Tunisian Customs Offers Annual Exemption of 5,000 Dinars for Personal Effects, Partial or Total Exemption for Vehicle Importation, and Freedom to Bring Foreign Currency
On April 28, 2026, Chokri Jabri, the official spokesperson for the Tunisian Customs, announced enhanced preparations for the upcoming summer season on the National Radio. He detailed the various measures in place, including the rights granted to Tunisian citizens residing abroad regarding the importation of personal effects and vehicles.
Personal Effects Importation
Tunisian citizens residing abroad are entitled to an annual exemption of 5,000 dinars for the importation of personal effects, which can be used once or multiple times. However, this exemption is not cumulative, and any unused amount is lost and does not carry over to the next year.
The spokesperson emphasized that the exemption is strictly personal and applies to items such as clothing, household appliances, and gifts. Commercial or professional items, including production machines, manufacturing equipment, and goods intended for resale, are excluded and subject to importation permits issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
Vehicle Importation
The spokesperson reminded listeners of the conditions for importing vehicles. Tunisian citizens residing abroad for at least two years, with no more than 183 days spent in Tunisia over the past two years, are eligible for this program. The imported vehicle must be no more than five years old.
Following a change introduced by the Finance Law, the eligibility period for this program has been extended to ten years. Beneficiaries have the option to choose between two alternatives: a partial exemption of 25% to 30% of the vehicle's value, allowing for permanent registration and free use in Tunisia, or a total exemption, with the vehicle operating under temporary admission, allowing for delegation of driving to the spouse, parents, children, or siblings, subject to a permit issued by customs services for a period of one year, three years, or without limitation.
Foreign Currency Declaration
Regarding foreign currency, the spokesperson clarified that Tunisian citizens can bring any amount of foreign currency into the country without a limit. However, declaration to customs services is mandatory when the amount imported is equal to or exceeds 20,000 dinars (approximately 6,000 euros), when the funds are intended to be deposited into a foreign currency or convertible dinar account, or when the traveler wishes to take an amount equal to or exceeding 5,000 dinars out of the country, in which case they must have declared the funds upon entry.
Chokri Jabri strongly encouraged citizens to declare their foreign currency systematically, regardless of the amount, to avoid any potential disputes. He reminded listeners that declaration can be made remotely through the administration's applications, and the exchange form issued at the time must be carefully preserved.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in a summons for currency infringement, seizure of funds, and payment of a fine.
Digital Innovation for Travelers
The spokesperson highlighted several applications developed by customs to facilitate remote formalities. He particularly emphasized the "Rkhsti" (My Authorization) and "Amti'ati" (My Baggage) applications, which allow travelers to list the items they wish to import from abroad and print the form, which is then presented to customs agents upon arrival, avoiding manual declarations made during the journey.
The spokesperson lamented the insufficient usage of these applications and reminded listeners that responsible officials are present at each border crossing, and any citizen can submit a complaint directly and without hesitation in case of a dispute or excess.
