Moving to Tunisia

Country Guide

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