Packing list for Tunisia, travel insurance for Tunisia and packing your belongings

What to take to Tunisia: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and money: a passport valid for at least another 6 months. Many European travelers do not require a visa for a tourist stay, but check the rules for your nationality in advance. The local currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND). Officially, you are not allowed to import or export this currency, so you can only exchange money once you are in Tunisia. Therefore, bring euros or US dollars. Keep your exchange receipts, when you wish to exchange dinars back upon departure.
• Clothing: Tunisia features major geographical and climatic contrasts. Pack your bag for both Mediterranean beach holiday vibes in the north and for rugged, dry, and dusty outdoor conditions as soon as you travel south towards the Sahara. In general, light clothing is practical for the warm summers, with a warm sweater and windproof jacket for the mountains or in winter. Outside of the seaside resorts and in traditional villages, covered shoulders and knees are highly appreciated. In mosques and at holy sites, this is even mandatory.
• Shoes: comfortable sandals or flip-flops for cities and beaches. Good hiking boots/trail shoes are useful if you visit the Sahara, mountainous areas, or archaeological sites such as Dougga.
• Packing and protection: a daypack and a rain cover. In summer, it is mainly about protection against sun and dust; in winter, heavy rain showers can occur.
• Insects and animals: mosquito repellent is pleasant for coastal areas and oases, especially during the warmer months.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a first-aid kit with plasters, ORS, painkillers, and something for stomach and intestinal complaints.
• Outdoors and handy items: sunglasses, reusable water bottle, cap or hat. In the Sahara, a light scarf or buff to protect against sun and blowing sand.
• Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type C and E sockets. 
• Personal care and hygiene: sunscreen with a high protection factor and lip balm.

To consider

• Water shoes for rocky beaches outside the resorts.
• Snorkel set for the Mediterranean coast.
• An international driving license if you want to rent a car.
• Power bank for long drives or desert visits.

Are there mosquitoes in Tunisia?

• Yes, mosquitoes are mainly found along the Mediterranean coast, near lakes, oases, and irrigation areas. They are most active in the summer and early autumn.
• For most travelers, mosquitoes are mainly an annoyance. Mosquito-borne tropical diseases hardly play a role for tourists in Tunisia.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Tunisia?

• Sandflies are found in various parts of Tunisia, including rural areas, oases, and parts of the desert.
• They are mainly active around sunset and at night.
• In addition to annoying itching, sandflies can transmit leishmaniasis in some parts (central and southern) of Tunisia, although the risk is small for most travelers. An insect repellent containing DEET or picaridine and protective clothing offer good protection.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other insect repellents, in Tunisia?

• Yes, DEET and other insect repellents can be found at pharmacies, drugstores, and larger supermarkets.
• If you are going to remote desert areas, it is advisable to bring enough with you in advance.
• See also DEET insect repellents and the percentages.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Tunisia, or bring it to Tunisia?

• No. Tunisia has some of the strictest anti-drug laws in North Africa. Cannabis is illegal and there is absolute zero tolerance.
• The police conduct strict checks, using undercover agents, and there are heavy penalties for possession, use, and importation, even for small quantities.