Bringing Camera or Filming Gear to Tunisia: Permit Requirements & What to Expect

If you're traveling to Tunisia with professional camera gear or planning to film, it's important to know the local regulations in advance. Tunisia has strict customs and permit requirements — and failing to follow them could result in delays, fees, or your equipment being held at the border.

📌 Key Customs Guidelines

• Declare your equipment upon arrival, especially if you're carrying high-end or professional gear.

• Bring a detailed manifest listing all equipment, including brand, model, serial numbers, and value.

• Professional filming gear, including DSLRs, lenses, audio recorders, and lighting equipment, may require a special permit issued by authorities such as:

  • The Tunisian Agency for External Communication (ATCE)

  • The National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (CERT)

If you don’t declare professional gear properly, customs officers may confiscate it and only return it upon departure.

🎥 Filming Projects & Drone Use

• Filming for TV, documentary, commercial, or promotional use requires an official filming permit from the Presidency of Government.

• You will need to submit:

  • A synopsis of the project

  • A full equipment list

  • A crew list

  • Project schedule and locations

Permit processing usually takes 6–10 business days, so apply in advance.

🚁 Drone Photography or Filming

Drones are strictly controlled in Tunisia. You must apply for permits from multiple ministries, depending on your intended use and flight zones:

• Ministry of Defense

• Ministry of Interior

• Ministry of Agriculture

• Civil Aviation Authority

Permit requests should be made at least 30 days in advance. Application fees and approval delays are common — costs can reach $1,000–1,500 USD. Unauthorized drone use is prohibited and will result in seizure.

⏱️ Temporary Import via ATA Carnet

Tunisia is a member of the ATA Carnet system, which allows duty-free temporary import of professional gear. This is ideal for film crews or content creators who are not selling their equipment in Tunisia.

What you’ll need:

• A valid ATA Carnet

• A commercial invoice

• A complete gear manifest

Upon entry, customs will inspect and stamp your gear for temporary import. You must re-export the same items when leaving the country.

If you don’t have a Carnet, you may be asked to pay a refundable deposit at the border, which will be returned when you exit Tunisia with the equipment.

⚠️ What Happens Without the Proper Permits?

Travelers report that customs may hold professional gear — especially drones or wireless camera systems — until your departure date. In some cases:

• Gear is kept at the airport customs office

• A small deposit fee (around 20 TND) may be charged

• Items are returned only when leaving the country

Avoid complications by applying for permits early and carrying all your documentation — printed copies are best.

🎬 Final Tip:Tunisia is a fantastic location for filming, from the Sahara to the sea. But professional photographers and filmmakers should work with a local fixer or tour operator, who can help navigate permits and avoid border delays.

Need help planning a shoot or a travel photography trip in Tunisia?

Contact us — we can guide you through every step.