Travel Vaccines and Advice for Tunisia
Tunisia is a small North African country known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning coasts. It’s also a good location for travellers who want to experience the Sahara Desert.
Tunisia is home to many impressive archaeological sites, including the city of Carthage.
Today, Tunisia is the perfect destination for travellers who love seafood, and is also known as one of the most liberal Arab countries.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Tunisia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Tunisia
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Tunisia?
What Is the Climate Like in Tunisia?
Is It Safe to Travel to Tunisia?
Tunisian Rules and Laws
What Should I Take to Tunisia?
Canadian Embassy in Tunisia
Do I Need Vaccines for Tunisia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Tunisia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tunisia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Tunisia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Tunisia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and consider vaccination when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Be sure to protect yourself from hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection caused by HAV, through vaccination. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Along with vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding undercooked shellfish are essential for prevention.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the infection, offering long-term protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the PHAC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Tunisia
Prevent Bug Bites in Tunisia
Guard against bug bites by wearing appropriate clothing and applying repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. When bitten, clean the area, resist scratching, and relieve itching with over-the-counter solutions. In severe cases, promptly seek medical assistance.
Food and Water Safety in Tunisia
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travellers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Infections To Be Aware of in Tunisia
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected sand flies. It poses a significant health threat to humans and animals. Preventive measures include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying indoors during peak sand fly activity.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, a common tropical disease, is transmitted via contaminated water. Effective prevention includes staying away from infected water sources and using protective clothing.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Tunisia?
Canadians must possess a passport which is valid for at least 3 months beyond the expected date of departure to enter the country. A visa is not required for all business and tourism visits less than 90 days. If you intend to stay longer you must contact the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in Ottawa to find out what steps you must take to obtain either a permit or visa.
Tunisia Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Tunisia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Tunisia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Tunisia?
In the north, Tunisia’s climate is Mediterranean, with desert in the south. Summer in Tunisia is hot and dry, and winters tend to be rainy.
August is the hottest month and January is the coldest, with average temperatures reaching 25C and 10C respectively.
The Sahara can get extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 40C. Sandstorms and dust storms are common.
Is It Safe to Travel to Tunisia?
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
The Canadian government recommends that all travellers exercise a high degree of vigilance while travelling in Tunisia due to threats of terrorism and civil unrest. Visitors should avoid all travel in southeastern Tunisia, in western mountainous regions and along the borders with Algeria and Libya.
In particular, the State Department’s travel warning recommends travellers avoid: Jendouba south of Ain Drahem and west of RN15, Kef, and Kasserine, next to the Algerian border; Ben Guerdan and Medenine, next to the Libyan border; Gafsa and Sidi Bou Zid in central Tunisia. The desert south of Remada is designated as a military zone by the Government of Tunisia. If travellers wish to enter the military zone, special authorization is required.
Travellers should be aware of risks of petty crime and street crime and maintain vigilance while travelling. Terrorist attacks and kidnappings have increased, with tourist attractions, government buildings and public areas all being targets.
Public demonstrations and protests frequently end in violent encounters between police and protesters, and they should be avoided. Tunisia has been in a state of emergency since 2015, which gives military and security forces significant discretionary powers.
Visitors should consider being accompanied by a guide or let a guide plan their trip.
Public beaches around major cities are sometimes unsafe to swim in due to pollution. Travellers should exercise caution to ensure water is safe to swim in.
All travellers should be keenly aware of the risks, particularly the terrorism and civil unrest, present in Tunisia. All travellers should read the Canadian government’s travel warning for Tunisia.
Tunisian Rules and Laws
In Tunisia, it dress conservatively. Also note, consensual same-sex relations are criminalized in Tunisia.
- It is illegal to take pictures of government and security offices.
- Religious proselytizing is illegal, and Islam is the recognized state religion.
- You may be detained for questioning if you do not have your passport with you.
- It is illegal to import or export Tunisia currency.
Travellers should review Tunisia’s laws before travelling to the country.
What Should I Take to Tunisia?
Tunisia is a great location to visit, but does require you to pack some extra items:
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Travellers may experience diarrhea from water or food they are not used to. Consider bringing a travellers’ diarrhea kit.
- Light but modest clothing for hot temperatures, with warmer options for cool nights.
- Do not forget your passport! You may be detained for questioning if you do not have your passport with you.
Canadian Embassy to Tunisia
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Tunisia, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy in Tunisia
Lot 24, rue de la Feuille d’Érable,
Cité des Pins,
Tunis, Tunisia
Telephone: +216 70 010 200
If you have any questions about travelling to Tunisia or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Tunisia
“Nurse was very personable and nice; was also very knowledgeable and presented everything clearly and concisely for our trip to Tunisia.”
“The nurse was efficient, knowledgeable, interested in me, personable.”
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