Vacation in Tunisia with beloved pets: answering tourists’ questions

Recently we wrote about a guest of Carthage Group from Bulgaria who flew to Tunisia through our partner, the Emerald Travel tour operator, along with her fluffy beloved, tiny Pomeranian Julia. A happy owner and a playful, cheerful pet. From the vibrant photos taken against the backdrop of endless sandy dunes of the scorching Sahara or the pristine white piano at the Novostar Bel Azur Thalassa & Bungalows 4* hotel, you can literally feel the positive energy.

But how many hotels in Tunisia offer such options for their guests? Organizing travel with pets. How difficult is it in general? We answer tourists’ questions!

What kind of pets can you bring with you?

Of course, if you’re planning to fly to the African Mediterranean with a fighting breed dog, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to successfully cross the border. In Tunisia, for example, it is prohibited to import American Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, Tosa Inu, Japanese Mastiffs, as well as Rottweilers, which are considered working breeds.

You also cannot travel to these regions with rare animals listed in the Red Book or included in the CITES convention — an international agreement on the trade of endangered wild flora and fauna species. Additionally, there is a specific ban on transporting birds from the Falconidae family to Tunisia.

In all other cases, it is advisable to follow common sense, adhere to airline regulations that permit bringing certain-sized pets on board, and consider the accommodation options available at the hotel where you plan to stay, details about which we will discuss further below.

Does a fluffy traveler need special documents?

When traveling abroad with a pet, it is important to ensure you have the necessary special documents required for their flight and stay at your accommodation.

Typically, the list of such documents includes:

• An international veterinary passport, which should contain information about microchipping, vaccinations and parasite treatments;
• A veterinary certificate form №1, issued by a state veterinary clinic after examining the pet, including details about the travel route and the animal’s health status;
• A certificate of non-breeding value, which may be required for pedigree pets.

For some countries, you will also need a certificate indicating the antibody titer against rabies virus in the animal’s blood.

Cats and dogs crossing into the territory of the Republic of Tunisia must have a rabies vaccination document issued within 1 to 6 months prior to travel.

Is flying with pets difficult?

It is important to inform the airline about your intention to travel with a pet already at the ticket booking stage. Airlines have restrictions on the types and number of animals that can be in the cabin or checked in luggage, and you may simply be denied a spot for your pet.

When purchasing airline tickets, also clarify the airline’s policies regarding pet transportation, including weight and size requirements. For cabin travel, you will need a compact soft-sided carrier. If your pet’s dimensions are too large, they will have to be checked in as baggage, which requires additional preparation.

The container you plan to use for transporting your pet in the cargo hold should be sturdy, well-ventilated, and spacious enough. Make sure that your fluffy passenger can stand up, stretch, turn around freely, and find a comfortable position. If you plan to use any sedatives to calm your pet during the flight, be sure to consult with a veterinarian about the proper dosage of these medications. 

Which hotels in Tunisia welcome fluffy guests?

At the border, customs officers will check your pet’s documents, scan its microchip, and verify the number in the database. Then you’ll find yourself in Tunisia. A country that treats animals, including pets, with great love.

But are many hotels here ready to provide all the necessary conditions for the comfort of such demanding travelers? Here are some places where travelers with pets weighing up to 5 kg can stay:

• The Orangers Beach Resort & Bungalows 4*
• The Orangers Garden Villas & Bungalows 5*
• Regency Hammamet 4*
• Sentido Djerba Beach 4*
• Vincci Dar Midoun 4*
• Seabel Rym Beach Djerba 4*

Speaking of Novostar Hotels, a Tunisian chain that is an important and integral part of the International Group of Companies Carthage Group, it’s worth noting that you can also expect a quality vacation with your fluffy companion here. For example, in Club Novostar Sol Azur Beach Congress 4*, a budget-friendly hotel in sunny Hammamet that gladly welcomes guests with pets weighing up to 5 kg.

Club Novostar Sol Azur Beach Congress 4* is located next to Royal Azur Thalassa 5*, where pets are not allowed, and Novostar Bel Azur Thalassa & Bungalows 4*, where you can stay with pets up to 5 kg but only in garden and beach bungalows. As we mentioned at the very beginning of this article, such stays on the African Mediterranean can be comfortable and joyful.

A regal-looking traveler from Bulgaria and her beloved pet, Julia the Pomeranian. A traveling dog, star of extravagant photoshoots, fashionista, and a participant in an exciting excursion. Learn more about the adventures of our wonderful guests in Tunisia!