Destinations / Tunisia
Driving in Tunisia as a visitor
Usually yes. Tunisia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Tunisia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 197 (police), 190 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h autoroutes |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in TND. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Toll motorway along the coast. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Zero alcohol tolerance for driving. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Tunisia
At the pump
Stations sell petrol ('essence' / sans plomb 95) and diesel ('gasoil'); most are attended (no self-serve) and many, plus toll booths, take cash only, so carry dinar. Pump prices are low, roughly 2.5 TND per litre (about USD 0.75).
After a crash
Dial 197 for police; a police report is required for any injury accident and for insurance, and you must not move the vehicles. In death or serious-injury crashes police can place the driver in protective custody until cleared, so call your rental firm and consulate immediately.
Sources: autoeurope.com · expat.com · travel.state.gov · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Tunisia?
Usually yes. Tunisia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Tunisia accept?
Tunisia recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Tunisia ask for one?
Tunis desks request an IDP for non-Arabic, non-French licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.