Tunisia Diptyque: Customs Guide to Rokhsati and Amtiati Declarations

Introduction: Digitalization of Customs Procedures in Tunisia

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Tunisians Residing Abroad (TRE) and foreign travelers cross Tunisian borders by sea (ports of La Goulette, Zarzis, Bizerte) or land borders (Ras Jedir, Melloula, Bouchebka). To streamline border processing and eliminate congestion at port terminals, the Tunisian Customs Administration (Direction Générale des Douanes - DGD) has expanded the mandatory use of its official digital platforms: Rokhsati (رخصتي) for motor vehicles and Amti'ati (أمتعتي) for personal effects and accompanied baggage.

Integrated into the official Smart Traveller mobile application and web portal, these digital pre-clearance services enable travelers to file declarations in advance, avoid paperwork bottlenecks on arrival, and comply with all applicable customs provisions.

1. Rokhsati (رخصتي): Temporary Vehicle Circulation Permit (Diptyque)

Any foreign-registered motorized vehicle (passenger car, utility vehicle, or motorcycle over 49cc) entering Tunisia under the temporary admission regime requires a formal temporary circulation permit, traditionally known as the Diptyque.

Who Needs to Apply?

• Tunisian expatriates traveling back home for holidays or family visits with their foreign-registered car.
• Foreign tourists, business visitors, or residents driving their vehicle into Tunisian territory.

Required Information to Prepare Online:

• Beneficiary / Driver Data: Full name, passport number, National Identity Card (CIN) for Tunisian citizens (or enter 00000000 for foreign passport holders), and intended address of stay in Tunisia.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate (Carte Grise) Data: Foreign license plate number, chassis number (VIN), date of first registration, registration document number, make, model, fiscal horsepower, engine fuel type (petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric), and vehicle color.
• Journey Details: Expected date of arrival and entry port/checkpoint (e.g., Goulette Nord, Zarzis Port, Ras Jedir).

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Complete the online application on the official Tunisian Customs portal (under Demande d'autorisation de circulation) or via the Smart Traveller app prior to departure.
2. Validate the submission and print the summary document featuring the unique reference barcode.
3. During the maritime crossing on CTN, Corsica Linea, or GNV ferries, visit the onboard customs desk with your printed receipt, original vehicle registration document (carte grise), valid passport, and international motor insurance (Green Card valid for Tunisia). The customs officer validates the record and hands you the stamped official Diptyque.
4. Upon driving through the port exit checkpoint, customs officers scan the barcode on the document for instantaneous exit clearance.

Validity Period and Extension Rules

The circulation permit is valid initially for 3 months (90 days) completely exempt from Tunisian road circulation tax. If extending your stay beyond 90 days, the permit may be renewed up to 3 consecutive times for 3 months each (up to a cumulative total of 12 months or 360 days). Renewals must be filed before expiration at the regional customs office having jurisdiction over your place of residence, upon payment of the statutory Tunisian road tax (vignette).

2. Amti'ati (أمتعتي): Luggage Declaration and the 5,000 TND Duty-Free Allowance

The Amti'ati platform enables travelers to pre-declare accompanied baggage, electrical household appliances, tools, and gifts prior to arriving at Tunisian customs.

The Legal Framework: 5,000 TND Annual Duty-Free Allowance (Decree No. 2024-370)

Under Decree No. 2024-370 of June 19, 2024, the Tunisian government increased the annual duty-free exemption threshold for temporary returns (*retour provisoire*) for Tunisians living abroad from 2,000 TND to 5,000 Tunisian Dinars per calendar year (January 1 to December 31).

Eligibility Requirements for the 5,000 TND Exemption:

• Hold Tunisian citizenship and be at least 18 years of age (or a married female under 18).
• Have resided abroad for at least 365 consecutive days immediately preceding the date of arrival in Tunisia.
• Have not spent more than 183 cumulative days inside Tunisia during the 365 days prior to arrival.
• The imported items must strictly serve personal, family, or domestic purposes—with zero commercial character or bulk resale quantities.

What Items Should Be Declared on Amti'ati?

• Consumer electronics & household appliances: Televisions (LCD, Plasma, OLED), microwave ovens, food processors, espresso machines.
• Leisure & mobility: Bicycles, electric scooters, disassembled domestic furniture, DIY power tools.
• High-value IT equipment: Laptops, tablets, high-end mobile phones.
• Permitted automotive spare parts (within non-commercial limits).

Practical Tip: Once submitted, print the Amti'ati confirmation (print two copies if transiting) and present it to the customs officer during dockside luggage inspection.

3. Restricted Items, Special Approvals, and Currency Declarations

Completing Rokhsati or Amti'ati does not exempt travelers from strict national customs restrictions:

• Strictly Prohibited Goods: Tunisian Dinar currency notes/coins cannot be imported or exported; civilian camera drones without pre-authorization from the Ministry of National Defense; military items, weapons, explosives, narcotics, counterfeit merchandise, and commercial second-hand clothing (friperie).
• Equipment Requiring Prior Approval: Telecommunication devices, satellite receivers, and commercial audiovisual equipment (approval required from CERT or the Ministry of Communication Technologies).
• Foreign Currency Declarations: Any resident or non-resident entering Tunisia carrying foreign banknotes equal to or exceeding 20,000 TND in equivalent foreign exchange must submit an official currency declaration at customs upon arrival. This written declaration is required to deposit foreign funds into a local convertible currency bank account or to legally re-export unused cash upon departure.

4. Key Comparison: Rokhsati vs. Amti'ati

5. Professional Logistics Support with STÉ EL JAZIRA TRANSIT

Whether you are an expatriate planning your relocation or return of personal property, an individual importing a vehicle under preferential tax regimes, or an enterprise managing cross-border commercial freight between Europe and Tunisia, STÉ EL JAZIRA TRANSIT provides end-to-end expertise:

• Customs clearance and compliance support for private and commercial vehicles (FCR privileges, final return, consumption entry, and standard tariff clearance).
• Dedicated customs handling directly at La Goulette Port, Rades Port, Bizerte, and Zarzis Port.
• International road and maritime freight connections originating from France, Germany, Italy, and Turkey with full documentation management.

Need expert guidance for your vehicle or freight clearance in Tunisia? Connect directly with our customs specialists on WhatsApp at +216 56 387 837 or request an instant quote online.