Tunisia: Authorities to impose weeklong quarantine on all travelers to the country from May 3 /update 50

Event

Authorities in Tunisia have announced plans to impose a seven-day mandatory quarantine on all travelers to the country as part of their efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. The measure will remain in effect May 3-16.

A nightly 22:00-05:00 curfew was in place until April 30; it remains to be seen whether the measure will be extended. Additionally, the following domestic restrictions are in place:

• The use of all vehicles is banned from 19:00-05:00 through at least the end of April.

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

• Foreign travelers are banned from visiting the port of La Goulette in Tunis May 3-21 to combat COVID-19.

• Schools remain closed through May 16.

• 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 (i.e., 08:00-14:00).

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 until May 3. Authorities have not clarified if certain classes of individuals are exempt from the quarantine requirement. Exempt from the self-quarantine measures are 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.

• 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 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)