Tunisia: Authorities impose restrictions in several governorates, including Khairouan, as of June 21 following rise in COVID-19 cases /update 56

Event

Authorities in Tunisia have introduced restrictions in several governorates, including Beja, Kairouan, Siliana, and Zaghouan, June 21-27, following a rise in COVID-19 cases. Authorities have stated that they will introduce a general lockdown in any governorate whose infection rate exceeds 400 cases per 100,000 residents. However, it is unclear what the lockdown will entail. The following domestic restrictions remain in place:

• A curfew is in place 22:00-05:00 through June 27.

• All gatherings remain banned closed until further notice.

• 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 amended entry restrictions to the country as of June 3. The following travelers do not need to undergo the existing mandatory quarantine nor provide a negative PCR test result:

• Travelers who have been fully inoculated and can provide proof of their vaccination along with a QR code.

• Travelers who tested positive for COVID-19 six weeks prior to traveling to Tunisia and can provide a medical certificate issued by health authorities.

While Tunisia's land, sea, and air borders are open, all other incoming travelers must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departing for the country, regardless of their point of origin. Health officials also perform random COVID-19 testing at airports. Authorities have imposed a seven-day mandatory quarantine for most travelers to the country. Officials 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 will likely implement localized restrictions throughout Tunisia, particularly across regions that experience a rise in COVID-19 cases. 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)