Tunisia: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions, 22:00-05:00 curfew nationwide as of April 18 /update 48

Event

Authorities in Tunisia continue to maintain international and domestic COVID-19-related restrictions as of April 18. Since April 10, officials have shortened the nightly curfew from 19:00-05:00 to 22:00-05:00; the measure will remain in place through at least April 30. Additionally, the following domestic restrictions are in place:

• Authorities have announced plans to ban the use of all vehicles 19:00-05:00 beginning April 18 through at least the end of April.

• All private and public gatherings are banned, and nonessential businesses must close during the curfew hours.

• Schools remain closed through the end of April.

• Authorities have banned all travel to and from Mareth and Nouvelle-Matmata in Gabes Governorate following an increase in COVID-19 cases. The measure will remain in place through at least April 28.

• Protective face coverings or masks are mandatory in public areas. Failure to wear one could result in a fine or imprisonment.

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

• Cafes and restaurants may operate at 30-percent capacity.

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

• Employers must implement Ramadan working hours, which are 08:00-14:00, effective April 12.

Authorities will likely implement localized restrictions throughout Tunisia, particularly across regions that experience a rise in COVID-19 cases.

International Travel

• Land, sea, and air borders remain open.

• 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.

• All arrivals must self-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.

• Authorities require all travelers to download the E7mi tracking application upon arrival in the country.

• 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.

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)