Tunisia: Authorities extend COVID-19 restrictions May 17-June 6 to stem spread of the disease /update 53

Event

Authorities in Tunisia have amended a series of COVID-19 restrictions. The nightly curfew will be shortened by three hours to run from 22:00-05:00 beginning May 17 and will remain in place through June 6. The nightly 19:00-05:00 will remain in effect through May 16. Authorities have also announced plans to lift the current ban on the use of all vehicles 19:00-05:00 from May 17. Schools and universities will be allowed to resume operations beginning May 17. All non-essential businesses will also be required to close May 9-16.

The following domestic restrictions are in place:

• All gatherings remain banned closed until further notice.

• Foreign travelers are banned from visiting the port of La Goulette in Tunis through May 21.

• Schools remain closed through May 16.

• Protective face coverings or masks are mandatory in public areas; violators may face fines.

• Public transportation continues to operate at 50 percent capacity.

• Cafes and restaurants may operate at 30 percent capacity.

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

International Travel
As concerns the international travel situation, Tunisia's land, sea, and air borders are open. However, all incoming 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.

Authorities have imposed a seven-day mandatory quarantine on all travelers to the country. The measure will remain in effect through May 16. Authorities also 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 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.

Resources

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