Representatives of the Ministry of Transport have confirmed that Tunisia is currently negotiating with several European and Gulf countries, as well as with Canada, to establish mutual recognition agreements for driving licenses.
These agreements would allow Tunisians residing abroad to exchange their permits without passing new tests – provided, of course, to have first successfully completed the obstacle course to obtain the precious visa, a real first permit to circulate.
A recent agreement with Italy, signed on January 16, 2025 in Rome during an official visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Tunisians abroad, was approved unanimously by the Parliamentary Commission for Strategic Planning. This agreement replaces that of 2004 and simplifies the permit exchange procedures.
In France, the Tunisian license is only valid for a year before being exchanged, with an exception for students who can use it throughout the duration of their studies. For travelers, an international permit can be obtained in Tunisia for 10 to 30 dinars depending on the desired validity period (1 to 3 years).
The agreement with Italy removes the obligation to take theoretical or practical examinations during the replacement, subject to completing the required administrative procedures. It also provides for an exchange of information between the authorities of the two countries concerning the validity and authenticity of permits.
The members of the Parliament highlighted the importance of these agreements for the Tunisian community and have called for their extension to other countries in order to strengthen Tunisia ‘commitment to the global mobility system of people – mobility which nevertheless remains hypothetical as long as administrative barriers to obtain visas remain as high as the walls of Europe fortress.
