 Jan - Hegire (Islamic New Year). 20 Mar - Independence Day. 21 Mar - Youth Day. 31 Mar - Mouled (Prophet's Anniversary). 9 Apr - Martyrs' Day. 1 May - Labour Day. 25 Jul - Republic Day. 13 Aug - Women's Day. 13 Oct - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 7 Nov - New Era Day. 20 Dec - Eid al-Idha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

Currency

Tunisian Dinar (TND)

Electricity

220/110V AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1300 and 1500-1745 (winter); Mon-Sat 0830-1300 (summer). Government office opening hours may vary by half an hour.

Emergency Numbers

190(Ambulance) 193(National guard) 197(police) 198(Fire)