Want to travel to Tunisia with your dog? Wondering if the country is dog-friendly? In this article, I'll tell you everything you need to know to travel to Tunisia with your dog and enjoy your trip 😉

Are you interested in Tunisia, its culture, and its beautiful landscapes? In this article, I'll tell you everything you need to know about traveling to the land of jasmine with your dog. Finding accommodation, dog-friendly places, beaches... it's not easy when you don't know the country. But in Tunisia, there's plenty to do!

Tunisia is the perfect country for a change of scenery with your dog. The architecture, the cuisine, the environment are completely different from what we know in France. And everyone I've spoken to about the country has told me that Tunisians are incredibly welcoming. The added bonus is that they speak excellent French!

Tunis, Hammamet, Carthage, the Tunisian desert and its oases... Where to start? Follow me, we'll see how to go to Tunisia with your dog before thinking about sightseeing and hiking 😉

Summary

Traveling to Tunisia with my dog

In Tunisia, having a pet was, until a few years ago, largely reserved for the wealthy. The COVID-19 pandemic has somewhat changed attitudes, as many people adopted a cat or dog following the lockdowns. The good news is that our beloved pets are becoming increasingly welcome among Tunisians!

Even if some people are still reluctant, by asking with a smile you should be able to find a place in accommodation or a restaurant that will accept your dog. I won't lie to you, it will be a little easier in more upscale establishments , like the all-inclusive hotels in Hammamet , as they are relatively used to welcoming tourists with their dogs. Traveling with a small dog in Tunisia will also be easier than with a large one.

Tips for traveling with a dog in Tunisia

🩺 There are a few rules to follow for your dog to be allowed to enter Tunisian territory . It must therefore:

  • to be old more than 3 months (unless the mother herself is vaccinated against rabies and you have her official veterinary health certificate)
  • but wish to remain conscious identified by chip
  • but wish to remain conscious vaccinated against rabies between 21 days and 1 year before the trip
  • be accompanied during his journey Sanitary certificate carried out by an official health veterinarian + his European passport
  • not belong to one of these 4 breeds: Pitbull, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu, Boerbull

✈️ You can fly to Tunisia from France with your dog . For direct flights, the airlines that accept dogs are:

  • Air France
  • Transavia
  • Tunisair

Other airlines are dog-friendly but you will have a stopover, such as Royal Air Maroc and Lufthansa for example.

⛴️ You can also choose to go by ferry ! In this case, the GNV shipping company will welcome you and your dog in a special “Four-legged Friends” cabin.

🔚 And for the return trip? To return to France from Tunisia , you will need the following for your dog:

  • are rabies titration if you have stayed more than 3 months in Tunisia, the country being considered a country at risk for rabies
  • are official health certificate or his European passport, with proof that he was vaccinated against rabies less than one year before the trip

What are the dangers for my dog ​​in Tunisia?

Traveling to Tunisia with your dog is a wonderful adventure to share together! However, there are a few potential dangers you should be aware of to ensure you have the best possible trip. The aim isn't to alarm you or discourage you from going to Tunisia with your dog, but simply to help you prepare!

  • la heat : as in the south of France, temperatures can reach 40°C in Tunisia in the summer. If you go there during this period, protect your dog from the heatstroke thanks to a cooling vest and avoid physical exercise during the day.
  • the stray dogs There are quite a few stray dogs in Tunisia. Most are calm and go about their business. However, I still advise you to keep your eyes open. Some may be more aggressive when they see your dog, especially if they have contracted rabies.
  • the vipers and the scorpions : They are mostly found in the countryside and desert. Always check your clothes and shoes before putting them on!
  • Waste on the ground: there are few trash cans and waste is often thrown directly onto the ground. It's best to avoid your dog eating a moldy sandwich while out for a walk...
  • the drug shortages : they unfortunately strike the country quite often. If you or your dog get injured, or if you are attacked by an animal, it can become a tragedy. Always go out with a first aid kit in your bag.
woman travels in Tunisia with her dog in her arms

It can therefore be worthwhile to insure your dog with a company that covers consultations abroad and repatriation. Veterinary fees are lower in Tunisia, but they can still add up quite quickly.

On the social side, local custom dictates that women cover their shoulders and knees . This is a sign of respect, especially in religious sites or in very traditional regions. In seaside resorts and very touristy towns, this is somewhat less common.

Before planning your visits in Tunisia, I advise you to check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs . There may be security risks depending on the area you wish to visit; all the information is available on this website and is regularly updated.

What to do in Tunisia with my dog?

You can fully enjoy your trip to Tunisia with your dog, as there's so much to discover together. While tourist attractions and religious sites are often inaccessible to dogs, you can always call ahead to ask if your furry friend can accompany you. A small dog carried in your arms might be well-received! Otherwise, I recommend focusing on exploring the outdoors at your own pace.

🕌 Here are the main places of cultural interest in Tunisia: 

  • City Tunis : Mediterranean charm mixed with Tunisian architecture, souks with delicious smells of spices and pastries, frenzy day and night (numerous nightclubs)
  • the ancient city of Carthage Nestled among the modern buildings are preserved areas with Roman ruins such as villas, thermal baths, and even an amphitheater. The archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
  • City Tataouine and the surrounding Berber and troglodyte villages, like the almost deserted villages of Douiret et CheniniThe floors, built with stone walls bound together with clay, or even dug into the rock, are impressive. You'll think you're in Star Wars... And you'd be right, since the film was partly shot there!
  • the village Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque village dressed all in white and blue
  • theDjerba island, with dream beaches and small lime-covered houses

🏜️ The most accessible natural areas in Tunisia are those with a dog. However, they remain arid, so I advise against hiking there in the heat of summer.

  • le Lake Chott el-Jérid : another Star Wars setting! This salt lake is the largest in Tunisia. It changes color depending on the direction of the sun and would be magnificent to see at dusk...
  • le Mides canyon where water flows in the middle of the desert, giving life to surprising vegetation
  • le Korba Lake, with a birdwatching area. Flamingos and other migratory birds are on the menu!
  • Cap Good : reach the Cap Bon lighthouse from Haouaria along the coast. Swimming is possible
  • the surroundings of Bizerte With the Rimmel forest and the deserted coast as far as Rafraf, splendid landscapes await you!
  • full of surprises when you move away from the cities ! Let yourself be carried away by the adventure. You will discover the Tunisian desert, its welcoming inhabitants, and sometimes abandoned mosques and villages... but fascinating to encounter 😉
the most beautiful salt lakes in Tunisia discovered during a trip with a dog
Lake Chott el-Jérid - Tunisia

🏖️ Beach information : Most of the Mediterranean coast in Tunisia is concrete. Where it isn't, unfortunately, the beaches are very dirty. If the beaches are supervised, dogs are prohibited. Outside of supervised areas, it depends on the municipality, but none are officially dog-friendly. Don't hesitate to ask the relevant local authorities before taking your dog swimming, otherwise you risk a fine of 60 dinars (€18).

I hope you enjoyed this article about dog-friendly tourism in Tunisia ! Have you been there with your dog? Tell me about it and share your experience; I'm always interested!

And if you'd like to follow another adventure in one of the Maghreb countries, I recommend Julien's interview. He discovered Morocco with his dog during a motorcycle road trip and told us about his journey – it's fascinating!