Destinations / Tunisia
Driving in Tunisia as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Tunisia drives on the right and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised to translate non-Arabic licences for desks and police.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Tunisia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Tunisia drives on the right and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised to translate non-Arabic licences for desks and police.
Which translation format is used for Tunisia?
Tunisia uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Tunisia ask for a translation?
Tunis desks request an IDP for non-Arabic, non-French licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Tunisia?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.