Written by Clément Salah (2026)

INtroduction

The National Archives of Tunisia, located in Tunis, house a vast collection of historical documents related to the country’s political, administrative, cultural, economic, and social history. The institution’s primary mission is to preserve the national archival heritage, oversee the organization and conservation of public and semi-public records, and provide access to archival materials related to Tunisia, including those held abroad.

The collections include documents dating back to the late seventeenth century and are broadly organized into the following categories: the Ottoman period, the colonial period, independent Tunisia, and documentary collections.

The National Archives of Tunisia are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

The National Archives are located on Boulevard du 9 Avril 1938, in the administrative district of Tunis, within walking distance of the Medina. The building is easily accessible by taxi, and depending on your location, it is also possible to walk there. A parking area is available, with access via Rue Kerouani. However, it is often full, as it is shared with the National Library. Arriving early in the day will increase your chance of finding a parking spot. Alternatively, you can park in the surrounding streets.

GETTING IN

To access the National Archives, you must first register at the reception desk on the ground floor by presenting your passport and stating your intention to consult archival material. Bags must be left at the entrance, although laptops, chargers, and note-taking materials are allowed in the main reading room which is located on the first floor. Upon arrival, you must submit a request at the reception desk. This involves filling out two forms: the first collects personal information (name, nationality, institutional affiliation if applicable, and a brief description of your research project) and allows you to obtain either a reader’s card or a one-day access pass. Use the second form to request your material.

Finding your material

The catalog of the National Archives is available online in both Arabic and French. It’s strongly recommended to identify relevant materials before your visit. For the most complete results, try searching in both languages, as each may return different records. Computers with access to the digital catalog are also available in the main reading room if you need to continue your research onsite.

Ordering your material

Use the form you were given to request archival files, and hand it to the librarian in the main reading room who will fetch them for you. Requests are typically processed quickly, with files usually delivered within 5 to 15 minutes. You may request multiple files at once; however, materials are consulted one at a time, so each file must be returned before you can access the next one.

Ordering scans

You may request digital reproductions; however, requests are limited to five scans per user. Note that some files are digitized and accessible through the catalog. Personal photography is officially prohibited. In practice, enforcement may vary, but visitors should be aware of the formal policy.

Food and well-being

There is no cafeteria or designated break area within the Archives. The surrounding neighborhood is primarily administrative and offers limited options for food and drink. However, the Medina is just a short walk away and has a wide range of cafés and restaurants.

Additional remarks

Access procedures are relatively straightforward compared to other archival institutions in Tunisia, though you will need to complete a few administrative steps upon arrival. Planning ahead—especially by consulting the online catalog—will make your visit significantly more efficient.