You left one letter off a word in the above sentence - it should read "You will be fined in Tunisia."

Go to Morocco instead - the Moroccans know the value of the tourist industry to their country.

Michael

Sorry to hear that retrieving your bike from Tunisia was so costly.
But at least you have it back now and can put it behind you.
The Tunisian economy hit dire straits following the self-immolation which kicked off the Arab Spring. Add terrorist attacks on ‘costa’ tourist resorts and now Covid, and I suppose the government is looking at any means to rake in some money.

For me Tunisia was never the jewel in the North African crown but – same as anywhere – as long as one doesn’t break the rules (or be forced to do so, as you were) a visit ought to be trouble-free.

I agree, Morocco has so much more to offer, but if you’re from central or Eastern Europe, Tunisia looks nearer for a bit of desert sun.

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

Hello everyone.

New to the forum and very happy to have found a current ( somewhat ) thread on Tunisia. A small group of friends are planning a trip to Tunisia in late March 2022. We will be travelling across from the Port of Marseille to Tunis.

I have been to Tunisia by motorcycle twice both times being in the Optic Rally and Oil Libya Rally, so all formalities were carried out by organizers. We were originally planning to head to Morocco however its closure doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.

I wondered if anyone had any recent information on the vehicle insurance offices in Tunisia or any changes in general procedures for the Ferry document processing?

We are all aware of the Covid requirements and we meet those requirements, all bikes are European registered and carry European licenses. We are all experienced off road ( desert motorcyclists) and we all have international exposure and experience.

Any pertinent information would be greatly appreciated.

See this post, which provides details about how I obtained insurance in Tunis to cover me when I was riding in Tunisia in 2019: Tunisia vehicle insurance?.

The port authorities were not at all concerned that I didn't have insurance when I arrived at the port - in fact, the officer in charge told me to just ride downtown and buy the insurance the next day. I did just that, and it took several hours at the big insurance company office to get the insurance... I think that not too many visitors actually buy insurance. I think that there might be an insurance booth at the port, but it was not open when I arrived on the ferry.

Be aware that the premium you pay will be based on the value of the motorcycle you declare, even though the insurance you get is (for the most part) liability only. So don't overstate the value of your motorcycle.

Lastly, you might want to read my post earlier in this same thread about the customs penalties that I had to pay when I returned to pick my motorcycle up. Here's the link: post #30, above. I won't ever be returning to Tunisia.

Michael

Hi Michael, Thanks so much for your reply, I had indeed read both your posts in regard to you experience gaining insurance and paying fees for your impounded bike prior to Posting my request. Your reply is greatly appreciated. Wish you the best travels.

Don't know the context but there it is.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

Thanks for sending this. Our group had actually made a decision a week ago to postpone our trip as we felt there was just a little too much uncertainty in the area. WE will now ride TET in Spain. When will Covid release its grip on us all.

Fyi, I read about Genoa-Tunis ferry last weekend.

The GNV decided to reject bookings via Booking.com even [though] they're non-refundable bookings. Which makes things quite difficult + they want a return ferry and the hotel booking needs to be for the whole duration of the trip. They say it's Tunisian government requirement, which I know 100% it's not.

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

The rider who had the above problems also ended up getting put back onto the ship in Tunis because he played the long game with the police up to the point when the shift had to clear its workload, so to speak.

There is a long version here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z9Uzg3bKks
I can't say I watched it all but it seems you now need an actual stamped receipt – 'voucher' – from a hotel (which will be checked up on) before they stamp you a visa. Plus a return ticket and reservations for your entire stay.
Booking.com confirmations will not do, even if non-refundable.


Afaict, with help from a local, he got the voucher delivered to the port at the last minute and was let back off the boat just in time.
A French rider with a faked voucher was sent back.

Passage through Customs will also be expedited with small presents.
It doesn't have to be anything extravagant.
I remember this from the pre-Arab Spring days at La Goulette; setting about unloading 8 bikes from a lorry before they lost interest.
It seems the requirement for these incentives is now stronger.
Tunisia was the only country in North Africa which ever played these games which are normal south of the Sahara.

If you're heading for Tunisia it may be worth watching the whole vid.
Or read more about voucher

It is possibly all to do with how Italy classifies Tunisia in terms of Covid risk, and that may change after March 15.
Ferrying from France has far fewer restrictions, even on the same ferry line.

Thank you Chriss for the informations.

Just in case anyone need such voucher on arrival to Tunisia, i am available to help anytime.

I was allowed entry on March 15th 2022, via ferry from Salerno. Visa for 3 months with moto. Australian passport and Italian moto and documents.
I had 1 week hotel booked and a return booking on the ferry, since cancelled.

Mark

We are in the planning process of riding into Tunisia for a couple weeks from Sicily. Two US Citizens on US plated motorcycles, considering the Polermo-Tunisi Ferry. It seems that folks are having a hard time getting on the ferry without a booked hotel reservation with printed voucher and a return ferry booked? Are there any other concerns? We don’t plan to travel near the borders and don’t plan on going south of Jebil National Park. Any other advise from recent travelers?

Thanks,
Travis & Chantil
viajarMOTO.com

@TravisGill last I heard is that the president dissolved the parliament and some political commentaries have suggested another more restless phase coming in the country so take good care of yourself.

Since ferries have recently been cancelled - not sure if in connection with the political situation.

Cheers,
Benjamin

Travis, Chantil:

I suggest you read about my recent experience in Tunisia - see post #30 above.

For what it's worth, I'm no novice to Africa, having lived and worked in Angola, Mozambique, Libya, Kenya, and South Sudan.

I really, really recommend you skip Tunisia. Things are unstable there, the government is not functioning normally, and if the Customs people can find a way to extract money from you, they will.

There are lots of other interesting places to ride.

Michael

Michael, thanks for the reply, experience, and advice. When I read your post, I felt it had more to do with leaving a vehicle in Tunisia during a pandemic that was beyond your control. An extremely unfortunate incident of COVID and government agencies not having a plan.

The political situation, previously mentioned by Benjamin, seems like a problem as well. We’ll see how things go as we get closer to boarding the ferry and hearing from other riders who have recently returned. Nothing scheduled yet.