Before I booked my trip to Tunisia, I had that little voice in my head asking the same question everyone seems to ask: Is it actually safe to travel there?
Friends asked it. Family asked it. And yes — I asked myself too.
Now that I’ve experienced Tunisia for myself, I can honestly say this: it felt far more relaxed and normal than I expected. Not perfect, not careless — just… real.
Let me explain what safety in Tunisia feels like when you’re actually there.
First Impressions: Feeling Surprisingly Normal
From the moment you arrive, Tunisia doesn’t feel tense or unsafe. Airports are organised, cities are busy with daily life, and people are doing exactly what people do everywhere: working, chatting, drinking coffee, living.
Walking through medinas, sitting at cafés, taking taxis — none of it felt uncomfortable. Of course, you’re aware you’re in a different country, but not in a way that makes you anxious. More in a “pay attention and enjoy” kind of way.
Safety in Everyday Travel Moments
Most of your days in Tunisia will be filled with very ordinary things: walking around town, hopping into a taxi, browsing markets, eating out. And honestly? Those moments feel safe.
Like in many popular destinations, the most common “issues” aren’t dangerous ones:
• someone trying to sell you something
• a guide offering help you didn’t ask for
• busy markets where you should watch your bag
That’s not Tunisia being unsafe — that’s just tourism.
If you’ve ever traveled to places like southern Europe, Turkey or Morocco, Tunisia won’t feel unfamiliar.
Where Travelers Feel Comfortable (and Why)
There’s a reason most visitors stick to certain regions — not because others are scary, but because these areas are simply set up for travelers.
Places like Tunis, coastal towns, islands and desert gateway cities feel well-organised and welcoming. Tourism matters here, and you can feel that in how seriously safety is taken. Police presence exists, but it’s discreet. Hotels are used to international guests. Locals are helpful when you look confused.
In short: you don’t feel like you’re somewhere you shouldn’t be.
The Parts You Just Skip (And That’s Fine)
Now, being honest also means saying this: there are places you simply don’t need to go.
Border regions — especially near Libya and some remote areas near Algeria — aren’t travel destinations. They don’t offer anything a traveler is looking for, and they’re not meant for tourism. Avoiding them isn’t about fear; it’s just common sense.
The same goes for deep desert areas without a guide. The Sahara is stunning, but it’s something you experience with professionals, not on your own.
Stick to known routes and organised tours, and there’s really nothing to worry about.
Solo Travel & Women Traveling Alone
This is another topic that comes up a lot.
Yes, people travel solo in Tunisia. Yes, women do too.
What helps:
• dressing a bit more modestly in cities
• walking with confidence
• ignoring comments instead of engaging
You might get attention sometimes, but it’s usually verbal and not threatening. In tourist areas and beach resorts, it feels even more relaxed.
It’s not about being scared — it’s about being aware, just like anywhere else.
The Biggest Difference: Media vs Reality
One thing I really noticed is how different Tunisia feels compared to how it’s sometimes portrayed. News headlines tend to focus on politics or old events, but daily life on the ground feels calm and steady.
People are welcoming. Tourism is appreciated. And as a traveler, you’re more likely to be offered help than trouble.
So… Is Tunisia Safe?
In my experience: yes — if you travel with common sense.
Tunisia isn’t a place where you constantly look over your shoulder. It’s a place where you wander, sit, observe and slowly relax into the rhythm of the country.
Be informed. Avoid the few regions that aren’t meant for travelers. Respect local culture. And enjoy a destination that quietly proves a lot of worries wrong.
