Tunisia entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Malta passport holders can enter Tunisia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy applies to tourism and short business visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full period you plan to stay in Tunisia. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within 3 months of your departure date, carry a printed copy of your flight itinerary to show the officer. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tunisia | Immigration officers at Tunis-Carthage Airport ask for a return or onward ticket on arrival. Budget airlines like Tunisair and Nouvelair enforce this strictly at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number works. I have been asked for this twice at Tunis Airport. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration can ask for proof of funds, though they rarely do for short visits. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 TND (around €150) for a week-long trip. I have never been asked, but a friend was once pulled aside for this. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Tunisia, not from when you leave. Double-check before you fly.
No extension available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a proper visa/residence permit before your 90 days expire.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tunis-Carthage Airport (or other entry point)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' (Passeport). There are separate queues for Tunisian nationals and foreigners. Join the 'Foreigners' line. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your passport to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity, stamp the entry, and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer briefly and honestly. No visa is needed, so no additional paperwork.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Customs is usually green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare). Most tourists walk straight through the green channel.
Download Tunisia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD equivalent
Apply at Tunisian embassy in Malta. Allows single entry for up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD equivalent
For frequent travellers. Requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Tunisian Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD application fee
For retirees over 55 with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local bank account. Allows long-term residence.
work visa
Tunisian Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD
For those with a job offer from a Tunisian employer. Requires work contract and employer sponsorship. Leads to residency.
student visa
Tunisian Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD
For enrolled students at a Tunisian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies if you exceed the 90-day stay. Maximum cap may apply. | ~10 TND (~$3 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Tunisia
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders transiting through Tunisia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsTunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) · Monastir Habib Bourguiba Airport (MIR) · Djerba-Zarzis Airport (DJE)
Health & vaccines for Tunisia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Risk is low but present in some areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to street food and tap water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most areas, but prophylaxis may be considered for rural travel in the south.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tunis
Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Tunis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Sousse
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Rue de la Liberté, Sousse
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the Sousse region. Expect queues.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalTunis
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyTunisian dinar (TND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.9 TND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin).
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is chlorinated but not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Maltese citizens can enter Tunisia visa-free for up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business meetings, and short visits.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a residence permit from the Tunisian authorities before your 90 days expire.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Tunisian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Having a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready (on your phone or printed) avoids problems.
The visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits. Remote work is a grey area — technically you're not supposed to work for a foreign employer while on a tourist visa. Many digital nomads do it, but it's not officially permitted.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Tunisia. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.