tunisia
Why Film in tunisia?
Tunisia packs an extraordinary range of iconic locations into a small, easily navigated country – Saharan dunes and oases, Roman ruins, medinas and Mediterranean coast – with a long screen heritage and a VAT exemption for international productions.
- World-famous Sahara and Star Wars filming locations
- Superb Roman heritage – El Djem, Carthage and Dougga
- Medinas, oases, troglodyte villages and Mediterranean coast
- Compact and easy to move around, close to Europe
- Strong doubling for the Middle East, ancient and desert worlds
- VAT exemption available on production costs
- Experienced local fixers with a long film history
- Safe, welcoming main tourist and production regions
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Capital City
Tunis
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Main Cities
Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, Kairouan, Djerba and Tozeur
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Main Languages
Arabic (official); French widely used; English in production
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Currency
Tunisian Dinar (TND)
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Climate
Mediterranean in the north, Saharan in the south – hot dry summers and mild winters
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Best Time to Shoot
Spring and autumn; desert best October to April
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Main Production Hubs
Tunis, Tozeur and Djerba
Production Services
Our Tunisia production services include:
- Local Producers
- Film Fixers
- Production Management
- Film, Video & Stills Crew
- Camera Equipment
- Lighting & Grip
- Drone Operators
- Location Scouting
- Film Permits
- Casting
- Transport & Logistics
- Crew & Cast Accommodation
- Security
- Catering
Crew & Equipment
Tunisia has an experienced crew base built on a long history of hosting international features and series, covering commercials, features, documentaries and stills.
Available crew includes local producers, fixers, production managers, camera and drone operators, art department, stylists, hair and make-up and large numbers of extras.
Camera, lighting and grip equipment is available through Tunis, with additional or specialist packages easily brought in from Europe.
Top Filming Locations
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Chott el Djerid, near Tozeur
Vast, shimmering salt lake and mirages.
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Matmata
Underground troglodyte dwellings (the Lars homestead).
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Carthage
Ancient ruins overlooking the Mediterranean (UNESCO).
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Sidi Bou Saïd
The blue-and-white cliff village above Tunis.
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Kairouan
Holy city and the Great Mosque.
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Dougga
Extensive, dramatic Roman city ruins.
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Djerba
Island light, Houmt Souk and whitewashed lanes.
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Ong Jemel & the Mos Espa set
Dunes and a preserved Star Wars set.
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Ksar Ouled Soltane, Tataouine
Multi-storey fortified granaries.
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Tunis medina
Labyrinthine UNESCO old city and souks.
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El Djem
One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres (UNESCO).
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Tozeur old town & palm oasis
Distinctive brickwork and date palms.
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Chebika & Tamerza
Mountain oases and canyons.
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Bulla Regia
Roman villas with underground rooms.
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Cap Bon
Beaches, vineyards and coastal towns.
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Bardo Museum, Tunis
World-class Roman mosaics.
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Ichkeul National Park
Lake and wetland (UNESCO).
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Sahara camel caravans & desert camps
Timeless desert imagery.
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Sousse medina & ribat
Coastal fortress and old town.
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Ksour & Berber desert villages
Remote southern architecture.
Luxury Hotel & Resort Options
Tunisia’s better hotels, desert lodges and coastal resorts suit hospitality, lifestyle and heritage productions. Access for filming is subject to approval and availability.
- The Residence Tunis – Landmark luxury hotel and gardens at Gammarth.
- Four Seasons Hotel Tunis – Mediterranean-coast luxury near the capital.
- Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas – Desert-edge luxury among the palms.
- Dar HI, Nefta – Design-led desert eco-retreat.
- Mövenpick Sousse – Beachfront resort on the Sahel coast.
- Djerba island resorts – Beach hotels for southern-coast shoots.
Crew & Cast Accommodation
Cast and crew accommodation is strongest around Tunis, Tozeur and Djerba, from coastal luxury hotels to desert lodges. We arrange group bookings, transfers and internal logistics between the north and the Sahara.
- Luxury (talent, directors, key clients)
The Residence / Four Seasons, Tunis – Premium coastal bases for talent and clients.
Anantara Sahara Tozeur – Standout desert luxury on location. - Mid-range (main crew, production team)
Tunis: Mövenpick Gammarth, El Mouradi and Golden Tulip – Reliable city and coastal hotels.
Tozeur: Palm Beach Palace and Ras El Ain – Convenient desert-gateway bases.
Djerba & Sousse: beach resorts – Comfortable crew accommodation on the coast. - Budget & serviced options (extended crew, longer shoots)
Tozeur and Douz desert auberges and camps – Value bases near Sahara locations.
Medina guesthouses and city hotels – Practical options for larger crews.
Accommodation availability and rates vary by season and should be booked well in advance. African Fixer manages crew and cast bookings, transfers and per-location logistics as part of production support.
Best Time to Shoot
- Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) – The most comfortable all-round conditions.
- October to April – Best for the Sahara and southern deserts, avoiding extreme summer heat.
- Summer (June to August) – Very hot inland and in the desert; the Mediterranean coast stays milder.
- Winter – Mild in the north and pleasant in the desert by day, with cold desert nights.
Visa Requirements
International cast and crew should confirm visa and work permission requirements before travelling. Typical documents may include a valid passport, flight details, accommodation details, invitation letter, crew list and equipment list.
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Required Documentation
A valid passport Passport-sized photos Hotel booking confirmation Additional supporting documents if requested
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Timings
Visa processing can take up to 15 days.
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Cost
Visa fees can be up to $40.
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Health Requirements
Proof of yellow fever vaccination (for travelers from affected countries) and COVID-19 vaccination may be required.
International Crew Accreditation
International productions may require local coordination, film permissions and supporting letters depending on the production type, locations and crew nationality, and should work with an in-country fixer or service company.
General Film Permit
Filming permits are arranged through the Ministry of Culture and relevant authorities, best coordinated by a local fixer, with specific permissions for heritage sites, medinas and Roman ruins. Southern desert and border areas may require additional clearances. Allow lead time.
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Required Documentation
A formal letter of request. A detailed synopsis of the project. Proposed filming locations and shoot schedule. A list of all crew members, including passport details. A complete equipment list.
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Timings
The permit application process takes a maximum of 6 days.
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Cost
Film permit fees range from $700 to $1500, depending on the project’s scope.
Drone Permit
Drone filming in Tunisia is restricted and requires authorisation, often including security clearance, and importing drones is controlled. Permissions should be arranged well in advance, particularly near cities, airports and border regions.
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Required Documentation
Detailed location and shoot schedules. A list of drone specifications and other filming equipment. Any additional clearance documents requested by the authorities.
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Timings
The application process takes a minimum of 8 weeks, so early submission is advised.
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Cost
The drone permit fee is $1500.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is Tunisia a Carnet Country?
Yes, Tunisia is a Carnet country.
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General Process
An ATA Carnet is required for temporary importation of filming equipment. Hoodlum Film Fixers will assist with local customs arrangements.
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Permit Issuance
The Presidency of Government handles customs clearance.
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Required Information
A project synopsis Details of filming locations A full list of crew members and the local fixer. A comprehensive list of all equipment being imported.
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Timings
Processing for equipment clearance takes 10 to 20 days.
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Cost
$500 for general processing. $15 per camera or microphone
Airport Protocol
Safety and Security
Tunisia is generally a safe filming destination, but political sensitivity and regional risks should be taken into account.
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Political Stability
While Tunisia has made progress in political reform, occasional unrest may occur. It is advisable to monitor local news and avoid protests.
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Travel Advisories
Filmmakers should check travel advisories, especially for border regions near Libya, where heightened security measures may be necessary.
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Local Safety
Major cities like Tunis, Sousse, and Hammamet are relatively safe, though petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. It is recommended to remain vigilant and keep belongings secure.
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Cultural Sensitivity
Tunisia is a Muslim-majority country, so modest dress and cultural awareness are important, especially in rural areas. Public behavior and filming subjects should be respectful of local customs.
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Health and Safety
Tunisia has modern healthcare facilities in major cities, but travel insurance is advisable. Travelers should be cautious with food and water in remote areas to avoid illness.
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Type of Security Required
Tunisia is generally safe for productions, but some filming activities, such as drone usage or politically sensitive topics, may require military or police assistance. Our team can arrange private security if needed.
Rebates & Incentives
Tunisia does not currently offer a cash rebate for international productions. Its main incentive is a VAT exemption applied to production costs (with some exclusions, such as hotels and airline tickets), which still delivers meaningful savings.
African Fixer will confirm the current VAT-exemption terms, any new incentives and permit fees during planning, and manage the documentation and logistics on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Permits are arranged through the Ministry of Culture and relevant authorities, with specific permissions for heritage sites, medinas and Roman ruins.
Yes. Tunisia has an experienced crew base from a long history of international productions, plus large numbers of extras.
The Tozeur Sahara and Star Wars sets, Matmata, El Djem's Roman amphitheatre, Sidi Bou Saïd and Carthage.
Coastal luxury hotels around Tunis, desert lodges at Tozeur and Nefta and beach resorts on Djerba and the Sahel, with transfers arranged.
Yes, with the correct customs paperwork; an ATA Carnet may be used, though drones are controlled and need prior clearance.
Yes, and drone use is restricted; authorisation and often security clearance are needed well in advance.
No cash rebate, but international productions can benefit from a VAT exemption on production costs. We confirm the current terms before you budget.
Yes – it offers Sahara, Roman heritage and Mediterranean coast in a compact, accessible country close to Europe.
Yes. We provide full production support from planning through to wrap.
Did You Know?
The deserts and oases around Tozeur and Matmata famously stood in for the planet Tatooine in Star Wars, and several sets still stand in the sand – part of a screen heritage that has also made Tunisia a stand-in for ancient Rome, Egypt and the Holy Land.
PRO TIP:
Tunisia’s compact size lets you combine Sahara, Roman ruins and Mediterranean coast in a single tight schedule – shoot the desert October to April to avoid extreme heat, and factor in extra lead time and clearances for drones and southern border zones.
ANIS - Tunisia
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