Tunisia: Authorities extend 19:00-05:00 nightly curfew through at least April 30 as part of COVID-19 measures /update 44

Event

Authorities in Tunisia have adjusted restrictions as part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. The country's existing nightly curfew will increase by three hours to 19:00-05:00; the curfew previously ran 22:00-05:00. The new measure will begin April 9 and remain in effect through at least April 30. All private and public gatherings are banned, and nonessential businesses must close during the curfew hours.

Authorities have also tightened travel restrictions. All arrivals must now quarantine for at least five days upon arrival to the country. It is unclear if certain classes of individuals are exempt from the quarantine requirement. Persons requiring urgent care and who have reservations at a private or public hospital; disabled individuals or those suffering from chronic illnesses; professional athletes participating in international competitions; and persons entering the country on diplomatic missions or essential economic activity were previously exempt from self-quarantine.

Moreover, under existing procedures, all travelers must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before departing for Tunisia, regardless of their point of origin. Health officials also perform random COVID-19 testing at airports. Additionally, authorities require all travelers to download the E7mi tracking application upon arrival in the country.

Authorities will likely implement localized restrictions throughout Tunisia, particularly across regions that experience a rise in COVID-19 cases. Domestically, in addition to the ongoing curfew, the following measures remain in force:

• Protective face coverings or masks are mandatory in public areas.

• Public transportation continues to operate at 50-percent capacity to avoid overcrowding.

• Cafes and restaurants can only operate at 30-percent capacity.

• All people over age 65 are to remain at home.

In response to COVID-19 variants, Tunisia has suspended all flights with Australia, Brazil, Denmark, South Africa, and the UK until further notice. The suspension includes flights only transiting Tunisia.

Land, sea, and air borders have reopened with restrictions and requirements for all persons entering the country.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Tunisian COVID-19 Country Clarifications (Arabic)
Tunisian Ministry of Health (French)
E7mi Mobile Tracking Application (Arabic)