Central Bank of Tunisia Issues New Circular for Tourist Allocation to Pilgrims
The Central Bank of Tunisia has published a new circular outlining the guidelines for the tourist allocation intended for Tunisian pilgrims registered for the 1447 Hijri pilgrimage campaign, corresponding to the year 2026. This circular, addressed to approved intermediaries, comes into effect immediately.
Key Provisions
- As of December 10, 2025, banks and approved establishments are authorized to issue the tourist allocation through dedicated single windows for organizing trips.
- They will use their available balances and can replenish their supply of Saudi riyal bills from the Central Bank's branches.
- Each intermediary must set its own exchange rate for selling foreign currency and clearly display it to the public.
Allocation and Transfer Rights
- The tourist allocations granted to pilgrims when they submit their files will be deducted from their transfer rights for the year 2026.
- When stamping passports, banks must necessarily enter the year 2026 in the area reserved for the allocation.
- These amounts cannot be used in any way during the current year.
Exception for Exporting Currency
- The Central Bank introduces an exception regarding the authorization for exporting currency in bills: for this pilgrimage campaign, it will remain valid for six months from the date of issue.
- This measure only applies to pilgrims listed on the official lists and members of the designated Tunisian delegation.
Reporting Requirements
- Approved intermediaries must transmit a daily report, in duplicate, on the tourist allocations issued.
- The report must follow the model attached to the circular.
Operational Framework
The circular No. 2025-16 confirms the operational framework for the tourist allocation dedicated to pilgrims, recalling the obligations of approved intermediaries and the rules applicable for the year 2026.
