Tunisia: Authorities introduce new COVID-19-related measures as of Jan. 20 /update 74

Event

Authorities in Tunisia have introduced new COVID-19-related measures as of Jan. 20. Authorities require individuals that test positive to self-isolate for five days or seven days if they still display symptoms. Individuals do not need to provide a negative PCR test result to leave isolation.

Domestic Measures
A nightly 22:00-05:00 curfew entered into force Jan. 13 and will remain in place for a period of two weeks. Authorities will also ban all gatherings for the duration of the measures. A COVID-19 vaccine pass is required to enter public and private spaces, such as state institutions, hospitals, and businesses. Compliance is mandatory for both Tunisians and foreigners.

Proof of full vaccination is required to attend public and private gatherings, demonstrations, and other events. Wearing a facemask is required in public spaces and while using public transport for individuals over the age of six.

International Entry Measures
Since Dec. 1, authorities in Tunisia have required all arriving international travelers over the age of 18 to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or vaccine passport to enter the country. Individuals vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine must have been inoculated at least 28 days before traveling to Tunisia; those vaccinated with other vaccines must have been inoculated at least 14 days.

Additionally, all travelers over six years of age must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure for Tunisia. The test result must include a quick response (QR) code. Arriving individuals who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period at a government-approved hotel at their own expense.

Upon boarding their flight to Tunisia, these individuals must present proof of reservation and payment (i.e., a voucher) for their transfer from the airport to their government-approved accommodations, their stay at the government-approved hotel, and a PCR test to be taken during the last 24 hours of their mandatory quarantine period. Those testing negative for COVID-19 at the end of the quarantine period may exit isolation; authorities will transfer those testing positive to a health isolation facility. Individuals who are traveling for medical reasons and those under the age of 18 are exempt from this requirement.

All individuals traveling to Tunisia, regardless of the travel date, must also complete an online health declaration questionnaire before departure for the country and be prepared to present a printed and signed copy of the generated document to authorities before departure and upon arrival. To access the form, click here.

Regardless of the date of travel, arriving travelers may be subject to a rapid antigen test upon arrival and be placed into quarantine if the result is positive.

Authorities will likely implement localized restrictions throughout Tunisia, particularly in regions that experience a rise in COVID-19 cases. Authorities could reimpose, extend, 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 Ministry of Health (French)
E7mi Mobile Tracking Application (Arabic)
Government-approved Hotels (Arabic)