Planning a trip to Tunisia? This guide provides all the essential information Chinese tourists need to know about visa requirements, exemptions, and application procedures.
Whether you’re traveling visa-free or applying for a visa, this step-by-step guide will help you prepare for a smooth journey.
Important Notes
- Always check the latest entry requirements for Tunisia before applying for a visa, as policies may change.
- The earliest you can apply for a Tunisian visa is three months before your travel date, and the latest is one month before departure.
Visa Exemption for Chinese Tourists
As of October 7, 2023, the Tunisian government has resumed its visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, including both individual travelers and tourist groups.
To qualify for visa-free entry, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Valid Passport: Your Chinese passport must be valid on the date of entry and exit from Tunisia.
- Hotel Confirmation (Bon-Voucher): You must present a confirmed Bon-voucher from your hotel upon check-in and entry. A Bon-voucher is a document issued by your hotel confirming your reservation and payment. If you booked through a third-party platform, ensure the hotel has confirmed your booking to avoid disruptions.
- Round-Trip Ticket: You must provide a round-trip ticket that matches the duration of your planned stay in Tunisia.
Note: Failure to meet any of these conditions may result in denied entry.
Visa Application
If you do not qualify for visa-free entry, you will need to apply for a Tunisian visa.
Below is a detailed guide to the required documents and procedures.
General Documents Required for All Visa Applications
- Visa Application Form: Two copies of the application form, typed or handwritten in capital letters, and signed by the applicant. Ensure your profession is clearly mentioned.
Download the Visa Application Form Here - Passport Photos: Two recent color photos (2 inches in size).
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel and have at least two blank visa pages.
- Residence Permit (if applicable): Two copies of your residence permit in Mainland China, Hong Kong S.A.R., or Macau S.A.R. (for non-Chinese nationals).
- Copies of All Documents: Ensure you provide photocopies of all required documents.
Additional Documents for Specific Visa Types
1. Transit Visa
If you are transiting through Tunisia, you will need:
- A valid visa for your final destination.
- Proof of accommodation in Tunisia (e.g., hotel booking or airplane ticket reservation) if your stay exceeds 24 hours.
2. Family Visit Visa
If you are visiting family in Tunisia, you will need:
- An invitation letter from your host, along with a color copy of their passport or ID card.
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate).
- Proof of accommodation in Tunisia (e.g., hotel booking or evidence of payment for accommodation expenses).
- A round-trip airplane ticket reservation.
Visa Fees
When applying for a Tunisian visa, you must pay a non-refundable visa fee in cash at the embassy.
The exact fee varies depending on the type of visa.
Click here for the latest visa fee details
Additional Tips for Chinese Tourists
- Language Assistance: If you are not fluent in Arabic or French, consider bringing a translation app or hiring a local guide to assist with communication.
- Contact the Embassy: For further assistance, contact the Tunisian Embassy or Consulate in China.
- Tunisian Embassy in Beijing: [Insert contact details]
- Tunisian Consulate in Shanghai: [Insert contact details]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bon-voucher, and how do I get one?
A Bon-voucher is a confirmation document issued by your hotel, verifying your reservation and payment. You can request this directly from the hotel after booking. If you book through a third-party platform, ensure the hotel confirms your reservation.
Can I apply for a visa online?
Currently, Tunisian visas must be applied for in person at the nearest Tunisian embassy or consulate. Online applications are not available.
What happens if my hotel does not confirm my booking?
If your hotel does not confirm your booking, you may face travel disruptions or be denied entry. Always double-check with the hotel before departure.
Conclusion
Whether you’re traveling visa-free or applying for a visa, proper preparation is key to a hassle-free trip to Tunisia.
Follow this guide, ensure all your documents are in order, and enjoy your journey to this beautiful North African destination!
For more updates and travel tips, stay tuned to Ikky in China.
Please refer to the latest entry requirements to Tunisia before applying for a Tunisian visa.
The earliest you can apply for this visa is three months and the latest is a month in advance of the travel date.
In this article, I will introduce the following procedures:
- Visa exemption for Chinese tourists
- List of general documents required for the visa application
- List of additional documents required for Tunisian Transit visa
- List of additional documents required for a family visit
- Visa Fees
Visa Exemption for Chinese tourists
On October 7, 2023, The Chinese embassy in Tunisia announced that the Tunisian government recently resumed the visa-free for Chinese tourists (both individual Chinese travelers and Chinese tourist groups).
To qualify for the visa exemption, a Chinese tourist needs to meet ALL of the following conditions:
- Holder of a valid Chinese passport on the date of entry and exit to/from Tunisia
- Travelers must present a confirmed Bon-voucher from their hotel upon check-in and entry.
- A round-trip ticket should be provided, and its duration should match the planned stay in Tunisia.
- If the hotel reservation is made through a third-party booking platform, travelers must ensure that the hotel has confirmed the booking. Failure to do so may result in travel disruptions.
List of general documents required for the Visa application:
- (02) Copies of the application form typed or handwritten in capital letters on both sides and signed by the applicant (Profession should be well mentioned).
- (02) Recent identity color photos (2 inches). (2 copies).
- (01) Valid passport at least 6 months on the date of travel and have at least 2 visa pages clear of any markings.
- (02) Copies of the residence permit in China Mainland, Hong Kong S.A.R., or Macau S.A.R. if you are a non-Chinese national.
- Copies of all the documents are requested.
List of additional documents required for Transit Visa:
- (01) Visa of the country of destination
- (01) Document justifying Tunisia’s accommodation (Airplane ticket Reservation, hotel booking if the persons plan to stay in Tunisia for more than 24 hours).
List of additional documents required for Family Visit Visa:
- (01) Invitation letter (plus a color copy of the inviter’s passport or ID card)
- (01) Certificate of Relationship: for example, marriage or birth certificate
- Airplane ticket Reservation
- (01) Document justifying the accommodation in Tunisia (hotel booking, and evidence for the payment of accommodation expenses).
Visa Fees:
When applying for a Tunisian visa, there is a non-refundable mandatory visa fee every applicant must pay. The visa fee must be paid to the embassy in cash. The different visa fees are available here.