Getting a Tunisian Passport: The Complete Guide

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining a passport is a crucial step for anyone wishing to travel abroad, and in Tunisia, this process can seem complex for the uninitiated.

This article aims to demystify the necessary procedures to help you obtain your Tunisian passport smoothly.

Whether you’re a Tunisian citizen living in the country or abroad, all steps will be explained in detail, from required documents to standard processing times.

Discover how to prepare effectively with our practical guide that simplifies every aspect of the administrative process and leads you toward a stress-free travel experience.

Tunisian Passport Application Process

Required Documents	Details
Application Form	To be completed and signed.
Birth Certificate	Less than 3 months old, mandatory for first-time applications and minors.
National ID Card	Copy and original, valid. For minors: birth certificate and guardian’s ID card.
Proof of Address	Utility bill, rent receipt, home insurance certificate, etc.
ID Photos	4 recent photos (less than 6 months old), 3.5 x 4.5 cm format, white background, neutral expression, no glasses.
Proof of Enrollment	For students.
Fiscal Stamp	Amount varies by age and situation (see below).
Previous Passport	For renewals.
Loss/Theft Declaration	If applicable, for duplicates.
Legal Guardian’s ID	For minors, with signed and notarized parental authorization.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent:

• Adults (18 and older): Can submit their application themselves.
• Minors: Application submitted by legal guardian, with parental authorization and presence of a parent or legal representative on submission day.

Age/Situation	Specific Procedure
Adult (≥18 years)	Independent application
Minor (<18 years)	Application by legal guardian with parental authorization

Cost and Formalities for Obtaining a Tunisian Passport

Tunisian Passport Cost

Category	Price in Tunisia (TND)	Price Abroad (e.g., France, in €)
Adult	80	50 € (approx. 168 TND)
Student, pupil, child	25	25 €

Tunisian Passport Processing Times and Practical Tips

Steps in the Tunisian Passport Application Process:

• Preparation of required documents:
  • Completed and signed application form.
  • Copy of national ID card (original to be presented) or birth certificate for minors.
  • 4 recent ID photos (white background, 3.5 x 4.5 cm format).
  • Proof of enrollment for students/pupils.
  • Old passport for renewals (or loss/theft declaration if applicable).
  • Payment of fiscal stamp (amount varies by situation).
• Submission of application to the territorially competent police station or national guard. For Tunisians residing abroad, application is made at the consulate.
• Biometric data capture (physical presence mandatory).
• Application tracking: A submission receipt is provided. Status can be tracked online via the dedicated platform (gradually implemented with biometric passport).
• Passport collection: Present receipt and old passport during collection.

Standard Processing Times (2025):

Application Type	Processing Time (in Tunisia)	Processing Time (Abroad/Consulate)
First-time application	~15 business days	3 to 4 weeks
Renewal	~15 business days	3 to 4 weeks
Biometric passport*	Several weeks (estimated)	To be determined (launching in 2025)

*The biometric passport, currently being rolled out, will initially be reserved for priority categories and will require the biometric ID card. Processing times may be slightly longer during the launch phase.

Options to Expedite the Process and Additional Costs:

• Express procedure: Currently, there is no generalized express procedure for ordinary Tunisian passports. Expedited procedures may be considered with the introduction of the biometric passport, but will be limited to certain priority categories (frequent travelers, medical/professional emergencies).
• Additional costs:
  • Ordinary passport: 80 dinars (25 dinars for pupils, students, children)

Benefits of Owning a Tunisian Passport

Tunisian Passport Advantages

• Facilitated international access
  The Tunisian passport allows travel to 71 countries and territories without a visa or with visa on arrival. This includes many African countries (1-3 month stays), Asian destinations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, as well as Latin American countries such as Brazil and Ecuador. Several Caribbean islands are also among the destinations accessible without complex formalities.
• Ranking and international recognition
  The Tunisian passport ranks 74th worldwide for travel freedom, first in the Maghreb, seventh in the Arab world, and eighth in Africa. This ranking results from diplomatic efforts and bilateral agreements facilitating mobility for Tunisian citizens.
• Simplified administrative procedures
  In visa-free countries, Tunisian passport holders benefit from simplified entry procedures, avoiding long waits and tedious administrative processes.
• Economic and educational opportunities
  Ease of travel facilitates participation in international conferences, university exchange programs, and business fairs, enabling Tunisians to seize economic and educational opportunities abroad.
• Biometric passport
  Tunisia is gradually introducing the biometric passport (10-year validity for adults), ensuring enhanced security and increased international recognition, in compliance with ICAO standards.

Statistics and Example Destinations	Details
Number of countries accessible without visa or with visa on arrival	71
World ranking	74th out of 110
Example visa-free destinations	Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Brazil, Ecuador, Seychelles, Morocco, Turkey, Jordan
Countries with visa on arrival	Kenya, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Typical stay duration	1 to 3 months depending on country

Additional Considerations

• Ongoing diplomatic efforts to expand the number of accessible countries.
• Biometric passport: Streamlined controls, reduced risk of border refusal.
• Attention to passport validity: Many countries require minimum validity (typically 3-6 months beyond entry date).

Popular Destinations Accessible Without Visa or With Visa on Arrival:

• Africa: Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Seychelles
• Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines
• Americas: Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia
• Middle East: Turkey, Jordan

Key takeaway: The Tunisian passport offers real freedom of movement, facilitates travel procedures, and provides access to numerous international opportunities, whether for tourism, business, or studies.