Summary:

On Thursday, 23 May 2024, Tunisia adopted new measures for European tourists visiting the country drawing criticism from the hospitality industry. The measures include requiring official passports instead of identity cards to enter Tunisia starting from 1 January 2025. 

The government also announced a new tourist tax of 12 dinars per night during the first fifteen days in four- and five-stars hotels. Tourists from other North African countries will be exempt from this new tax.  

Recent reports pointed to worries from travel agencies and hotels about the potential effects these measures could have. This recent surge of concern echoes the frustrations voiced when these measures were first announced in 2023 forcing the State to postpone their application to 2025. 

Outlook: 

The Tunisian government is looking to benefit from the tourism sector’s recovery as it is expecting 10 million tourists by the end of 2024. Raising the tourist tax slightly would mean gaining more foreign currency without discouraging tourists from visiting the country. 

Requiring passports from European tourists is likely intended to harmonize entry conditions for all incoming tourists as this announcement came simultaneously with the decision to provide visa waivers for Iranian and Iraqi tourists.  

These measures could also be seen as a tit-for-tat exchange of diplomatic blows with Western partners. Tunisia has sought to balance its relations with Europe by broadening its partnerships with Eastern powers. Meanwhile, Tunisians are persistently discontent with European visa requirements which may be prompting some backlash from the Tunisian authorities.

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.