Starting January 1, 2025, Tunisia will introduce a new requirement for travelers entering its territory: a valid passport will now be mandatory.
This measure ends a previous leniency allowing the use of a national identity card for organized group travel. Tunisian authorities have clarified that this change aims to standardize entry controls while simplifying administrative procedures.
However, this new rule might impact tourist numbers, especially among French visitors, who make up a significant portion of Tunisia’s tourism. With a record of 9.5 million visitors in 2024, this change comes at a time of recovery for the tourism sector post-pandemic.
Tunisia: End of National Identity Card Tolerance
Until the end of 2024, Tunisia still allows entry with a national identity card for French nationals participating in group-organized travel, contingent on presenting a travel booklet provided by a travel agency. However, from January 1, 2025, only a passport will be accepted for crossing Tunisian borders. This passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of entry.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already warned that this leniency was not always uniformly applied, exposing some travelers to entry denials. Consequently, travel agencies fear this new formality might deter tourists, especially when competing destinations maintain more flexible access conditions.
A Measure in a Favorable Tourism Context
Despite this administrative shift, Tunisia continues to attract international tourists strongly. In 2024, the country saw over 9.5 million visitors, surpassing the record numbers of 2019. The French market, in particular, remains dynamic with a 4.6% increase in tourist numbers this year, despite a 10% summer decline.
This performance is largely due to competitive pricing that makes Tunisia especially appealing in an inflationary economic environment. Indeed, for the end-of-year holidays in 2024, Tunisia ranked among the top four destinations for French tourists, according to travel agencies.
Practical Advice for Travelers
To avoid any inconvenience, travelers planning to visit Tunisia after January 1, 2025, should ensure their passport is valid and meets the requirements. Here are some practical tips:
- Anticipate Administrative Procedures: If your passport is nearing its expiration date, consider renewing it to avoid entry refusal.
- Consult Your Travel Agency: Agencies are already informing clients about these new rules to prevent misunderstandings.
- Check Official Information: The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website provides details on entry conditions and travel advice.
Note that for stays of less than three months, French nationals do not need a visa.
