Overview
Tunisia is a country in Africa according to topb2bwebsites. A diverse country that brings together the best of North Africa, Tunisia delights sunbathers, amateur historians and adventure seekers alike. Tunisia is widely known as the loosest place in Arabia: women have rights, alcohol is free, and state and religion are separate. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t experience the fascinating rhythms of the Islamic world up close here. Visitors can explore the coast and the Sahara and experience landscapes that seem to be off-planet, but the colonial cities are also worth visiting.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Tunisair (TU) and Lufthansa (LH) offer non-stop and direct flights from Frankfurt/M. and Munich to Tunis. Tunisair (TU) also flies non-stop from Dusseldorf, Vienna, Geneva and Zurich to Tunis, from Frankfurt/M. and Düsseldorf to Monastir as well as from Frankfurt/M., Düsseldorf, Geneva and Zurich to Djerba. Nouvelair (BJ) connects Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hanover and Frankfurt/M. non-stop with Tunis-Carthage and Monastir. Austrian Airlines (OS) flies in cooperation with Lufthansa (LH) from Vienna via Munich to Tunis and in cooperation with Tunisair (TU) via Nice and Lyon to Monastir. In cooperation with Tunisair (TU), Swiss (LX) connects Zurich with Tunis and Monastir via Nice. Edelweiss Air (WK) offers non-stop flights from Zurich to Djerba. EasyJet (U2) flies from Geneva to Hammamet.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Tunis: 2 hours 20 minutes; Vienna – Tunis: 2 hours 10 minutes; Zurich – Tunis: 2 hours 10 minutes; Geneva – Tunis: 2 hours 15 minutes; Frankfurt/M. – Monastir: 2h30; Frankfurt/M. – Djerba: 2 hours 50 minutes; Vienna – Djerba: 2 hrs 40 mins
Departure fee
An airport tax of approximately €10 (TND 30) is charged upon exiting the country on international flights. Tax stamps can be obtained at ports and airports, as well as at banks and exchange offices in Tunisia.
Arrival by car
Arriving by car from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to Tunis includes ferry connections from Genoa, La Spezia, Marseille or Naples. Early booking of the ferries is recommended, especially in summer. There are several border crossings from Algeria (Babouch, Tabarka, Ghardimaou, Bou Chebka, Sid Youssef and Hazoua); however, due to political unrest, these are often difficult or impossible for tourists to pass through. The border crossing from Libya to Tunisia is temporarily closed. Toll: Various motorway sections are subject to tolls. Payment is in cash or with a prepaid card. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient; it is nevertheless recommended
Arrival by train
There are daily train connections between Algiers and Tunis (journey time: 16-18 hours).
Arrival by ship
Cruise ships also dock at the ports of Tunis (La Goulette) and Sousse.
Cruise ships
Phoenix and Holland America Line offer cruises from European ports calling at Tunisia.
Ferry provider
There are regular ferry connections between Tunisia and Italy and France. La Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation (CTN) and Corsica Linea serve the route Marseille – Tunis (journey time: approx. 23 hours). Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) connect Genoa – Tunis (journey time: 24 hours) and Citavecchia – Tunis (journey time: 27 hours).
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Domestic flights are operated by Tunisair Express (UG). There are scheduled flights from Tunis to Sfax, Djerba, Tozeur, Gafsa, Tabarka, Gabes and Monastir, among others.
Traveling by car/bus
Tunisia’s north has a relatively dense road network. Tunis is connected by motorways with Sfax in the south (A1), Bizerte in the north (A2) and Oued Zarga in the west (A3). Toll: Some motorway sections are subject to tolls. The toll can be paid either in cash or with a prepaid card. Gas stations: The north of the country has a dense network of gas stations; in the south, available refueling opportunities should be used more often.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The roads in the north of the country are well built and maintained; however, flooding can occur in winter. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for the roads of the Sahara zone, near Chott-el-Djerid.
Road classification
The roads of Tunisia are marked with a letter and a number; Motorways with A, trunk roads with N, regional roads with R and local roads with L.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in all tourist areas. Mediation through most hotels is possible, but more expensive than booking directly with the rental company. In addition to the well-known international rental companies, which are also represented at all airports, there are also national ones, which are usually cheaper. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held their driver’s license for at least one year.
Taxi
Taxis are available at airports and in cities. At the airport, it is advisable to go to the yellow taxi rank and not to accept offers on the way there. In a taxi, you should insist that the taximeter be turned on. If you intend to agree on an all-inclusive price, it is helpful to inquire about the usual prices in advance at a counter at the airport. There are also shared taxis, so-called louages, which transport up to 5 passengers. They are white with red stripes and can be found at dedicated Louage stops. Louages have fixed prices per person. Important: the signs on the wagon do not indicate the destination; this is called out by the driver.
Bicycle
Bicycles and motorbikes can be hired in most major cities.
Coach
Regular inter-city bus services in Tunisia are operated by the Société Nationale du Transport Interurbain (SNTRI).
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰; Absolute ban on alcohol at the wheel. – Children up to the age of 10 must be carried in the back seat. – A second warning triangle, fire extinguisher and bandages must be carried. – Right before left in roundabouts. Maximum speeds: – in built-up areas: 30-50 km/h (observe the signs!); – on country roads 90 km/h; – on trunk roads and motorways: 110 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
In the event of a breakdown, the Garde Nationale (National Guard) will help free of charge – the nearest workshop is usually notified. The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. ADAC partner clubs in Tunis are the National Automobile Club de Tunisie (NACT), Tel. +216 (0 )71 24 11 76 and the Touring Club de Tunisie (TCT), tel. +216 (0)71 32 31 82.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient; nevertheless, it is recommended to also carry the international driver’s license with you. The international insurance card for motor transport must always be carried with you.
Note on travel by road
For safety reasons, it is forbidden to go to the Sahara without informing the National Guard post of the nearest city of the exact route, planned duration and final destination. Full provisions, enough water, an appropriately equipped, absolutely roadworthy vehicle and an experienced guide are necessary.
Traveling in the city
Tunis: The Société des transports de Tunis (Transtu) operates local public transport in the greater Tunis area. Means of transport are buses, several tram lines and the TGM, a local train that connects Tunis to La Marsa. Sousse: Taxis and shared taxis (Louages) are available in the city area. Taxis have meters and travelers should always be aware and insist that they be turned on.
Locally on the way by train
The Tunisian railway company SNCFT operates all long-distance trains and the suburban trains of the larger cities in Tunisia. There are train connections between the cities in the north of the country several times a day. There is a night train on the Tunis-Metlaoui route. Numerous Tunisian holiday resorts such as Hammamet, Nabeul, Sousse, Monastir and Gabès can also be reached directly by train. In the south of the country, the “Lezard Rouge” tourist train runs several times a day between Redeyef and Métlaoui, crossing the Selja Gorge, which is well worth seeing.
Traveling by ship
The country’s largest ports include La Goulette, Tunis, Biserta, Sousse, Sfax and Gabès. Ferries connect Sfax and the Kerkennah Islands several times a day (journey time: 1 hr 30 mins). During the day, several ferries commute between Djorf and the island of Djerba.