Safety in Tunisia: Tips for a Smooth Expatriation

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Relocating to Tunisia, a country rich in history and culture, offers a rewarding experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in an authentic Mediterranean setting. However, to fully enjoy this adventure, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with safety aspects that will ensure a smooth transition.

This guide explores various practical tips, from understanding local security protocols to the importance of integrating into the community, to ensure a secure and enriching daily life while appreciating Tunisia’s beauty and unique characteristics.

Is Tunisia a Safe Destination for Expatriates?

Tunisia’s current political situation is characterized by strengthened presidential control and reduced democratic freedoms, particularly since the 2021 “constitutional power grab.” President Kaïs Saïed governs primarily through decrees, which has weakened social dialogue and led to the arrest of opponents, journalists, and activists. Attacks on unions and civil society reflect a tense political climate where public safety is presented as a priority, but at the cost of weakened institutional checks and balances.

Impact on Security:

• The government heavily invests in security, with an increased budget and expanded police forces. This policy aims to reassure the population and strengthen stability, but it comes with repression of dissenting voices and an intimidating climate for certain groups, particularly migrants and opponents.

Geographic Areas Considered Safer by Expatriates:

Area	General Safety Assessment
Tunis (northern neighborhoods, La Marsa, Carthage, Les Berges du Lac)	Considered safe, expatriate presence, modern infrastructure
Sousse, Hammamet, Djerba	Tourist areas with enhanced security
Border areas (Libya, Algeria, southern desert)	Considered high-risk, to avoid except for absolute necessity

General Crime Rate and Common Crime Types:

• Tunisia’s crime rate is generally moderate compared to some neighboring countries, but certain forms of urban crime persist:
• Pickpocketing and burglaries in major cities and tourist areas.
• Scams and fraud sometimes targeting foreigners.
• Organized crime in certain regions, particularly related to drug trafficking or smuggling.
• Terrorism: the threat persists, especially during major events or in crowded public places.

Expatriates’ Perceptions Regarding Personal Safety:

The majority of expatriates living in residential neighborhoods of Tunis or in coastal resorts report feeling safe in their daily lives, provided they follow basic safety rules.

Testimonials indicate quick adaptation, particularly thanks to local friendliness, but some mention increased vigilance when using public transportation or in less frequented areas, especially at night.

Safety Advice Issued by Foreign Governments:

• Avoid public gatherings and political demonstrations.
• Stay away from border areas and isolated desert regions.
• Remain vigilant in public places, tourist sites, and during religious holidays or sporting events.
• Pay attention to developments in the political and security situation, and regularly consult travel advisories.
• Authorities recommend informing their embassy of their presence and registering with consular records.

Expatriate Testimonials or Experience Reports:

“We’ve been living in La Marsa for two years with two children. The neighborhood is quiet, there’s a real international community, and we feel safe. We simply avoid going out late in less familiar neighborhoods.”

“I was a victim of pickpocketing in downtown Tunis. The police were responsive, but I learned to be extra vigilant, especially in markets and on public transportation.”

Available Security Resources:

Local Police Services:

• Present in all major cities and tourist areas, reachable via 197 (national police) or 193 (national guard).
• Dedicated police stations in expatriate neighborhoods and major tourist sites.

Embassies and Consulates:

• Provide assistance in case of incidents, security advice, and support for administrative or legal procedures.
• Sometimes organize information sessions and mutual aid networks for expatriates.

Other Resources:

• Expatriate platforms and groups on social media, regularly sharing practical tips and local alerts.
• Access to private security companies for businesses or high-end residences.

Summary of Practical Tips for Expatriates:

• Stay regularly informed through embassies and government websites.
• Prefer neighborhoods with high expatriate presence or known for their safety.
• Exercise caution during travel, especially at night.
• Maintain a discreet attitude and avoid outward displays of wealth.
• Report any incident to the police and relevant embassy.

Key Takeaway:
Tunisia offers a relatively stable environment for expatriates in urban and tourist areas, but the political situation remains fragile and certain security risks persist, particularly related to urban crime and terrorism. Caution and regular information are essential to ensure personal safety.

Best Tips to Ensure Your Safety in Tunisia

Main Tips to Ensure Your Safety in Tunisia:

Prefer Safe Areas for Living and Moving Around:

• Choose neighborhoods known for their safety, particularly in major cities like Tunis, Hammamet, or Djerba.
• Avoid border regions with Libya and Algeria, as well as isolated desert or mountainous areas in the central-west.
• Prefer tourist areas, where security is enhanced and police presence increased.

Travel and Public Transportation:

• Remain vigilant on public transportation (buses, subways, trains) and avoid traveling at night, especially outside major urban areas.
• Prefer official taxis or private minivans for urban or intercity travel.
• Always keep personal belongings under surveillance, particularly in crowded places (medinas, markets, stations).

Stay Informed About Local Security:

• Regularly consult embassy and consulate websites for security alerts and updated recommendations.
• Follow local media to stay informed about potential incidents, demonstrations, or curfews.
• Register on platforms like Ariane to receive alerts in case of crisis.

Secure Your Home:

• Install a reliable alarm system and quality locks.
• Equip doors and windows with additional locks.
• Ask a neighbor or caretaker to watch the home during extended absences.
• Prefer housing in a secure residence or building with a caretaker.

Respect Local Laws and Customs:

• Maintain discreet behavior and avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.
• Respect local customs, particularly regarding dress, especially in rural or traditional areas.
• Avoid any reprehensible behavior: homosexuality and adultery are illegal and severely punished.
• Always carry identification documents and comply with law enforcement instructions during checks.

Emergency Contacts and Precautions:

Emergency Type	Contact Number	Additional Recommendations
Police	197	Keep this number saved in your phone
Ambulance	190	Know the exact address of the intervention site
Fire Department	198	In case of fire or various rescues
Embassy/Consulate	According to nationality	Note the number and address

Additional Tips:

• Purchase travel insurance including assistance and repatriation.
• Inform a relative of your travels outside tourist areas.
• Avoid gatherings and demonstrations that can quickly escalate.
• Report any suspicious behavior to authorities.

Ensure you remain vigilant and follow official recommendations for a peaceful stay.

Enhancing Peace of Mind During Your Tunisian Expatriation

Enhancing peace of mind during your Tunisian expatriation requires thorough preparation and gradual integration into the new environment.

Key Strategies for Smooth Adaptation:

Choosing Your Residential Neighborhood

• Prefer residential neighborhoods known for their safety and friendliness: Carthage, La Marsa, Sidi Bou Saïd, El Menzah, Mutuelleville, Le Belvédère, Gammarth.
• Avoid sensitive neighborhoods like Cité Ettadhamen, known for delinquency and security issues.
• Consider proximity to schools, shops, and transportation.
• Research recent developments and the state of local infrastructure.
• Verify rental contracts and prefer recognized agencies to avoid scams.

Neighborhood	Safety	Access to Schools/Shops	Expat Life	Indicative Price
Carthage	High	Very Good	Strong	High
La Marsa	High	Very Good	Strong	High
Sidi Bou Saïd	High	Good	Strong	High
El Menzah	High	Very Good	Strong	Medium
Gammarth	High	Good	Strong	Medium/High
Cité Ettadhamen	Low	Medium	Weak	Low

Integrating into the Local Community

• Participate in community activities: local events, cultural workshops, sports clubs, neighborhood associations.
• Interact with neighbors to create a trust network and obtain daily practical advice.
• Respect local habits (schedules, customs, lifestyle) to facilitate interactions and avoid misunderstandings.

Familiarizing Yourself with Tunisian Laws and Customs

• Research local laws, particularly those related to security, traffic, drug consumption (zero tolerance), and public life.
• Adopt appropriate attire according to visited locations, especially when visiting La Medina or popular neighborhoods.
• Respect religious and social traditions, for example during Ramadan: avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daytime.

Subscribing to Health Insurance and Repatriation Assistance

• Opt for international health insurance covering care in Tunisia and repatriation in case of serious problems.
• Verify coverage of medical expenses, evacuations, and specialized consultations.

Utilizing Expatriate Resources

• Join expatriate associations like UFE, which offer advice, meetings, and administrative support.
• Use online forums dedicated to Tunisia to ask questions, share experiences, and get recommendations about daily life, housing, schooling, etc.
• Consult local media to stay informed about developments and safety instructions.

List of Useful Resources for Expatriates in Tunisia:

• Expatriate associations (UFE, Femmes Expat, etc.)
• Online forums (Expat.com, dedicated Facebook groups)
• Embassies and consulates (official advice and assistance)
• Local media (radio Mosaïque FM, national TV)

Proper preparation and information before and during your expatriation in Tunisia helps reduce sources of anxiety and ensures a peaceful, enriching, and secure experience.

Practical Tips to Enhance Peace of Mind:

• Remain vigilant in public places and avoid displaying outward signs of wealth.
• Keep documents and valuables secure.
• Take official taxis or recognized apps, especially at night.
• Request receipts for all payments and verify contracts.
• Stay informed about safety instructions and local news.

Rigorous preparation, openness to local culture, and utilizing support networks guarantee a more peaceful and fulfilling expatriation in Tunisia.