From 1 January 2025, French nationals travelling to Tunisia are required to present a valid passport, with at least three months’ validity remaining after the date of entry. A national identity card alone is no longer accepted, including for package holidays. No visa is required for stays of less than three months.
Passport now mandatory: what changed on 1 January 2025
Until 31 December 2024, French nationals could enter Tunisia using only their national identity card alongside a travel document, provided they were travelling as part of an organised trip. This bilateral arrangement came to an end on 1 January 2025.
From that date, only a valid passport is accepted at Tunisian borders, regardless of the nature of your trip: tourism, family visits or business travel. The rule applies to both flights and sea crossings (ferries from Marseille or Genoa, for example).
How long must my passport be valid for Tunisia?
Your passport must remain valid for at least three months after your date of entry into Tunisia, according to information published by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. In practice: if you arrive on 15 July 2025, your passport must not expire before 15 October 2025.
This is a common source of confusion: it is not enough for your passport to be valid on the day of departure or return. The validity must cover the three months following your entry into the country.
Renewing your passport in time: plan ahead
Processing times vary depending on your local authority and the time of year. During peak periods (before the summer holidays or the Christmas break), wait times can stretch by several weeks. If your passport is due to expire in the coming months, do not delay. Start the renewal process at your local town hall or through the French government’s online service.
Get my travel insuranceVisa and length of stay: the rules for French nationals
French nationals benefit from visa-free entry for any stay in Tunisia not exceeding three months (90 days). This rule remains unchanged in 2025.
For stays longer than three months, a visa and a residence permit issued by the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior are required. If you are planning an extended stay (relocation, work or studies), contact the Tunisian Consulate in France to find out the procedure that applies to your situation.
Special cases to be aware of before you travel
Minor children: individual passports required
Every minor child must hold their own valid passport, with at least three months’ validity remaining after the date of arrival. A child cannot travel on a parent’s passport.
Franco-Tunisian dual nationals: specific rules
Dual nationals must present a valid Tunisian passport when entering and leaving Tunisian territory. A valid French travel document is also required at the point of departure from France. If you are unsure about your situation, contact the French Consulate General in Tunis or the Tunisian Consulate in France.
One additional point to note: a parent without Tunisian nationality travelling with a minor child who holds Tunisian nationality must obtain an exit authorisation from the Tunisian parent, issued by the consular services or local Tunisian municipalities.
Expired identity cards: beware of refusals
French national identity cards issued between 2004 and 2013 benefit from an automatic five-year extension beyond their expiry date. However, airlines and ferry operators may refuse these documents. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends travelling with a valid passport to avoid any problems at departure or on arrival.
2025 entry requirements checklist before travelling to Tunisia
Before you leave, run through each point on this list:
- Passport valid for at least 3 months after your planned date of entry
- Individual passport for each minor child (same validity requirement)
- Digital copy of your passport stored securely (on your phone or in secure cloud storage)
- Registration on Ariane to receive alerts from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Check the latest travel advice for Tunisia on France Diplomatie before departure
- Travel insurance taken out, covering medical expenses and repatriation
On that last point, unexpected medical costs abroad can quickly run to significant sums. To understand what travel insurance actually covers and cut through the common misconceptions, this article on travel insurance offers practical, straight-talking guidance.
If you are looking to explore other destinations for 2025, the major travel trends of the year may help you narrow down your plans.
FAQ
Can French nationals enter Tunisia with an identity card?
No, not since 1 January 2025. A national identity card is no longer accepted on its own as an entry document, even for an organised holiday. Only a valid passport is recognised at Tunisian borders.
How long must my passport be valid to travel to Tunisia?
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your date of entry into Tunisia, in line with the official requirements of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, for an arrival on 1 August 2025, your passport must not expire before 1 November 2025.
Do French nationals need a visa to travel to Tunisia?
No. French nationals are exempt from visa requirements for any stay of up to three months (90 days). For longer stays, a visa and a residence permit are required, obtained from the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior.
Does my child need their own passport to travel to Tunisia?
Yes. Every minor child must hold their own valid passport, with at least three months’ validity remaining after the date of arrival. A child cannot be listed on a parent’s passport.
What happens if you arrive in Tunisia without a valid passport?
You will be refused entry. Since 1 January 2025, no exceptions are made, including for package holidays or transit passengers. Airlines and ferry operators may also refuse boarding if the document presented does not meet requirements.
Why has Tunisia made passports mandatory?
This change reflects the Tunisian authorities’ intention to align their border procedures with international standards and strengthen entry controls. The previous Franco-Tunisian arrangement permitting entry on a national identity card was a bilateral exception that is no longer in force.
