Travel Vaccines and Advice for Tunisia
Tunisia is a small North African country known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning coasts. It’s also a good location for travelers who want to experience the Sahara Desert.
Tunisia is home to many impressive archaeological sites, including the city of Carthage.
Today, Tunisia is the perfect destination for travelers who love seafood, and is also known as one of the most liberal Arab countries.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Tunisia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Tunisia
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Tunisia?
What Is the Climate Like in Tunisia?
Is It Safe to Travel to Tunisia?
Tunisian Rules and Laws
What Should I Take to Tunisia?
U.S. Embassy to Tunisia
Do I Need Vaccines for Tunisia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Tunisia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tunisia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Tunisia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Tunisia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and consider vaccination when traveling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Be sure to protect yourself from hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by HAV, through vaccination. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Along with vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding undercooked shellfish are essential for prevention.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travelers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the infection, offering long-term protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Tunisia
Prevent Bug Bites in Tunisia
Guard against bug bites by wearing appropriate clothing and applying repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. When bitten, clean the area, resist scratching, and relieve itching with over-the-counter solutions. In severe cases, promptly seek medical assistance.
Food and Water Safety in Tunisia
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travelers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Infections To Be Aware of in Tunisia
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected sand flies. It poses a significant health threat to humans and animals. Preventive measures include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying indoors during peak sand fly activity.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, a common tropical disease, is transmitted via contaminated water. Effective prevention includes staying away from infected water sources and using protective clothing.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Tunisia?
U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa for visits of up to 90 days. Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months past the intended date of departure.
Tunisia Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Tunisia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Tunisia and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Tunisia?
In the north, Tunisia’s climate is Mediterranean, with desert in the south. Summer in Tunisia is hot and dry, and winters tend to be rainy.
August is the hottest month and January is the coldest, with average temperatures reaching 80F and 53F respectively.
The Sahara can get extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 104F. Sandstorms and dust storms are common.
Is It Safe to Travel to Tunisia?
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
The U.S. government recommends that all travelers exercise a high degree of vigilance while traveling in Tunisia due to threats of terrorism and civil unrest. Visitors should avoid all travel in southeastern Tunisia, in western mountainous regions and along the borders with Algeria and Libya.
In particular, the State Department’s travel warning recommends travelers avoid: Jendouba south of Ain Drahem and west of RN15, Kef, and Kasserine, next to the Algerian border; Ben Guerdan and Medenine, next to the Libyan border; Gafsa and Sidi Bou Zid in central Tunisia. The desert south of Remada is designated as a military zone by the Government of Tunisia. If travelers wish to enter the military zone, special authorization is required.
Travelers should be aware of risks of petty crime and street crime and maintain vigilance while traveling. Terrorist attacks and kidnappings have increased, with tourist attractions, government buildings and public areas all being targets.
Public demonstrations and protests frequently end in violent encounters between police and protesters, and they should be avoided. Tunisia has been in a state of emergency since 2015, which gives military and security forces significant discretionary powers.
Visitors should consider being accompanied by a guide or let a guide plan their trip.
Public beaches around major cities are sometimes unsafe to swim in due to pollution. Travelers should exercise caution to ensure water is safe to swim in.
All travelers should be keenly aware of the risks, particularly the terrorism and civil unrest, present in Tunisia. All travelers should read the U.S. government’s travel warning for Tunisia.
Tunisian Rules and Laws
In Tunisia, it dress conservatively. Also note, consensual same-sex relations are criminalized in Tunisia.
- It is illegal to take pictures of government and security offices.
- Religious proselytizing is illegal, and Islam is the recognized state religion.
- You may be detained for questioning if you do not have your passport with you.
- It is illegal to import or export Tunisia currency.
Travelers should review Tunisia’s laws before traveling to the country.
What Should I Take to Tunisia?
Tunisia is a great location to visit, but does require you to pack some extra items:
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Travelers may experience diarrhea from water or food they are not used to. Consider bringing a travelers’ diarrhea kit.
- Light but modest clothing for hot temperatures, with warmer options for cool nights.
- Do not forget your passport! You may be detained for questioning if you do not have your passport with you.
U.S. Embassy to Tunisia
All Americans visiting Tunisia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Tunisia, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Tunis
North East Zone
Les Berges du Lac
1053 Tunis, Tunisia
Telephone: +(216) 71-107-000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 71-107-000
Email: tunisacs@state.gov
Visit the Embassy to Tunisia website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
If you have any questions about traveling to Tunisia or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Tunisia
“I got in to see a nurse to get vaccines for Tunisia within 24 hours, when another local clinic had a 2 week waiting list. Was in and out quickly and was treated great. Very knowledgeable and very informative.”
“The nurse was very knowledgeable and friendly! A co-worker and I were there for a trip to Tunisia and were in and out very quickly.”
“Informative, supportive and honest on my daughter’s upcoming trip to Tunisia. Having a teenager travel to a 3rd world country, our nurse helped ease my worries in addition to instruct my daughter on what to be careful of and still have fun and enjoy this once in a life time experience. She explained all the vaccinations highly suggested and assured me that one I was pushing for was not necessary due to her itinerary and cities to be traveled. I would highly recommend to anyone, especially a parent sending their child away on a trip that they would not be participating on.”
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
