The Republic of Tunisia - UAE Relationships

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Tunisia enjoy longstanding and fraternal relations founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to advancing cooperation across a wide range of fields in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and supports the prosperity and development of their two brotherly peoples.

In recent years, bilateral relations have continued to grow through high-level official visits and meetings, most notably the visit of H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, to the Republic of Tunisia to discuss ways of further strengthening bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Throughout 2024 and 2025, official visits and consultations between the two sides continued, underscoring the importance of sustained dialogue and coordination on issues of mutual concern. These engagements reflect the strength of bilateral relations and the shared commitment of both countries to further enhancing their partnership.

Economic cooperation is a key pillar of the bilateral relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Tunisia. It is supported by ongoing engagement between the two countries' economic institutions to explore new partnership opportunities across priority sectors, including renewable energy, food industries, technology, and tourism.

The volume of non-oil trade between the two countries reached approximately USD 414 million in 2025, representing a 27.8% increase compared with 2024. Imports from the United Arab Emirates to Tunisia also rose from USD 128 million in 2024 to USD 161 million in 2025, marking a 26% increase.

During the 2019–2023 period, imports from the United Arab Emirates to Tunisia amounted to approximately USD 103 million, while Tunisian exports to the United Arab Emirates reached approximately USD 88 million.

In 2025, the two countries officially launched negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking an important step toward expanding bilateral trade and investment, improving market access for goods, and strengthening cooperation in the fields of industry, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Cultural cooperation is a key dimension of the bilateral relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Tunisia. It reflects the two countries' shared conviction that culture plays a vital role in bringing peoples closer together and promoting the values of dialogue and openness. This cooperation spans the fields of culture, education, and heritage, in addition to mutual participation in events, exhibitions, and activities that reflect the depth of the ties between the two countries and their brotherly peoples.

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Tunis continues to organize and support a wide range of cultural and community initiatives in cooperation with Tunisian academic and cultural institutions. These efforts aim to promote the UAE's cultural heritage, strengthen cultural exchange, support initiatives related to youth, education, and innovation, and participate in festivals, exhibitions, and heritage events.

Visit Tunisia

Whether visiting Tunisia for tourism, business, or another purpose, UAE nationals should check the latest entry requirements and local regulations before departure. This page provides practical guidance on travel preparations, healthcare, driving, customs, and obtaining consular assistance during their stay.

Entry Requirements

UAE nationals holding ordinary passports may enter Tunisia without a visa for tourism for up to three months. Passports must be valid for at least six months. For visits involving study, employment, medical treatment, or an extended stay, confirm the applicable requirements before traveling.

Review the latest MoFA travel requirements for Tunisia before departure.

Before You Travel

Register with Twajudi through the MoFA website or the UAE MoFA app, and keep your travel and contact details updated. Retain copies of your passport and other essential documents, and save the Embassy’s contact details.

Ensure that you have suitable travel insurance and review the latest guidance issued by MoFA and the relevant Tunisian authorities.

Driving and Transportation

Before driving or renting a vehicle, ensure that its insurance provides the necessary coverage.

• UAE nationals may drive in Tunisia during tourism or other short visits.
• UAE nationals residing in Tunisia may exchange their driving license.
• UAE nationals may drive in Tunisia using an international driving permit.

Confirm the documents required by the rental company, use licensed transportation providers, and comply with local traffic regulations. Further information on license recognition is available through MoFA’s travel requirements for Tunisia.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance

Before traveling, ask your insurer whether your policy covers treatment in Tunisia, including emergency care and medical evacuation. Check which healthcare facilities are covered and whether you must pay for treatment and claim reimbursement afterward.

• For emergency medical assistance, call SAMU on 190. The caller’s condition will be assessed and, where necessary, they will be directed to an appropriate hospital or medical service according to the nature and location of the emergency.
• In the event of a major health emergency or large-scale natural disaster, travelers may contact the Strategic Health Operations Center of the Tunisian Ministry of Health at +216 71 567 500.

Medication for Personal Use

Travelers should carry that certificate and any relevant prescription, particularly for prescription medicines. The quantity carried should be proportionate to the prescribed treatment period and the traveler’s personal medical needs. Travelers carrying controlled or otherwise restricted medicines should confirm the applicable requirements with the Tunisian authorities before departure. See Tunisian Customs’ medication guidance.

Currency, Payments, and Customs

Tunisia’s official currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND). Check with your bank that your cards can be used abroad and confirm the payment methods accepted by your accommodation and other service providers.

Before traveling, review the customs requirements governing cash, personal belongings, precious metals, and restricted items. Tunisian Customs’ currency guidance states that foreign currency worth TND 20,000 or more must be declared on entry, exit, or transit. Travelers who do not reside in Tunisia and intend to take out imported foreign-currency banknotes worth more than TND 5,000 must have declared them on entry. Such travelers may not take out more than TND 30,000 in imported foreign-currency banknotes; larger amounts must be transferred through an authorized financial institution.

Tunisian Customs also lists the Tunisian dinar among items prohibited from being imported. Travelers should check the current customs rules and declaration procedures before departure.

Local Laws and Safety

Respect local laws, customs, and religious practices. Follow the instructions of the Tunisian authorities and monitor official updates during your visit. Consult MoFA’s Tunisia travel guidance for destination-specific alerts.

Emergency Numbers

For emergencies requiring immediate assistance, contact the relevant Tunisian service:

Ambulance 190
Fire and road accidents / Civil Protection 198
Police in towns and cities 197
National Guard in rural areas and small villages 193

UAE nationals abroad can also contact MoFA’s dedicated 24/7 emergency line at +971 80024.

UAE Embassy Contact Details

UAE nationals requiring consular assistance can contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Tunis:

• Address: Avenue de la Bourse, Les Berges du Lac 2, 1053 Tunis.
• Telephone: +216 71 788 888. (TBC by the mission: the Embassy’s contact FAQ also lists +216 71 100 700.)
• Email: TunisEMB@mofa.gov.ae
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, local time. (TBC by the mission: its contact FAQ lists different summer hours.)
• MoFA emergency assistance for UAE nationals abroad: +971 80024.

For updated information, visit the Embassy’s official website.

Lost or Damaged Passport

If your passport is lost, report the loss to the local police and contact the Embassy for assistance. If it is lost, damaged, or expired, you may apply for a Return Document through the MoFA website or the UAE MoFA app using UAE Pass, in accordance with the service requirements. The document is valid for seven days from issuance.

After receiving the Return Document, the traveler must present it to the General Directorate of Border Police and Foreigners of the Tunisian Ministry of Interior to complete the procedures required for departure and return to the UAE.