General

Located on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, Tunisia has miles of sparkling beaches, where you can wind surf in the cool breezes of the Mediterranean, explore ancient sites and legendary cities, have a game of golf or just spend a lazy day relaxing on the golden sands of its beaches, Tunisia has it all.

In addition to the mainland there is also the Isle of Djerba which is situated in the south-east of Tunisia on the Gulf of Gabes. An island of ten thousand palm trees, this Polynesia of the Mediterranean is surrounded by miles of fine sandy beaches and luxury hotels, ultra modern or built in the fashion of the traditional Djerbian "menzel”

Nightlife

For a more Traditional night out, head down to the Medina which is popular with visitors and Tunisians alike, many places in the Medina may be alcohol free (although it's not hard to find the local firewater, boukha) but with the music, coffee and the hookah-pipe cafés, few miss it. Unaccompanied women may attract unwanted attention.

If a more sophisiticated night out is what you fancy then head to Sidi Bou Said where you will find the older, well-heeled Tunisians and tourists alike sipping cocktails at Sidi Bou Said's white-washed boutique hotels, or relax at one of the jazz cafés with breathtaking views over the bay.

Cuisine

Tunisian meals are social events and the longer the better. A typical meal would begin with shorba frik- lamb soup with flavored with tomato paste, coriander, parsley and seasonings in which green spring wheat grains are slowly simmered, is served with slices of lemon. Brik, followed by Slata mechouia - grilled green peppers , tomatoes and garlic finely chopped .Spices and olive oil are added and the salad is garnished with tuna fish, hard eggs, olives and capers. Dinner will now begin. Assorted stews follow roasts of lamb, veal or fish, tajine - a rich, flavorsome omelet baked with chopped meat, vegetables and cheese. Fresh salad, fruits, pastries and custards, coffee and tea make the finale.

While most Tunisians like their food hot and spicy, restaurants and hotels prepare their menus considering the tastes of their visitors and serve harissa separately. This condiment is made of crushed dried red peppers, garlic and spices and adds a definite zest to any meal. It is a mainstay of many dishes and can be toned down by a touch of olive oil. Many menus are also printed with English, German and French translations of the dishes.

Passport/Visa information

Passports

Passport must be valid for six months after your return date. This is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Are not required by nationals referred to in the chart above 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. 1. nationals of Australia who do need a visa;
2. 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.

Note: Visas are not required by all nationals 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.

Visa Note

(a) All visitors must hold sufficient funds for the duration of stay. (b) 1. 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. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Short-stay: US$34.

Validity

Short-stay usually for stays of up to three months. For up-to-date lengths of stay, contact nearest consulate.

Applications to:

29 Prince’s Gate,
London,
SW7 1QG.
Tel: 020 7584 8117
Fax: 020 7225 2884

Working Days Required

Approximately three weeks, for both postal and personal applications

Currency

The unit of currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND), divided into 1,000 millimes. Travellers cheques are widely accepted. Banks and some hotels provide foreign exchange. ATMs are found in most towns and at all the tourist resorts; almost all will accept Visa cards and many will also accept Maestro (Switch) cards,Diners Club, American Express and MasterCard are accepted for payment in souvenir shops, upmarket hotels and restaurants, although Visa is the most commonly accepted for of card payment. Before leaving the country, all Tunisian currency must be exchanged.
1TND is roughly £0.45 dependant on the exchange rate.