Country Guide: Tunisia
Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.
Updated: May 22, 2017
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory of all appliances (not valued)
- Original residence permit (duly approved by the Ministry of Interior)
- Original work permit (duly approved by the Ministry of Employment)
- Original ID card, if applicable (for returning citizens, both spouses for married status)
- Letter of accreditation (diplomats)
- Packing list in French (diplomats)
- Diplomatic franchise / exemption (diplomats)
- Authorizations issued by the Ministry of Tourism, allowing the customer to have a secondary residence (secondary residences)
- Proof of purchase by the appropriate government office (secondary residences)
- Sales Contract of secondary residence (secondary residences)
Specific Information
- The owner of the goods must have the work permit, residence card, and proof of ownership, or pay estimated taxes of 40% to 60% of total value of goods.
- An advance copy of the original bill of lading must be sent to the destination agent with name matching the passport exactly.
- For non – citizens employed in Tunisia, all items previously imported must be exported upon departure.
- All shipments are subject to an inspection at the point of entry (POE), except diplomatic shipments.
- The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance, except diplomats.
- For non – citizens entering Tunisia via employment contract, the original work permit is required for Customs clearance; if not available, additional port storage and container demurrage charges will be charged.
- If the owner of the goods is unable to provide a residence permit at clearance, a temporary importation of his personal effects may be applied for 12 months by means of establishing a bank deposit.
- The deposit will be cancelled within the allowed period of time upon presentation of required residence permit / work permit (non – citizens on employment contracts with duty-free entry).
- The owner of the goods should be present in Tunisia at least 2-3 weeks prior to the shipment’s arrival to be accredited by the Tunisian Government and present the diplomatic franchise / exemption, which must be approved by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Customs Administration.
- It takes approximately 1 month to be duly approved by both agencies (diplomats).
- The packing list should be faxed to the destination agent in advance of importation with a copy of the original bill of lading in order to avoid delays (diplomats).
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Owner of the goods’ passport
- Original bill of lading
- Original registration / insurance certificates (in owner of the goods’ name)
Specific Information
- The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance.
- Vehicles are subject to inspection; report must show the engine number and type of vehicle.
- The vehicle details must be stamped on the owner of the goods’ passport.
- Customer may temporarily drive the vehicle for a period of 3 months during clearance.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- The veterinary health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and state that the animal has been free from disease for at least 6 weeks prior to import.
- The vaccination record must be dated 30 days to 6 months prior to arrival and include immunization against rabies.
- Quarantine is not required for healthy animals.
- Animals subject to examination upon arrival.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Plants: a phytosanitary certificate is required
- Appliances, electronics and computers: 1 of each item is allowed; make, model, and serial number must be included on the detailed inventory
- New items (dutiable)
- The following items may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (400 g)
- Alcohol (5 bottles)
- Perfume (reasonable quantity)
- Films, videotapes, publications, books, satellite receivers, faxes, walkie-talkies, and telephones are subject to automatic confiscation for returning citizens and temporary hold by Customs for non – citizens with employment contracts with duty-free entry; these items are allowed entry only with authorization from the appropriate authorities.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs
- Pornographic, obscene and subversive materials
- Weapons, ammunition and explosives
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
Cultural and Other Information
CIA World Factbook Entry for Tunisia
Wikipedia Entry for Tunisia
