Tunisia: Authorities ease a series of COVID-19 restrictions beginning March 8 /update 42

Event

Authorities in Tunisia have eased a series of restrictions related to COVID-19 across the country. The relaxed measures will enter into effect March 8. The nationwide nightly curfew has been shortened; the new nightly curfew hours will run from 2200 to 0500. Restaurants and cafes can remain open until 2000 daily and the ban on inter-city travel has been lifted. The mandatory quarantine period at hotels for travelers has been removed. Travelers must now only self-quarantine for 48 hours upon arrival to the country. Certain classes of individuals, however, are exempt from the 48-hour self-quarantine requirement, including persons requiring urgent care 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.

Moreover, under existing procedures, 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. Additionally, authorities require all travelers to download the E7mi tracking application upon arrival in the country.

Authorities will likely implement localized restrictions throughout Tunisia, particularly across regions that experience a rise in COVID-19 cases. Authorities have imposed a series of restrictions in Sbeitla and surrounding areas in Kasserine Governorate following the discovery of COVID-19 variants as of March 6. A 1600-0500 curfew will be imposed through at least March 16. Restaurants have been confined to pick-up services only, and public baths and mosques will remain closed for the duration of the measures.

Domestically, in addition to the ongoing curfew, the following measures remain in force:

• Protective face coverings or masks are mandatory in public areas.

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

• Cafes and restaurants can only operate at 30-percent capacity.

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

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.

Land, sea, and air borders have reopened with certain restrictions and requirements for all persons entering the country.

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)