British tourists have been given travel advice for Tunisia and Morocco for 2024
With passport regulations in place, UK travelers planning to travel to Tunisia and Morocco in 2024 should be aware of the latest requirements and advice to ensure a smooth journey to these North African destinations.
Those traveling from Heathrow and Gatwick should remind themselves of the latest travel tips. Getting to your vacation safely and peacefully means you can finally relax, kick off your shoes and enjoy the sun. And Tunisia and Morocco certainly have plenty of it, making for the perfect vacation. They are also quite easy to get to, as several airlines fly there, writes SurreyLive.
Travel tips for Tunisia
Tunisia is a North African country with a Mediterranean coastline and a fascinating blend of European and Middle Eastern influences. The capital city of Tunis boasts a beautiful ancient medina with winding streets, lively markets selling local crafts, and historical sites such as the impressive Bardo Museum. In addition to cities, Tunisia has stunning desert landscapes, indigenous Berber villages, and popular islands and beaches along the coast.
Entry rules
When you arrive, you may be asked to provide the authorities with your contact information and travel plans. You will also need proof of your hotel reservation to enter the country. Some people have been rejected or detained because they were unable to provide sufficient proof of where they were staying. This does not always happen and usually if you explain where you are staying it is fine.
Some South Asian Brits have had problems getting into Tunisia at airports. This can be frustrating and inconvenient. The British Embassy says they have spoken to the Tunisian authorities about this.
Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Tunisia. You do not need it to be valid for longer. If you have dual British-Tunisian nationality, you should use your Tunisian passport when entering and leaving Tunisia.
If you are planning a long stay in Tunisia, more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa. Contact the Tunisian Embassy in London to find out how to apply. If you overstay your permit and stay in Tunisia longer than allowed, you may be subject to a fine.
Other rules
- The currency in Tunisia is the dinar. It is strictly forbidden to take Tunisian dinars out of the country. To exchange any remaining Tunisian dinars at the end of your stay for pounds sterling or other hard currency, you will need to show a receipt from the bank where you first withdrew or bought the dinars.
- Always carry a photo ID with you.
- Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Tunisia. Check out the government's page on information and advice for the LGBT+ community before you travel.
Places to avoid
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recommends not traveling to:
- the national park in the Chaambi Mountains and designated military operations zones on Mount Sallum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mgila
- the militarized zone south of the cities of El Borma and Dehiba
- within 20 km of the rest of the Libyan border zone north of Dehiba
- the city of Ben Gerdan and its surroundings.
In addition, for security reasons, FCDO recommends avoiding all but essential travel to
- within 75 km of the Libyan border, including Remada, El Borma and the city of Zarzis
- Kasserine governorate, including the city of Sbeitla
- within 10 km of the border with Algeria to the south of Kasserine Governorate
- within 30 km of the border in the governorates of Al-Kef and Jenduba south of the city of Jenduba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
- areas north and west of the city of Gardimau in Jenduba Governorate, including El Feyja National Park
- within 10 km of Mount Mgila
- Mount Orbata.
Security
Since July 1, the town of Sfax has seen several days of civil unrest, including reports of injuries, arrests and one death, related to escalating tensions between locals and sub-Saharan African migrants, the UK government has said. The area is generally safe, but there is an increased level of risk or terrorism.
Travel tips for Morocco
Morocco is a fascinating kingdom in North Africa with a rich history and diverse landscapes. From the winding streets and spice markets of Marrakech to the fishing ports and beaches of Essaouira, Morocco offers a colorful culture and architecture.
Entry requirements
The Moroccan Embassy in the UK advises that your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of entry into Morocco. If your passport does not meet this requirement, you may encounter problems and you should consult with the Moroccan authorities and your travel organization before traveling. Make sure your passport is not damaged. Some travelers have been turned away when they traveled with damaged passports.
Moroccan nationals residing in the UK and traveling to Morocco may be barred from returning to the UK unless they provide proof of their immigration status in the UK. This may include a biometric UK residence permit card or a valid UK entry permit.
UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. UK nationals staying longer than 90 days should contact their local police station to apply for an extension.
Tunisia is under a state of emergency, which was introduced after a suicide attack on a police bus in 2015. It has been extended several times, most recently in February 2022.
Other rules
- Drinking alcohol on the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is illegal and can lead to arrest.
- Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco. Check out the government's page on information and advice for the LGBT+ community before traveling.
- Possession of pornographic material is illegal.
As TravelWise has written, Tunisia has long been a popular summer vacation destination on the Mediterranean Sea for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery. But over the past decade, the country has experienced significant unrest, leading many travelers to justifiably question whether Tunisia is safe for tourists.