Foreign Affairs Canada publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

The majority of the population is Muslim. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of firearms, religious material, antiquities, medications, and business equipment. Canadians should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia (see Section 8 below) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

A child born of a Tunisian mother or father may be considered a Tunisian national by Tunisian authorities, regardless of his place of birth or whether the child has acquired the nationality of another country.

Taking photographs of military installations is strongly discouraged. Ask permission before photographing individuals.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Tunisia - TUNIS-BELVÉDÈRE, Embassy of Canada
Address: 3, rue du Sénégal, Place d'Afrique, 1002 Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 31, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia
Tel.: 216 71-104-000
Fax: 216 71-104-191
E-mail: tunis@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.tunis.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Tunis-Belvédère and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Tunisian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on May 17, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Tunisia. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from the country. Tunisian authorities expect Canadians of Tunisian origin to enter Tunisia on their Tunisian passports. If you are able to enter on a Canadian passport, it is likely that you will be required to obtain a Tunisian passport before exiting the country. Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at dual citizens.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays less than three months)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays less than three months)
Student Visa: Not required (for stays less than three months)

Canadians intending to stay in Tunisia for more than three months should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in Ottawa for information about visa, work permit or temporary resident status regulations.

Travellers over the age of one are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving in Tunisia from infected areas.

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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND). Traveller's cheques, preferably in U.S. dollars, and credit cards are accepted at many establishments in urban and tourist areas. Banks and other establishments could refuse to cash traveller's cheques if they are not accompanied by original proof of purchase. Visitors must declare all foreign currency upon arrival in Tunisia and retain this declaration. Tourists are expected to make foreign exchange transactions at authorized banks or dealers and to retain receipts for dinars obtained. Prior to departure, a maximum of 1,000 Tunisian dinars may be converted back into foreign currency, with documentation. Tunisian law prohibits the import and export of Tunisian dinars.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Tunisia (capital: Tunis) is located in northern Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Libya and Algeria. The official language is Arabic, but French is widely spoken. Tourist facilities are widely available in the main tourist areas.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Water outside major cities should be regarded as potentially contaminated. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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