Car hire requirements in Tunisia: age, licence, deposit and young drivers
Minimum age, licence rules, deposit, documents and young drivers: everything you need to hire a car in Tunisia in 2026.
To book a car: message us on WhatsApp at +216 93 390 758 — no credit card needed, free airport delivery across Tunisia.
In short: to hire a car in Tunisia you usually need to be at least 21, hold a full licence for at least 2 years (from any country), show a passport, and leave a refundable deposit in cash or by card — €500 for small cars, €700 for SUVs, saloons and 7-seaters, €3,000 for premium models. With local agencies you don't need a credit card: you pay in dinars when you collect the car. Small cars start at 100 TND (~€29) a day.
Requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Usual rule | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 21 | 25 for SUVs and luxury cars |
| Licence held | 2 years minimum | For every car |
| Documents | Full photocard licence + passport | Provisional licences and copies are refused |
| International Driving Permit | Not usually required for UK/EU licences | Recommended if your licence isn't in the Latin alphabet |
| Deposit | €500, €700 or €3,000 depending on the car, cash or card | Refunded when the car comes back in good condition |
| Payment | In dinars on collection | No credit card needed to book |
Young drivers (under 25)
Most city cars and compacts (Hyundai i10, Suzuki Swift, Seat Ibiza, VW Polo) can be hired from 21 with at least 2 years' licence. Rules vary by agency and model:
- under 21, rental is generally not possible;
- between 21 and 25, SUVs and luxury cars are not available (25 minimum) and a young-driver surcharge may apply; the agency confirms it before you book;
- with less than a year's licence, rental is normally refused.
Tell us your age and your licence issue date when you ask for a quote and we confirm which cars you can take.
The deposit explained
Basic insurance is included in the price. The refundable deposit works as your damage excess:
- €500 — city cars and compacts;
- €700 — SUVs (Renault Captur, MG ZS), saloons, 7 and 9-seaters;
- €3,000 — premium cars (Mercedes, BMW).
It's handed over in cash at pickup and returned in full when the car comes back undamaged. Take photos of every side of the car at pickup and drop-off.
Why no credit card?
International brands pre-authorise a large deposit on a credit card — often refusing debit cards. Local agencies work differently: you book without a card, then pay the rental in dinars and the deposit in cash or by card at the handover. Dinars can't be bought abroad, so withdraw cash from an ATM or exchange money at the airport on arrival.
Your licence
A valid licence from any country, in any alphabet, is accepted: show the original, held for at least 2 years. The agency doesn't ask for an International Driving Permit, though the UK government advises British drivers to carry one for police checks. For more detail read driving in Tunisia with a foreign licence.
FAQ
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Tunisia? 21, with at least 2 years' driving licence, and 25 for SUVs and luxury cars.
Can I rent a car in Tunisia with a UK licence? Yes, a valid UK photocard licence is accepted for a holiday rental. An International Driving Permit is not usually required.
How much is the deposit? €500 for small cars, €700 for SUVs, saloons and 7-seaters, €3,000 for premium cars, in cash or by card, refunded on return.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Tunisia? Not with local agencies: you book without a card and pay in dinars on collection.
Can a second driver be added? Yes, with their own licence and passport — free from 5 days of hire.
Get a quote
Send your age, licence issue date, dates and arrival airport on WhatsApp to +216 93 390 758, and we'll confirm the cars available and the price in dinars and euros.
Baha Eddin Mselmi and Seif Amara
Co-founders of reservations.tn, the platform that connects travellers with verified Tunisian car rental agencies.
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