Tunisia entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
New Zealand passport holders can enter Tunisia visa-free for stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making travel straightforward for tourism or business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Tunisia | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after your planned exit from Tunisia. Airlines at Auckland and Christchurch check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tunisia | Immigration officers at Tunis-Carthage Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for an address in Tunisia — having a booking reference avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to around 300 TND (approx. 150 NZD) per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, a quick screen grab of your banking app works. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Tunisia. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew before you travel.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance on your phone. You won't always need them, but having them ready avoids stress at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport is valid for 6+ months from entry. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save digital copies (screenshots or emails) on your phone. Consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Arrive at Tunis-Carthage Airport (or other entry point)
Most travellers fly into Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's usually a straightforward queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
3
Present your passport at immigration
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity, stamp your passport, and may ask about your stay duration and accommodation. Answer clearly. No visa fee is charged.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Tunisia. Keep your passport handy for hotel check-in.
Download Tunisia Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 abroad; not needed for visa-free entry but allows longer stay if pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$60 USD equivalent
Useful for frequent travellers; must apply at embassy before travel.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and approval from Tunisian authorities.
retirement visa
Tunisian Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD application fee
For retirees over 55 with proof of sufficient pension or income (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Allows long-term residence but not work.
work visa
Tunisian Work Visa (Autorisation de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD
Requires a job offer from a Tunisian employer and government approval. Allows legal employment and residence.
student visa
Tunisian Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD
For enrollment in a recognized Tunisian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the airport upon departure; no official maximum cap published. | ~10 TND (~$3.20 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Tunisia do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours if they remain airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, you must enter visa-free (up to 90 days) or obtain a visa.
Transit hubsTunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) · Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR) · Djerba–Zarzis International 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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, West Nile)Low risk
Risk is low for tourists, but use repellent in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and street food; stick to bottled water and well-cooked meals.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High summer temperatures can cause dehydration; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Tunisia; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 matters; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Sousse
Commissariat Régional de la Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Rue de la Liberté, Sousse
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the Sousse region; expect queues.
Practical information for NZ 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, you don't need a visa. You can enter Tunisia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
You can stay up to 90 days. This is a single entry — if you leave and come back, you'll get a new 90-day period. Overstaying can result in fines or entry bans, so keep track of your dates.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a visa or residence permit from a Tunisian embassy before your 90 days expire. Overstaying is not recommended.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and sometimes proof of accommodation. Have them ready — the officer may ask. No visa fee is charged.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Tunisia can be high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance covers that and trip cancellations or lost luggage.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Tunisian immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6 months is counted from your entry date, not your departure.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it. If you're planning to leave by land or sea, have a ticket or reservation showing your exit. A one-way ticket alone will likely get you refused.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.